If the site is zoned 'Rural' and is a minimum size of 4 hectares, the maximum diesel storage quantity is 1,000L for single skin tanks. Aside from this, the legislation does state, "If the fuel is stored so a spill will not endanger buildings, streams or water bodies, these requirements are only needed if you store 2,000L of diesel." In other words, you could store up to 1,999L of diesel on your farm in a single skin tank of you meet these conditions. 

If storing 2,000L or over, you will need a self-bunded tank. 

Click here to see what Worksafe say to help you further. 

These tanks are also known as 'double-skinned' tanks. They are designed with the inner (primary) tank being encased by an outer (secondary) tank which will contain the total volume of the primary tank should it ever fail. This design ensures compliance if you require larger amounts of fuel to be stored. Self-bunded tanks have an air cavity between the tanks and this also reduces the possibility of condensation which is an added benefit meaning better quality fuel for longer.

An alternative to a self-bunded tank is to have a single skin tank in an open bund. this is quite legal and a well-priced option, however the bund will collect water and fuel residue, and can tend to get quite messy. 

Click here for more information on bunding or secondary containment requirements. 

 A range of options are available, depending on the fuelling system on your tank. For above ground gravity tanks a steel lock box over the outlet valve with a padlock is a common solution. the same solution can be used for engine pump systems. For electric pumps an isolating switch can be located in a secure locked area, eg. in a nearby shed where the power is sourced from. 

Fuel theft continues to be a major issue in all parts of the world. As thieves are finding trucks and vehicles harder and harder to steal worthwhile quantities of fuel from, they are therefore targeting farms, building sites and depots that aren't manned or safeguarded. Another reason why fuel theft has risen over the years is possibly in relation to the rise in fuel prices. As the cost of diesel increases, so does the chance of criminals targeting an exposed fuel tank.

Click here to see 10 ways to prevent fuel theft on your farm. 

The short answer is no. All self-bunded tanks must have the fuel pumped out through an outlet at the top of the tank. This is to preserve the integrity of the self-bunded design of the tank. An option for you is the old manual hand pump method, but more common now are 12v or 230v pump systems making refuelling a very simple process. 

Fuel storage and handling is hazardous because petrol and diesel are flammable.  You can control these risks by storing fuels securely and safely. Separation distances are the minimum distances required between fuel sources and other properties or activities. 

Click here to see what more Worksafe say about this to help you. 

A standard fuel tank can't legally be sited inside a shed but must be located outdoors to the applicable separation distances specified. A tank can be located under an open type barn as long as separation distances from things like combustible materials are complied with. 

A diesel tank can safely have a petrol engine pump system, hand pump or a 12v pump with 4m leads which you can connect to the vehicle battery. There are also solar panel and battery systems available to power 12v pumps. For a petrol tank, this can safely have a hand pump system where no power is available.  

Yes, this is permitted as long as the tank is built to the required NZ Standard and both pump systems are safe to be used with petrol. Alternatively, a twin compartment above ground gravity tank built to the required NZ Standard is a permitted solution. 

Minimum separation distances apply between diesel and petrol tanks and this depends on the capacity of each tank and the location on your farm. All our sales consultants are trained and can assist you with the most suitable solution for your farm. 

Click here to see what Worksafe say about separation distances. 

A simple mechanical or battery-operated flowmeter can be installed in the fuel like which recorded the quantity of fuel taken at each transaction. This can be recorded in a notebook. Electronic fuel management systems are available which also provide extra security where the pump won't start until a valid PIN number or electronic key tag is presented. This system also records the date, time, operator ID, vehicle ID and fuel quantity taken which can be uploaded to an electronic software system or website for allocation and reporting. 

A stationary tank that is part of a stationary container system must meet a certain criteria:

- The tank must be designed to an approved standard.

- The design for the tank must be approved by a compliance certifier. 

- The tank must either be built to an approved design by an approved fabricator or treated as a one-off and individually approved. 

- The tank must be installed according to the Health & Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017.

More useful links to help you on ensuring your tank is compliant:

http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2017/0131/latest/whole.html#DLM7310760

https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/agriculture/chemicals-and-fuels-on-farms/above-ground-fuel-storage-on-farms/#lf-doc-3872

https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/dmsdocument/2989-polyethylene-above-ground-stationary-tanks-for-diesel-fuel

All Fuelchief tank products are fully compliant with New Zealand law and our staff are trained to help you place the right tank for your situation. 

Tanks under the 5,000L threshold don't need certification, however they still must be located in line with the required separation distances depending on the tank capacity and the fuel type it holds. 

Click here to learn more about varying sizes of tanks and what site compliance may apply to you. 

If a fuel tank is connected with piping to an item like a generator, boiler or burner, it must have seismic restraints installed. This is to ensure that in an earthquake the stress of possible lateral tank movement doesn't cause the piping to break and leak fuel. 

Fuelchief have a range of approved seismic restraint systems and can advise what you may require for your application. 

Yes, this is usually the case as the Fuel Company doesn't have the outlay cost of the tank, also generally the larger the quantity delivered per tank fill, the cheaper it is likely to be per litre.