Abandoned tanks

Abandoned tank notification form
Guide for applicants

Abandoned underground tanks pose a significant risk to people, property and the environment if not decommissioned appropriately. Flammable vapour present in the tanks can be ignited from sparks and hot work that may result in fire and explosion. Additionally, abandoned tanks left in-situ without appropriate decommissioning can corrode over time leading to soil contamination and risks to surrounding structures.

It is a legislative requirement under the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 that you must notify SafeWork SA if an underground, partially underground or fully mounded tank that was used to store flammable gases/liquids:

  • has not been used in the past 2 years or
  • has ceased operation and will not be used to store flammable gases/liquids in the future.

The tank/storage system must be:

  • removed, if reasonably practicable or
  • made safe with no risk to health and safety, if removal is not reasonably practicable.

The following are examples of when a competent person may determine that removal of the underground tank is not reasonably practicable:

  • removal may damage the supporting structure of an existing building;
  • removal may damage the supporting structure of an in-service tank; or
  • removal may damage subsurface pipework or electrical conduit.

If the competent person determines it is not reasonably practicable to remove the underground tank, the basis for this determination must be documented and forwarded to the regulator together with supporting evidence for how the underground tank has been decommissioned and made safe.

Installation of flammable liquid tank

Flammable liquid tank notification form

Before installing an above ground or underground tank (capacity greater than 450 litres) for the purpose of storing flammable liquid, you must:

  • notify us within 7 days of installation
  • receive our approval before storing any flammable liquids.

Note: Also complete this form for rural premises larger than two hectares, where a licence for the tank is not required (see Regulation 22 (2) (c) of the Dangerous Substances (General) Regulations 2017).

Installation of LPG tank

LPG tank notification form

Before installing an above ground or underground tank (capacity greater than 500 litres) for the purpose of storing LPG, you must:

  • notify us within 7 days of installation
  • receive our approval before storing any petroleum product in the tank.