This Farm Fuel Storage & Refuelling SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers storing diesel and petrol on farm in self-bunded tanks or drums and refuelling vehicles, machinery and equipment from that storage, including filling jerry cans. It covers bund and hose checks, controlling static and ignition sources, cooling engines first, avoiding overfills, decanting safely, and cleaning up spills straight away. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Farmers and graziers
Horticulture and orchard businesses
Agricultural contractors
Rural property and station managers
Vineyards and wineries
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Fire or explosion from fuel vapour meeting static, hot surfaces or flames
Flash fires when refuelling pumps, generators or pressure washers
Skin and eye contact with fuel
Breathing fuel vapour in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas
Spills and overflows from overfilling
Soil, groundwater or waterway contamination from leaks
Slips on spilled fuel, steps or running boards
Manual handling of drums and fuel containers
Burns from refuelling a hot engine
Damaged or corroded tanks, bunds, stands and pumps
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from tank and bund condition and closed drain valves to hoses, extinguishers, spill kits and signage
A 10-step refuelling procedure covering positioning, ignition sources, static control, no free-pouring, fill levels and decanting into jerry cans
Ignition and static controls in place of plant isolation, including engine off and cooled, containers on the ground and bonding points
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for fuel fires, uncontained spills and fuel on skin or eyes
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Agriculture & Farming SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Can jerry cans be filled in the ute tray?
No. The SOP requires portable containers to be placed on the ground before filling so static electricity can discharge safely, and approved containers of no more than 25 litres to be used.
Does it cover dangerous goods placarding or spill clean-up?
No. Classification, placarding, manifests and transport, and the response to a spill once it's occurred, are covered by separate procedures.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
