AS 1940 Explained in Plain English: Safe Storage of Flammable Liquids
A practical guide for site managers, HSE, and buyers. What auditors look for, what AS 1940 means, and how to get audit-ready fast.
What is AS 1940?
AS 1940 is the Australian Standard for the storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. It covers cabinet design, ventilation, spill containment, segregation, signage and more. Think of it as the rulebook auditors, regulators and insurers use when they assess your site.
Why AS 1940 matters
- Legal compliance: Avoid improvement notices, fines or shutdowns.
- Insurance: Insurers often require evidence your storage meets AS 1940.
- Safety: Reduces fire and explosion risk; protects staff and property.
- Audit-readiness: Compliant cabinets mean smoother inspections.
Key requirements (plain English)
- Approved storage cabinets: When indoor quantities increase, use AS 1940 compliant Class 3 cabinets. These are steel, double-walled, self-closing and fitted with vents/flash arrestors.
- Spill containment: Cabinets include an integrated sump to capture leaks. Floors should prevent liquid spread.
- Ventilation: Dual venting provisions. Ducting may be required depending on the room and risk assessment.
- Segregation: Keep flammables separate from incompatible DG classes (e.g., oxidisers). Use additional cabinets where needed.
- Signage: Fit the Class 3 diamond and relevant workplace signs.
- Quantities: AS 1940 sets thresholds for what you can store indoors vs outdoors before extra controls apply.
Who needs to comply?
- Workshops and garages storing paints, solvents or fuels
- Manufacturing sites using thinners/adhesives
- Schools, universities and labs
- Councils and government depots
Typical features of an AS 1940 cabinet
| Construction | Heavy-gauge steel, double-walled |
| Doors | Self-closing with 3-point latching |
| Venting | Dual vents with flash arrestors |
| Spill containment | Integrated sump to capture leaks |
| Signage | Class 3 diamond & compliance labels |
How WSSA helps
- Cabinets manufactured to meet AS 1940 across sizes 30–850 L
- Fast national dispatch from multiple warehouses
- Videos, TDS and checklists for audit-ready documentation
Quick FAQ
Can I use a flammable cabinet outdoors?
Standard AS 1940 cabinets are for indoor use. For outdoor storage, use weatherproof rated stores or bunded outdoor solutions.
Do I need a cabinet if I only have a few tins?
Small quantities may not require a cabinet, but once volumes increase, AS 1940 expects compliant storage with spill containment and segregation.
Will my cabinet pass an audit?
If the cabinet is AS 1940 compliant and correctly installed, it aligns to the standard’s intent. All products sold by Wholesale Safety Storage Australia are designed and manufactured in Australia, and are guaranteed to meet Australian Standards. Keep TDS and installation info on file.
Resources & next steps
- Spill Pallet / Bund vs Dangerous Goods Cabinet
- Shop AS 1940 Cabinets
- View related articles