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Can You Fill a 205 Litre Drum at the Servo?
Short answer: no, and it was never allowed. Here is what the rules actually say, state by state, and what to do instead. There is a story going around that Australia has brought in new rules banning 205 litre drums at the bowser. It is worth clearing up, because the truth is both simpler and more useful. The rules have not changed. A 205 litre drum was never something you could legally fill at a public service station. What has changed is enforcement. Below is the full picture, including how each state and territory handles it, and the legal options for getting bulk fuel onto your site. Where the “new ban” story came from During the fuel supply crunch in March 2026, plenty of service stations started knocking back bulk container fills they had previously waved through. Some sites imposed their own 25 litre purchase caps as stock tightened. Footage went around of people filling 1,000 litre tanks on trailers at the bowser, and the reaction was immediate. If you had been quietly filling a drum for years without being challenged, that felt like a new rule landing overnight. It was not. It was an existing rule finally being applied. The governing document is still AS 1940:2017 — The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids, incorporating Amendment 2 (2021). There is no 2025 or 2026 edition. What the rule actually says AS 1940 is explicit. Flammable liquids must not be filled from a service station dispenser into a container unless: the capacity of the container is not greater than 25 litres; and the container complies with AS/NZS 2906, or is substantially leakproof metal with a tight-fitting closure; or the container is an approved portable fuel tank for a boat. The standard also requires that any container be on the ground while being filled — not in a car boot, not in the back of a ute. Approved portable boat tanks are the one exception and may be filled in situ. A 205 litre drum is more than eight times the limit. It is not a borderline case. The container has to be the right type, not just the right size Built to AS/NZS 2906 — Fuel containers, portable: plastics and metal Carrying UN package approval markings, confirming it meets the Australian Dangerous Goods Code Sealing effectively and in sound condition — no cracks, dents, corrosion or perished seals Drink bottles, old five litre oil containers and water jerry cans do not qualify, no matter how handy they look sitting in the ute. Why 25 litres and not more It comes down to static electricity and vapour. Petrol vapour collects in the neck of a container while you are filling, and a static discharge is enough to ignite it. The larger the container, the more vapour, the longer the fill, and the more opportunity for something to go wrong. WorkSafe Victoria documents a case where a woman filled 20 litre containers while they sat in the back of her 4WD. Static ignited the vapour at the container neck. She was seriously injured, three vehicles were destroyed, and the service station needed a major refit before reopening. That is why the guidance is consistent everywhere: place containers on the ground before filling, keep one hand on the container throughout, use an earthing strap if the site provides one, replace the cap firmly before lifting, and never decant inside a vehicle, boot, trailer, boat or caravan. One litre of flammable liquid, fully evaporated, can produce around 5,000 litres of explosive vapour and air mix — enough to fill a small garage. That is the reason the rules look conservative. Petrol vs diesel — the distinction most people miss The 25 litre cap is written around flammable liquids. Petrol is a Class 3 flammable liquid with a flash point below 23 °C. Diesel sits in a different category. With a flash point of roughly 61.5 °C it falls on the combustible side of the 60.5 °C dividing line under AS 1940, and it does not generate an ignitable vapour cloud at ambient temperature the way petrol does. Three separate classification systems apply to diesel, which is where a lot of the confusion starts: System How diesel is treated AS 1940 Combustible liquid (flash point above 60.5 °C) WHS Regulations / GHS Flammable liquid Category 4 — still a hazardous chemical ADG Code (transport) Not regulated as dangerous goods for transport purposes In practice this means some sites will let you fill larger containers with diesel and will not with petrol. That is the operator’s decision, not your entitlement. A service station is a manifest quantity workplace with its own risk controls, and the console operator can say no. If you turn up with a drum expecting a fill, expect to be knocked back — and do not give the operator a hard time about it. They are doing their job. State by state: who regulates what The 25 litre limit at the bowser is nationally consistent because it flows from AS 1940 and AS/NZS 2906. What differs between jurisdictions is the legislation it sits under, the licensing requirements above certain volumes, and the transport rules. New South Wales Regulator: SafeWork NSW (storage and handling) and NSW EPA (transport).Legislation: Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 (commenced 01/09/25) and the Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Regulation 2022. NSW has the clearest published transport allowances of any state. Under the tools of trade and personal use provisions in clause 7 of the DG Regulation, you can carry an aggregate of up to 500 kg or litres of dangerous goods. That drops to 250 kg or litres if the load includes flammable gases, toxic gases or any Packing Group I goods. Above that you are into placard load territory: 1,000 litres aggregate, or any amount carried in a single receptacle over 500 litres capacity. That second trigger catches people out — a 1,000 litre tank on a trailer is automatically a placard load regardless of how much is in it. The WHS Regulation 2025 updated Schedule 11 threshold quantities and Schedule 13 placarding requirements, so if you last checked your storage obligations before September 2025, they are worth revisiting. Victoria Regulator: WorkSafe Victoria.Legislation: Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and the Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2022. Victoria publishes the most detailed forecourt guidance in the country and states the 25 litre limit directly. WorkSafe Victoria also sets out the container-on-the-ground rule, the earthing strap advice, and an explicit prohibition on decanting into containers sitting in vehicles, on trailers, boats, caravans or motorcycles. Queensland Regulator: Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.Legislation: Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Regulation. Queensland treats diesel as a flammable liquid Category 4, meaning its use, storage and handling fall under Part 7.1 of the WHS Regulation as a hazardous chemical. WHSQ guidance confirms a typical service station exceeds the manifest quantity of 2,500 litres for commercial petrol and is therefore a manifest quantity workplace. Queensland guidance also specifies no latching device on petrol dispensing nozzles, which is why you have to hold the trigger. Western Australia Regulator: WorkSafe WA / DEMIRS.Legislation: Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004. WA states the 25 litre limit plainly and puts extra emphasis on transport. Petrol should be carried in UN-approved jerry cans complying with AS 2906, properly restrained, in a trailer or ute tray rather than an enclosed vehicle. WA guidance highlights that vented petrol fumes inside a vehicle can form an explosive mixture, with ignition sources as ordinary as a remote locking fob. South Australia Regulator: SafeWork SA.Legislation: A separate Dangerous Substances licensing scheme, plus the Dangerous Substances (Dangerous Goods Transport) Regulations 2023. SA is the outlier. It runs a dangerous substances licensing regime in addition to the WHS framework, and a licence is required to keep Class 3 flammable liquids above set limits. Selling Class 3 motor spirit to the public requires its own licence. SA also imposes container specifications the other states do not: Class 3 liquids in containers under 20 litres must be in strong, completely closed containers, and containers of 20 litres or more must be approved steel drums. If you operate in SA, confirm your current licence position with SafeWork SA rather than assuming the national picture applies. Tasmania Regulator: WorkSafe Tasmania.Legislation: WHS Act 2012 and the Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Regulations 2021. Tasmania states the 25 litre service station limit and references AS/NZS 2906 directly. Its bushfire guidance is the most useful domestic storage advice published anywhere in Australia: do not stockpile fuel, keep only what you need, do not store flammable liquids or their containers inside a residence even when empty, and if storing in an attached garage keep it to minor quantities — a maximum of 25 litres of petrol or 100 litres of diesel or oils, with adequate ventilation. Northern Territory Regulator: NT WorkSafe.Legislation: Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 and Regulations. Worth understanding the structure here: the NT Dangerous Goods Act 1998 and Regulations 1985 mostly cover explosives and fuel gas, so liquid fuel storage sits under the harmonised WHS hazardous chemicals framework instead. If you store Schedule 11 hazardous chemicals above manifest quantities, you must notify NT WorkSafe in writing. Australian Capital Territory Regulator: WorkSafe ACT.Legislation: Dangerous Substances Act 2004 and the WHS Regulation. The ACT follows the harmonised approach with one local requirement worth noting: WorkSafe ACT expects the manifest to be kept as close as practicable to the main entry of the workplace, and where a manifest is required the PCBU must give ACT Fire & Rescue a copy of the workplace emergency plan. So how do you legally move bulk fuel to site? Four options, depending on volume. 1. Approved jerry cans — up to 25 litres each Straightforward, legal, available everywhere. Fine for mowers, generators, pumps and topping up plant. Fill one at a time with the caps closed on the others. In practice a 20 litre can is more manageable as a lift than a 25. 2. Bulk delivery to an on-site tank Once you are past the jerry can stage, this is the real answer. A properly specified tank on site, filled by a fuel supplier’s tanker, means you are never decanting at a public forecourt at all. Most suppliers will deliver from around 1,000 litres. 3. Drums filled by your supplier 205 litre drums are perfectly legal to own, transport, store and dispense from. The only thing you cannot do is fill one at a retail bowser. Buy them filled from your fuel supplier and the problem disappears. Pair the drum with a proper drum pump and the setup is safer than repeated jerry can decanting anyway. 4. A compliant transportable or self-bunded tank For contractors moving between sites, a purpose-built transportable fuel cell with integrated bunding and a pump is the compliant version of the trailer-and-drum arrangement. Check it is rated for fuel and carries the right approvals — and remember the NSW placard load trigger at receptacles over 500 litres capacity. One thing to avoid entirely Standard IBCs and general-purpose poly tanks are not suitable for fuel storage under AS 1940. They are designed for water and food-grade liquids. Using one for fuel is a compliance problem and a contamination problem at the same time. Storing fuel safely on site Once the fuel is yours and on your property, AS 1940 sets the expectations: Bunding — spill containment sized to the standard. For package stores, 100% of the largest package plus 25% of total storage capacity, with freeboard for rainfall. For tanks, 110% of the largest tank. Spill response kit — mandatory where Class 3 flammable liquids are handled, and sensible practice everywhere else. Shade — the single biggest factor in how long stored fuel stays serviceable. Signage and placarding — appropriate to the class and quantity held. Flammable liquids cabinet — for jerry cans and small quantities of petrol, built to AS 1940. Separation — keep oxidising agents, combustible waste and LPG cylinders well clear. Minimum quantity — every jurisdiction expects you to hold the lowest practicable quantity for your needs. Quick reference Question Answer Can I fill a 205 L drum with petrol at a servo? No. The 25 litre cap applies nationally. Can I fill one with diesel? Only if the operator permits it. Do not assume. Can I own and use a 205 L fuel drum? Yes. Just have it filled by your supplier. What container can I use at the bowser? AS/NZS 2906 approved, UN marked, 25 litres or under. Can I fill it in the back of the ute? No. On the ground, every time. Can I use a standard IBC for fuel? No. Use a purpose-built fuel tank. How much can I carry? NSW: up to 500 L aggregate for tools of trade. Check your state. Get set up properly If the servo has started saying no, that is usually a sign you have outgrown the jerry can approach. AIMS Industrial stocks the gear that makes the compliant option the easy one — approved fuel containers, drum and transfer pumps, fuel hose and nozzles, flow meters, funnels, bunding, spill kits and absorbents, and flammable liquids storage. Not sure what suits your site or your volumes? Give us a call. We would rather spend ten minutes getting it right with you than have you buy the wrong thing. AIMS Industrial — Industrial Supplies made Simple! Make the compliant option the easy one. Shop fuel containers, drum pumps, bunding & spill kits at AIMS AIMS Industrial stocks the full setup — AS/NZS 2906-approved fuel containers, drum and transfer pumps, fuel hose and nozzles, flow meters, bunding, spill kits and flammable liquids storage cabinets. Not sure what suits your site or volumes? Give us a call. Fuel equipment Spill kits & bunding Talk to a specialist
Does Your Business Need an Anti-Slip Solution?
If these work health and safety (WHS) statistics fail to convince you to install anti-slip solutions where your staff and customers walk, perhaps your legal duties will. Are anti-slip solutions mandated by law? Yes, as a business owner, you have a general duty of care. Put simply, you have WHS responsibilities. As we’ve emphasized in our slip resistance compliance guide: Slipping, tripping and falling are risks that can be associated with steps and stairs, and can lead to serious injuries. Under the WHS Act, the employer has a ‘duty of care’ to provide and maintain a safe and healthy workplace – all potential hazards must be identified, the associated risks assessed and then controls introduced to eliminate or reduce those risks as far as practicable. (Make sure to get your free copy of the guide here.) Your responsibility extends to making sure your customers, visitors, and any contractors are safe at your business premises. It is prescribed by Australian Standard AS1428.1 and a mandatory compliance requirement under the Building Code of Australia. Disclaimer: AIMS is not a WHS law expert, therefore the information provided here should be treated as general in nature and not be treated as specific, legal or professional advice. Our article about WHS laws only aims to compile resources that may be helpful to your business. Official sources of information are cited. Specific standards for different flooring surfaces Standards Australia has a compilation of the prescribed minimum slip resistance requirements for different flooring surfaces. Here are the links for your convenience: Designation Title AS 4586:2013 Amd 1:2017 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials AS 4586-2013 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials AS 4663-2013 Slip resistance measurement of existing pedestrian surfaces AS/NZS 3661.2:1994 Slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces, Part 2: Guide to the reduction of slip hazards AS/NZS 3661.2-1994 Slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces - Guide to the reduction of slip hazards AS/NZS 4586:2004 AMDT 1 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials AS/NZS 4586-2004 AMDT 1 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials HB 197:1999 An introductory guide to the slip resistance of pedestrian surface materials HB 197-1999 An introductory guide to the slip resistance of pedestrian surface materials SA HB 198:2014 Guide to the specification and testing of slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces Common slip and trip hazards You can refer to this comprehensive fact sheet from Safe Work Australia (SWA) when trying to identify what may possibly cause a slip or trip accident. For your convenience, we’ve simplified SWA’s list below. Common slip hazards: Spills of liquid or solid material Wet cleaning methods Wind-driven rain or snow through doorways Sudden change in floor surface (eg. joins between carpet and polished timber) Change from a wet to a dry surface Dusty and sandy surfaces Ramp incline Bumpy/Loose flooring Poor lighting Use of unsuitable footwear Common trip hazards: Ridges in floors or carpets Worn floor coverings Broken tiles Cracks and potholes in floors Changes in floor level Thresholds and doorstops Floor sockets and phone jacks Cables from power extension units Loads that obstruct vision Obstacles in traffic areas For more information, be sure to read our article about how you can prevent slips, trips and falls in the workplace. Which floor types need anti-slip solutions SWA’s fact sheet has a quick guide to help you figure out which kinds of surfaces get slippery in what situation: Floor Type Characteristics Concrete Rounded aggregate can be slippery when concrete wears. Interior surface is often sealed to prevent dusting and absorption of liquids - this can increase slipperiness. Terrazzo Gives good appearance and wears well but can be slippery when wet, when excess polish is used or when dusty. Quarry tiles, ceramic tiles Low water absorption and good resistance to chemicals. Slippery in wet conditions if smooth, but can be moulded with aggregate or profiles to improve slip resistance - special cleaning equipment may then be required. Glazed ceramic tiles Slippery when wet, particularly with soapy water. Some slip resistance treatments available, but preferable not to install these tiles on floors. Vinyl tiles and sheet Easy to clean. Use sheet form where frequent washing is required to avoid water getting under tiles. Slippery when wet, particularly if polished, however slip resistant vinyls are available. These have aggregates moulded in. Thicker and softer vinyls are more slip resistant than hard ones. Cork Must be sealed to prevent absorption of oil and water, but may then be slippery when wet. Steel plate Tends to be slippery when wet or oily, particularly when worn. Rubber Less effective in wet conditions. Must be fixed down well at the edges and joints or will cause a trip hazard. Plastic matting Interlocking PVC extrusions give good drainage and slip resistance. Hose down or steam clean. Carpet Carpet has a shorter life than hard floor surfaces, but it can be a cost-effective solution. Installations should be wall to wall, to avoid the hazard of a trip on edges. When used in small local areas, such as at entrances, it should be installed in a recess in the floor. Alternatively, it should be rubber-backed and with hardwearing tapered edges. Trolleys can be harder to push on carpet, but if larger wheels are fitted and the carpet does not have a deep pile, this is not a serious problem. Fiberglass gratings This product can have grit particles moulded into upper surface to provide very good slip resistance. Fluids are quickly drained away. We’re guessing there’s a big chance you’ll need an anti-slip solution for your business. Naturally, your next question will be which anti-slip solution is right for you, and we’ll cover that in the next article. For now, download our free guide to slip resistance compliance. In the meantime, here are some easy things that you can do quickly to prevent slips: Use anti-slip tapes Apply anti-slip coatings Install ladder run covers, safeplates and stair nosings Sub-Topics Law mandate Standards for floor surfaces Hazards Floor types People Also Ask — Anti-Slip Safety Solutions for Business Q: Why do businesses have a legal duty to address slip hazards? Under Australian work health and safety legislation, employers have a primary duty of care to eliminate or minimise risks to workers and others in the workplace, so far as is reasonably practicable. Slips, trips and falls are among the most common causes of workplace injury. Failure to implement adequate floor safety controls can expose employers to significant penalties and civil liability where injuries occur. Q: What types of anti-slip products are used in commercial and industrial settings? Common anti-slip solutions include anti-slip tapes applied to steps, ramps and transitions, anti-slip coatings for floor surfaces, anti-fatigue matting for standing work areas, interlocking rubber or PVC matting for wet or contaminated areas, and structural anti-slip nosings for stairways. The correct product depends on the surface material, contamination present and pedestrian traffic volume. Q: What is the difference between anti-slip tape and anti-slip coating? Anti-slip tape is a self-adhesive strip with a grit or textured surface applied to existing floors, typically to mark transition zones, steps or work area edges. Anti-slip floor coating is a paint or resin product applied across a larger floor area incorporating abrasive particles into the cured surface. Coatings provide more uniform coverage but require surface preparation and curing time; tapes are faster to install and easier to target specific hazard points. Q: How should anti-slip matting be maintained to remain effective? Anti-slip matting loses effectiveness if it becomes saturated with oil, grease or fine debris that fills the surface texture and reduces friction. Mats should be cleaned regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically by hosing, scrubbing and allowing to drain. Damaged mats with curled edges or tears are a trip hazard themselves and must be replaced promptly. Need anti-vibration mounts? Browse the AIMS range at anti-vibration mounts. Need anti-seize compounds? Browse the AIMS range at anti-seize compounds.
Anti-Slip Products FAQ: P-Rating, AS 4586 & Selection
Choosing anti-slip products properly means matching the slip-resistance rating to the actual workplace risk — not just buying the heaviest grit and hoping. This guide answers the questions Australian buyers, OH&S officers and facility managers actually ask: P-rating vs R-rating, what rating you need for kitchens or ramps or loading docks, how to install tape that doesn't peel, and the Australian Standards that underpin all of it. Browse the AIMS anti-slip safety solutions range for the products covered in this guide, or skip to the FAQ section below for direct answers. Slip Rating Quick Reference Per HB 198:2014 — minimum P-rating recommendations for common Australian applications. Application Minimum P-rating Equivalent R-rating Internal walkway (dry) P2–P3 R9–R10 Bathroom / shower P3 R10 Commercial kitchen (wet) P4 R11 Pool surround P4 / Class B barefoot R11 Public stair nosing P4 minimum R11 External ramp P5 R12 Loading dock / industrial P5 R12 Petrol forecourt P5 R12 Heavy oil/grease environment P5 R12–R13 P-rating Explained: AS 4586 Wet Pendulum Test The P-rating (P1 through P5) is determined by the Wet Pendulum Test under AS 4586:2013. A standardised pendulum slider strikes a wetted surface, and the resulting Slip Resistance Value (also called British Pendulum Number, BPN) determines the rating: P-rating BPN range Slip risk P5 ≥ 54 Very low risk P4 45 – 54 Low risk P3 35 – 44 Moderate risk P2 25 – 34 High risk P1 ≤ 24 Very high risk The other AS 4586 test methods (Oil-Wet Ramp Test producing R-ratings, and Barefoot Wet Ramp Test producing A/B/C classes) are used for specific applications but the Wet Pendulum P-rating is the most commonly specified for general pedestrian surfaces in Australia. Australian Standards You Need to Know AS 4586:2013 — Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surfaces. The test methodology behind P-ratings. AS 4663:2013 — Slip resistance measurement of existing pedestrian surfaces. Used in audits, post-incident investigations and insurance claims. HB 198:2014 — Handbook with recommended minimum P-ratings by location. The practical lookup for "what rating do I need here". AS 1428.1:2021 — Design for access and mobility. Mandates slip resistance on accessible ramps and stair nosings. AS 2293 — Emergency escape lighting and exit signs. Relevant for photoluminescent anti-slip products on egress paths. NCC Section D3 — Access provisions in the National Construction Code. References AS 1428 series. Frequently Asked Questions What does R10, R11, R12 mean for slip resistance? R-ratings come from the DIN 51130 oil-wet ramp test used widely on imported European tiles and floor surfaces. R9 means low slip resistance (smooth interior areas only). R10 suits light wet areas such as bathrooms. R11 is standard for commercial kitchens, workshops and entrance lobbies. R12 is for food processing, wet industrial environments and external ramps. R13 is for the heaviest oil and grease environments. Australian specifications usually quote the P-rating instead (see next question), so when you see R-ratings on imported product data sheets, you may need to convert. What's the difference between R-rating and P-rating? P-rating (P1 through P5) is the Australian classification from the Wet Pendulum Test under AS 4586. P-rating is what Australian architects, certifiers and councils specify in compliance documents. R-rating is the German DIN ramp test result. As a rough conversion: P3 ≈ R10, P4 ≈ R11, P5 ≈ R12/R13. If you're matching a building specification written to Australian Standards, use the P-rating; if you're matching imported European product data, use R. What Australian Standard applies to anti-slip products? Four standards cover the field:AS 4586:2013 — Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials. This is the test methodology that produces P-ratings (Wet Pendulum), R-ratings (Oil-Wet Ramp) and barefoot A/B/C ratings.AS 4663:2013 — Slip resistance measurement of existing pedestrian surfaces. Used in audits, incident investigations and insurance disputes after a slip-and-fall.HB 198:2014 — Handbook with recommended minimum P-ratings by location (kitchen, ramp, pool, dock etc.). This is the practical lookup spec for selection.AS 1428.1:2021 — Design for access and mobility. Mandates minimum P4 on accessible ramps and stair nosings. What slip rating do I need for my workspace? Use HB 198:2014 as the lookup. Common Australian applications:Commercial kitchen wet floor — P4 (R11)External ramp — P5 (R12)Pool surround — P4 / Class B barefootLoading dock — P5 (R12)Public stair nosing — P4 minimumBathroom — P3 (R10)Internal walkway dry — P2/P3Petrol forecourt — P5If you're specifying for a regulated project, check HB 198 directly or get the architect's specification. If retrofitting existing surfaces, an AS 4663 audit by a NATA-certified tester confirms what you have versus what you need. Is anti-slip a legal requirement in Australian workplaces? Not specifically — but the WHS Act and Regulations require employers (PCBUs) to eliminate or minimise slip risk so far as is reasonably practicable. Safe Work Australia's Slips, Trips and Falls guidance is the practical reference. Post-incident, the absence of slip-resistant surfacing on identified high-risk areas (kitchens, wet rooms, ramps, stair nosings, loading docks) creates substantial liability exposure. AS 4663 audits commonly result in remediation directives. The legal frame isn't "you must install anti-slip" — it's "you must control slip risk, and anti-slip is one of the proven controls". Anti-slip tape vs anti-slip coating vs anti-slip mat — which one? Tape — fastest installation, defined edge, replaceable. Best for stair nosings, ladder rungs, walkway lines, machine-edge marking. Replace every 6 months to 3 years depending on traffic and exposure.Coating — best for large areas with no joins, seamless finish. Requires surface preparation, application by roller or spray, and 24–72 hour cure before traffic. Reapplication every 2–5 years.Mat — temporary or modular. Easy to lift for cleaning. Best for entrances, kitchen workstations and short-term wet zones. Higher trip risk if not edged correctly.Most Australian workshops use a combination: tape on stair nosings and ladder rungs, coating on ramps and large bay floors, mats at kitchen prep stations. Will anti-slip tape stick to concrete, wood, metal or tiles? Concrete — yes, but must be cured 28+ days, clean, dry, dust-free. Rough or porous concrete needs a primer for reliable adhesion.Treated timber — only after sealing. Oil-based timber treatments repel adhesive; varnish or paint surface first.Metal (steel, aluminium, galvanised) — yes, after degreasing with isopropyl alcohol. Galvanised needs to be weathered or etched first.Glossy tiles — marginal. Standard tape adhesive struggles on polished porcelain or glazed ceramic. Use either a tile primer, mechanical fastening, or switch to a coating/etched solution instead.For more on industrial adhesives and bonding compatibility, see our industrial adhesive types guide. How do I install anti-slip tape so it doesn't peel? Six steps that matter:1. Surface preparation — clean with degreaser (IPA or methylated spirits), remove all dust, allow to dry fully.2. Temperature — install at 10°C or above. Adhesive doesn't cure properly in cold conditions.3. Rounded corners — trim tape with rounded corners, not sharp 90°. Sharp corners lift first.4. Roller pressure — apply firm hand-roller pressure across the full surface immediately after laying. Don't rely on foot traffic to bed it down.5. Cure time — 24 hours before traffic, 48 hours before wet exposure.6. Edge sealing — for outdoor or wet applications, run a bead of clear silicone sealant around the perimeter to prevent water ingress under the edge.Reapplication failures are almost always one of: dirty surface, cold install, sharp corners, or insufficient pressure during application. How long does anti-slip tape last outdoors? Depends on traffic, exposure and tape construction:Standard PVC-grit tape — 6 to 12 months heavy outdoor traffic, 2 to 3 years light traffic.Aluminium-backed tape — 2 to 4 years outdoor depending on UV exposure.Polyurethane-topcoat tape — 3 to 5 years outdoor, 5+ years indoor.UV degrades the adhesive backing first — you'll see edge lift before the grit wears. Salt-spray (marine), high-traffic forklift wheels, and pressure-washing all accelerate wear. For permanent solutions outdoors at the loading-dock or external ramp scale, anti-slip coatings or metal-backed cleats outperform tape long-term. Do I need anti-slip on every step or just the nosing? For most stairs, anti-slip nosing strips alone are sufficient and code-compliant. AS 1428.1:2021 requires a luminance-contrasting strip 50–75mm wide across the full tread width at the nosing of every step — anti-slip stair-nosing tape or aluminium nosings satisfy both the slip-resistance and visual-contrast requirements in one product. Full-tread anti-slip is needed only when:• The stair is consistently wet, contaminated or oily• The tread itself is intrinsically slippery (polished marble, glazed tile)• A site-specific risk assessment under WHS calls for itFor external/exposed stairs, P5 nosing strips with high luminance contrast are the standard solution. Consider also our fall protection guide for working-at-height risk above ground level. What's the best anti-slip for stair ladders and step ladders? Rung tape is the standard solution. Look for:• Aluminium-backed grit tape rather than PVC for tougher trade-grade ladders• Pre-cut rung kits sized to common ladder rung profiles (round 25–32mm or square 38–50mm)• High-vis colour (safety yellow or photoluminescent) for low-light visibility on emergency or fixed access laddersReplace rung tape every 6–12 months on heavy-use site ladders. Tape that has lost more than 30% of its grit, or shows any edge lift, is overdue. Logging ladder inspections is part of the standard WHS safe-system-of-work — same broader principle covered in our lockout tagout guide. Can I get photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) anti-slip for emergency egress paths? Yes. Photoluminescent anti-slip tape charges from ambient light during normal operation, then glows for 60–90 minutes after lights-out. Standard applications include:• Egress paths inside dark plant rooms• Emergency exit stair nosings• Stairwell handrail edges• Tunnel and underground walkway markersFor projects requiring compliance with emergency egress lighting design (AS 2293 series), photoluminescent products must be specified to the relevant performance class. The egress lighting design itself is normally documented by the building's fire engineer or services consultant — anti-slip tape is one component of the broader emergency-egress system. How do I clean anti-slip surfaces without damaging them? Day-to-day cleaning: firm-bristle brush, mop, or low-pressure water rinse with diluted surfactant detergent. Avoid:• High-pressure jets at close range (under 300mm standoff) directly at the tape edge — will lift adhesive over time. Use fan tip, perpendicular angle, 300mm+ standoff if pressure-washing is unavoidable.• Acid-based cleaners at high concentration — can attack the resin topcoat over time• Abrasive scouring pads — strip the grit prematurelyFor oil and grease contamination on industrial floors, alkaline degreasers (diluted to manufacturer spec) are safe and effective. See our industrial degreaser guide for selection. Will anti-slip products corrode or rust? Metal-backed anti-slip products (aluminium 5052, 316 stainless or coated steel) use a sealed-edge construction — sheet steel is shear-cut and edges are coated/sealed during manufacture. The resin coating on top further protects the substrate. In normal industrial conditions including occasional washdown, corrosion is unlikely.Marine, coastal or chemical-process environments warrant 316 stainless or aluminium specifically — galvanised or coated mild steel will eventually fail in salt-laden environments. Tapes themselves don't corrode but their adhesive can fail under prolonged chemical exposure. More Resources For more reference charts, sizing tables and Australian standards references, browse our Engineering Reference Charts hub covering 78 reference articles across fasteners, threading, bearings, lubrication, measuring and safety standards. Related guides: Safety Harness & Fall Arrest Guide — for working-at-height hazards above ground level Lockout Tagout Guide — broader WHS safe-system-of-work compliance Safety Signs Australia: AS 1319 Guide — workplace hazard marking Safety Footwear Guide — the other side of slip prevention Industrial Floor Mats Guide — anti-fatigue and anti-slip mat selection Anti-Slip Business Case: ROI, WHS Duty & Insurance — the financial and WHS-duty case for investing in anti-slip before the incident Need Help Choosing? If you're sizing anti-slip products for a regulated project, post-incident remediation, or just need help matching the right product to your workplace risk, our Sydney team has been supplying Australian industry since 1988. Call (02) 9773 0122 or visit the contact page — most enquiries are answered the same day. Browse our anti-slip safety solutions range or our safety tapes for ready-to-ship products. For anti-vibration mounts, see our anti-vibration mounts range stocked across Australia. For anti-seize compounds, see our anti-seize compounds range stocked across Australia. People Also Ask — Anti-Slip Safety Q: What is the difference between anti-slip tape and anti-slip coating? Anti-slip tape is a peel-and-stick product applied to flat surfaces for immediate traction — ideal for stairs, ramps, and walkways. Anti-slip coatings are liquid-applied and cure to form a textured surface, better suited to large areas like concrete floors and dock platforms. Both meet the general traction requirements of AS/NZS 3661, but coatings offer more permanent protection on rough or uneven substrates. Q: What grip rating do I need for industrial walkways in Australia? Australian Standard AS 4586 classifies slip resistance by wet pendulum test (P0–P5) and oil wet inclometer test (R9–R13). For industrial walkways and ramps, a minimum P3 (wet pendulum) or R10 (oil-wet) rating is generally required. High-risk areas such as loading docks, food processing floors, and workshop ramps should specify P4–P5 or R11–R12 to meet Safe Work Australia guidance. Q: How often should anti-slip surfaces be replaced or maintained? Anti-slip tape typically requires inspection every 6–12 months under normal industrial traffic and replacement when the abrasive surface is worn smooth, edges are lifting, or the colour-coded warning function is degraded. Anti-slip coatings should be inspected annually and reapplied every 2–5 years depending on wear. High-traffic areas in wet or chemical environments may need attention more frequently. Always document inspections in your WHS hazard register. Q: Can anti-slip products be used on outdoor ramps exposed to weather? Yes — products rated for outdoor use are formulated with UV-stable binders and waterproof adhesives to withstand Australian sun, rain, and temperature cycling. Look for products that specify an outdoor or weatherproof rating. For timber decking, choose a tape with a moisture-resistant backing. For steel or aluminium ramps, surface preparation (cleaning, degreasing, and light abrasion) is critical to adhesion longevity. Q: What Australian standards apply to anti-slip surfaces in the workplace? The key standards are AS/NZS 3661.1 (slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces — requirements), AS 4586 (slip resistance classification), and AS 4663 (slip resistance assessment of existing pedestrian surfaces). Safe Work Australia's Code of Practice for Managing the Work Environment and Facilities also provides guidance. For specific industries such as food processing or healthcare, additional state-based WHS regulations may specify higher minimum slip-resistance ratings.
These 24 Australian manufacturers will commercialise world-leading products - AMGC
(Taken from this media release by Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre Ltd (AMGC). Republished with permission.) With the latest round of co-investment awarded to local manufacturers, these projects are commercialising better ways to manage and mitigate our health and security concerns, improve food and beverage operations, and make better use of our planet and its finite resources. The latest round of 24 co-invested projects (listed below) announced via the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre managed Commercialisation Fund will see Australia’s manufacturing industry contribute over $32.4 million in funding alongside the Federal Government’s $9.03 million to drive commercialisation of world-leading Australian-made products. With $29 million of the $30 million Commercialisation Fund allocated to 55 projects just 10-months after the launch of the program, AMGC can reveal that the spread of projects across the six National Manufacturing Priorities, with: 34 per cent of projects spanning the NMP of Recycling and Clean Energy 23 per cent of projects spanning the NMP of Medical Product 18 per cent of projects spanning the NMP of Food and Beverage 11 per cent of projects spanning the NMP of Resource Technology and Critical Mineral Processing While the remaining 14 per cent is split equitably between the NMPs of Space and Defence. All 24 co-invested projects from tranches 6, 7 and 8 are expected to create a substantial number of local jobs while driving additional revenues and export opportunities for the locally manufactured products. Managing Director for AMGC, Dr Jens Goennemann said, “This latest tranche of co-investment demonstrates the broad capability of Australian manufacturing and its ability to drive jobs growth across the entire spectrum of manufacturing roles, known as the Smiley Curve – that is jobs in R&D, Design through to production, distribution, and highly- –sought- after sales and services positions, “The demand for targeted, well-managed, and appropriately sized co-investment has seen the Commercialisation Fund near exhaustion after just ten months. This demonstrates the appetite for co-capital investment and the manufacturing industry’s willingness to match or better Federal investment to commercialise Australian ideas for domestic and international markets,” said Dr Goennemann. The successful 24 co-invested manufacturing projects by National Manufacturing Priority include: Recycling and Clean Energy Allthread Industries (NSW): Develop and automate a new thermal arc spray line to manufacture corrosion-resistant structural fasteners, which offer superior value and environmental performance when compared to imported hot-dipped galvanised fasteners. Total project commitment $8.86 million ($367,860 from Commercialisation Fund) Plantabl (VIC): Commercialisation and manufacture of Great Wrap’s biopolymer resin (cling wrap) derived from organic waste, to produce a compostable stretch wrap that can replace plastic cling, silage, and pallet wraps. Total project commitment $6.41 million ($534,760 from Commercialisation Fund) 3RT (VIC): Development of large-scale manufacturing capability for 3RT’s innovative and patented technology which converts low-value wood residue into a new hardwood with the same properties as 100-year-old timber. Total project commitment $3,326,840 ($698,420 from Commercialisation Fund) Sustinent (NSW): Commercialisation of a scalable process utilising sugarcane waste to make value-add products such as mushroom grow bags. Once implemented, the Sustinent process will also be able to address problematic waste from cotton, rice, or wheat crops. Total project commitment $2.94 million ($499,500 from Commercialisation Fund) Endua (QLD): Development of onshore manufacturing capability for affordable hydrogen power banks that will deliver 100% renewable energy, on demand, as electricity. Total project commitment $2.28 million ($984,240 from Commercialisation Fund) Solar Analytics (NSW): Manufacturer of SolarConnect product to manage energy generation and consumption from rooftop solar, inverters and batteries to achieve maximum benefit from rooftop solar systems. Total project commitment $1.44 million ($500,000 from Commercialisation Fund) Venlo (QLD): Manufacture of a100% recycled, repairable pallet, managed within a circular & closed-loop automated repair and remanufacturing system that is tracked/traced and serviced within a global network driving critical continual improvement in safety, security, providence and cost reduction outcomes. Total project commitment $710,900 ($450,000 from Commercialisation Fund) Geofabrics (NSW): Integration of recycled materials into Geofabrics’ new and improved drainage products for infrastructure sector via a purpose-built manufacturing process to meet market demand for circular recycling solutions. Total project commitment $607,000 ($252,000 from Commercialisation Fund) TomKat Global (QLD): Manufacture of a new thermal container for the transportation of temperature sensitive and perishable produce. The KoolPak has superior thermal performance to a polystyrene container, it is multi-use, fully traceable and recyclable. Total project commitment $555,000 ($267,500 from Commercialisation Fund) YOUC (VIC): Commercialisation of a new ‘Smart Box’ system which will enable the tracking and tracing of boxes through the manufacturing process allowing for real-time restocking, reordering and waste reduction. Total project commitment $710,900 ($297,500 from Commercialisation Fund) Medical Products Ceramisphere (NSW): Development of a manufacturing capability of transdermal (skin) drug delivery system using its unique nanocomposite patch technology for pain relief. Total project commitment $2.17 million ($471,000 from Commercialisation Fund) Elenium (VIC): Develop a biometric device that can be deployed into a range of environments to automate biometric identification for access control, ticketing, contact tracing (requiring Government integration), vaccination and antigen test status, and the capability to perform contactless fever detection once approved. Total project commitment $1.35 million ($553,364 from Commercialisation Fund) Examin (QLD): Commercialisation of a 2-minute COVID-19 breath test using a novel electrochemical biosensor that detects viral load at a molecular level with a sensitivity and specificity of 97%-98%. Total project commitment $1.3 million ($647,665 from Commercialisation Fund) Vaxxas (QLD): Scaling and automation of manufacturing capability to produce a novel, needle-free vaccination platform. The High-Density Micro-projection Array Patch (HD-MAP) aims to improve the efficacy, reach, safety and economics of vaccination. Total project commitment $1.59 million ($600,000 from Commercialisation Fund) Minomic Int (NSW): Commercialisation of the MiCheck® Prostate test that is designed to detect life threatening aggressive prostate cancer in its early stages. MiCheck® Prostate overcomes the low accuracy of conventional screening tests to reduce unnecessary intervention such as painful biopsies and improve overall management of the patient.Total project commitment $793,856 ($396,928 from Commercialisation Fund) Reid Print Technologies (QLD): Field trials and commercial certification of a novel ‘Smart Shoe Insole’ (Smart Orthotics Sensor Skin), used to monitor the onset of foot ulcers that commonly afflict diabetes sufferers. Total project commitment $690,000 ($300,000 from Commercialisation Fund) Food and Beverage TPS (QLD): Commercialisation of advanced digital sensors for testing of water quality parameters in the food and beverage sector. Total project commitment $1.31 million ($444,875 from Commercialisation Fund) ICEE (VIC): Commercialisation of Bouncee, a reusable and collapsible insulated crate and coolant system for short transit perishable logistics, such as click and collect, and home delivery. Total project commitment $1.07 million ($371,753 from Commercialisation Fund) Defence Premcar (VIC): Development of a manufacturing program to support the installation of a new, latest-technology, powertrain into land-based defence vehicles for local and export applications. Total project commitment $1.53 million ($699,931 from Commercialisation Fund) Microbio (QLD): Establish sovereign manufacturing of Microbio’s unique InfectID PCR testing technology that provides rapid, highly sensitive bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogen identification in clinical samples for defence and civilian use. Total project commitment $1.11 million ($407,119 from Commercialisation Fund) Resource Technology and Critical Mineral Processing EQ Resources (VIC): Commercialisation and scaling of EQ Resources’ large-scale x-ray (XRT) and hyperspectral imaging (HIS) sensors for front-end loaders enabling the sorting of tungsten from historic mine waste stockpiles. Total project commitment $2.17 million ($471,000 from Commercialisation Fund) Technofast (QLD): Commercialisation of Technofast’s Hydraulic Head Nut, which replaces original retaining nuts used to fasten the conical “mantle” in massive gyratory ore crushers. Because crushers are subject to rapid wear and need regular replacement, the new fasteners allow for rapid replacement and maintenance, thereby reducing machine downtime and increasing operational safety for workers. Total project commitment $518,970 ($259,485 from Commercialisation Fund) Space Spiral Blue (NSW): Commercialisation of Rainbow Python: a world-first integrated hyperspectral instrument and onboard computer that allows for the chemical analysis of any location on earth from space for use in agriculture, forestry, mining, and other sectors. Total project commitment $2.97 million ($578,000 from Commercialisation Fund) Black Sky Aero (QLD): Establish sovereign manufacture of vital precursor materials for solid rocket propellant not currently produced in Australia. This will lead to significant domestic and export market opportunities. Total project commitment $1.1 million ($497,750 from Commercialisation Fund) Further details about AMGC’s Commercialisation Fund can be found at www.amgc.org.au/projects/. Need inox world? Browse the AIMS range at inox world.
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