By Jenny Mills · rural nurse & homesteader · health, safety, law and the paperwork of going bush

“After losing three litres of diesel to a cracked, unsealed jerry can, I learned that UV exposure kills plastic fuel containers in just two summers.”

No fluff. Just the facts. Your shed shouldn't blow up.

Containers: Don't Be a Dummy

Use ONLY approved containers. No old paint tins. Ever.

• Must be: AS1940 or AS/NZS 1940.1 approved. Plastic (HDPE) or steel. Vented caps.
• Australian suppliers:
  • Fuel Store (Sydney): 20L jerry cans from $35. fuelstore.com.au
  • Energy Save (Nationwide): 50L drums from $85. energysave.com.au
  • Bunnings: Basic plastic containers ($25-$40), but check approval. bunnings.com.au
• Practical tip: Never fill above 95%. Leave room for expansion. And don't store under your house.

Ventilation: Don't Let Fumes Pool

Gas fumes sink. They'll kill you in your sleep if you don't vent.

• Shed requirements: Minimum 100mm gap under door. Vents at floor level AND roof level.
• Practical tip: Install a 50mm PVC pipe through the wall (Bunnings: $15). Point it OUTSIDE. No sealed sheds.

Fire Prevention: It's Not a Game

One spark = gone. No excuses.

• Distance: Minimum 3m from ignition sources (stove, heater, electrical box). 10m from your house.
• Fire extinguisher: Class B (for flammable liquids) within 10m. Cost: $50-$100 at Bunnings. Check it monthly.
• Practical tip: Never smoke near fuel. Keep a bucket of sand nearby (works better than water on fuel fires). Sand: $5 at Bunnings.

Regulations: Don't Get Fined

Ignoring this gets you fined. Not worth it.

• What the law says: Most states require approved containers, dedicated shed (not attached to house), and minimum distances. Check your council.
• Practical tip: Call your local council BEFORE you buy. Some require permits for over 200L ($50-$200). Better to ask than get fined $500.
• Resources:
  • SafeWork Australia: safeworkaustralia.gov.au
  • Your state fire service (e.g., NSW Fire: fireandrescue.nsw.gov.au)

Bottom line: Do it right. It's cheap, simple, and saves your life. Stop messing around.

When to Call a Professional

While many off-grid projects are achievable as DIY, certain situations require licensed professionals:

• Electrical work beyond basic 12V DC additions — requires a licensed electrician
• Structural modifications to buildings or load-bearing elements
• Gas line installation or modification
• Solar array installations above safe voltage thresholds
• Any work that affects the structural integrity of your property

Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.