How High Can We Stack IBC’s?

Increasingly, businesses with large volumes of chemicals are using intermediate bulk containers, typically referred to as IBCs.

Typical 1,000L capacity IBC

IBCs provide a handy and cost effective method for storage and transport of liquid chemicals. However, many auditors and storage personnel are not sure of the height limits for stacking IBCs.

IBC Storage 2-high in a racking system

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.

Example of IBC’s stacked in a warehouse

Empty IBC storage ourdoors

Storage of Empty IBCs

Empty IBC containers can typically be stacked higher, as the total load and stress on the IBC metal frame which supports the IBCs is lower, and the risk of leaking chemicals falling on people below is eliminated or minimised.

Therefore, empty IBC stacks can be determined per local risk assessment, or IBC manufacturer recommendations, as long as the IBCs are in good condition, the stack is stable and not leaning, and no other risks are posed to personnel or property.