Australian Standard AS 1940 typically referred to as the “Flammable Liquids Code” states in clause 4.7 that: “IBCs containing flammable liquids should be limited to two (2) high, unless in purpose built racking and not connected to any piping or delivery system”.
The main constraint on the storage height of non-hazardous goods is the structural strength of the IBC metal frame and stability of the high stacks. Therefore, we recommend the following rules be followed for full IBC storage.
1. General Goods
Height of full IBC stacks limited to IBC manufacturer recommendations.
In the absence of manufacturer’s advice, we suggest you limit full IBC stacks to about 4 to 6-high, assuming the IBCs are in good condition and the stack is stable and not leaning.
Note: IBCs can be stored in pallet racking systems to maximum height and maximum design weight limit of the racking system.
2. Flammable Liquids
Stacks of flammable liquids in IBCs to be limited to two-high, clause 4.7 of AS 1940 clause 4.7.
3. Other Hazardous Chemicals
We recommend storage of other hazardous chemicals in full IBCs also be limited to 2-high, unless an authoritative risk assessment confirms it is safe to stack full IBCs higher, and there are no regulation restrictions for the specific hazardous chemicals involved.
