This Fuel Storage, Refuelling & Decanting SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers storing, labelling, decanting and handling fuel, and refuelling plant and vehicles at a refuel point. It covers 15 activities, from pre-operating safety checks to static control and stored quantities, with the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for each. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Civil and earthmoving contractors with on-site fuel
Farms and agricultural businesses with fuel tanks
Transport depots and fleet operators
Plant hire and equipment yards
Construction sites with refuelling areas
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of depots, farms and workshops use one as the written risk assessment for handling fuel, the same way others use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
Use it to
Show clients, insurers and auditors how you manage the risks
Apply for tenders, contracts and supplier panels
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and train them in the task
What this SWMS covers
Pre-operating safety checks, including fumes, explosion risk and spills
Labelling containers and identifying unknown substances
Storing fuel safely, including leaks and incompatible chemicals
Decanting into suitable containers
Handling fuel, including hygiene, fumes, spills and fire
Driving plant and vehicles to and from the refuel point in shared traffic areas
Plant or vehicles not fit for use
Refuelling, including fumes, manual handling and climbing in and out of the cab
Static control during decanting to prevent petrol vapour ignition
Stored quantities, placarding and manifest thresholds
Spills, leaks, waste handling and post-work checks
Emergency response to fire, fuel leak, explosion or injury
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 15 work activities
Risk ratings before and after controls, with a 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls
PPE requirements checklist and high risk construction work checklist
Daily pre-start checks for tanks, bunds, hoses, nozzles, pumps and earthing connections
Training requirements, including task training and SDS training
Site specific hazards section for anything unique to your job
Worker sign-off sheet and worker consultation record
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing a SWMS from a blank page
Covers the most common hazards and control measures for this work, ready to use out of the box
Fully editable, so you can add, remove or change anything to suit your site and how your team works
Helps your business stay compliant, with risk ratings, worker sign-off and consultation records already set up
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, ABN, project and site details.
Check it suits your site and task, edit anything you need to, and consult your workers before you finalise it.
Brief your team and collect signatures.
Common questions
Do I need a SWMS for fuel storage and refuelling?
Only if the work is high risk construction work, for example refuelling on a construction site where powered mobile plant is moving, or working on or near fuel lines. In a depot, farm or workshop a SWMS isn't a legal requirement, but you still have to manage risks like fire, explosion and spills, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Does it cover static electricity when decanting petrol?
Yes. It covers static discharge igniting petrol vapour during decanting, and stored quantities that go over the placarding or manifest threshold without the required signage and emergency information.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any hazard, control or rating, 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.
