Commercial Tank Requirements (Fire Safety) in Tasmania
A guide for property owners, developers and commercial operators
Who Needs a Fire‑Safety Commercial Tank?
If you’re developing or running a business in a bushfire-prone area of Tasmania, there’s a good chance you’ll need a dedicated water tank for firefighting. This is especially true for new commercial builds, schools, aged-care facilities, large venues, or industrial operations.
In most cases, a Bushfire Hazard Management Plan (BHMP) and Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment will determine the minimum water requirements for firefighting. These aren’t suggestions; they’re conditions of approval enforced through your Development Application (DA), your building surveyor, and the Tasmanian Fire Service (TFS).
While every site is different, the following types of commercial and community properties often fall under the fire safety tank requirements in Tasmania:
Industrial workshops, depots and factories
Commercial farms and agribusiness facilities
Wineries, breweries and distilleries
Hospitality venues (hotels, lodges, retreats, caravan parks)
Event centres and function venues
Schools, universities and training centres
Aged care facilities and health clinics
Childcare centres and early learning facilities
Storage yards and large-scale sheds
Public or government buildings
Caravan parks and tourist accommodation
Remote retail or service stations in bushfire zones
Multi-unit housing developments in fire-prone areas
This list isn’t exhaustive but if your property falls into any of these categories and is located in a bushfire-prone area, there’s a high chance a compliant fire tank will be part of your planning and building requirements.
What’s Required for Compliance?
For most sites, the standard requirement is a 10,000-litre tank set aside purely for firefighting. This tank must be accessible to emergency vehicles at all times and built to meet Tasmania’s building codes and fire safety regulations.
The go-to option is a galvanised steel tank. This material is preferred because it handles heat, is structurally sound, and is already widely accepted by both councils and the TFS. Poly tanks may be used in limited situations, but only when clearly permitted through your planning and fire safety documentation.
You’ll also need compliant fittings, usually a 65 mm Storz outlet, as well as proper signage and a clear indication that the tank is for firefighting use only. The tank must always remain full and ready.
Understanding the Rules and Regulations
There are a few key documents you’ll want to be aware of:
The General Fire Regulations 2021 require essential firefighting services (like tanks and water supply) to be maintained and accessible at all times.
The Tasmanian Building Regulations 2016 (specifically Schedule 1) outline the details such as required tank capacity, vehicle access, pump systems and signage.
Permits and final approval usually involve a building surveyor, local council, and the TFS. Installers also need to be TFS-permitted to carry out or service these systems.
This isn’t just red tape; it ensures your building is protected and your approvals remain valid.
Can You Use Poly Tanks?
While steel is the default, poly tanks might be allowed in some cases. However, you’ll need express approval through your BHMP, building surveyor, and often the TFS. It’s not something to assume; always confirm first.
Even when approved, poly tanks must meet specific standards for thickness, UV resistance and fitting compatibility. They’re lighter and corrosion-resistant, but they don’t perform as well under heat stress. That’s why they're typically avoided in high-risk bushfire zones.
Planning the Installation
A few things need to come together before installation:
Positioning is critical; the tank must be accessible to fire trucks even in poor conditions.
The base must be level and solid, preferably a concrete slab or compacted gravel.
Fittings must match TFS standards exactly.
Access paths and clear signage help ensure the tank can be used quickly in an emergency.
Once installed, your building surveyor will inspect the system to confirm it meets code. Documentation will also be required for future checks and insurance purposes.
Need Help Navigating the Process?
At TazTanks, we’ve helped plenty of local businesses and developers get their firefighting systems sorted. We know what councils and the TFS expect, and we stock tanks that are built to meet those expectations.
If you're unsure what tank you need, or whether a steel or poly system is right for your site, give us a call. We’ll help you choose something that meets the rules, keeps your project moving, and stands up when it counts.