Oil Tank Regulations

Modern oil storage tanks come in a variety of sizes in either a single-skin or bunded style and can be made from plastic or steel.

The choice of the tank depends on the requirements and location. For example, all commercial installations necessitate the use of a bunded tank.

You must obey the necessary regulations to ensure that all accidental spills are controlled. If leakage occurs, you must demonstrate that you followed all reasonable precautions.

If you are unsure, consult with an OFTEC registered technician who will help you choose the best tank for your needs.

Who is OFTEC?

OFTEC is an acronym for the Oil Firing Technical Association for the Petroleum Industry. It was established in April 1991 to build a system within which oil firing in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland could be carried out with greater technological competence and production.

Building Regulations

Any tank with a capacity greater than 2500 litres must be fitted with a secondary containment unit (bund.)

In contrast, any tank with a volume less than 2500 litres may need to be bunded depending on the individual site emissions risks.

Oil Storage Regulations for Domestic Use

Oil is a toxic liquid that can contaminate waterways if it spills from your tank and finds its way there, which it almost always does.

If this happens, The Environmental Agency will track down the cause of the leak and you will most likely be charged a substantial clean-up fee.

Of course, this is not just about the money. Our natural water supplies, reservoirs, and streams are vital to the environment, and causing harm to them will take years to repair.

Where can I find out more?

Please follow the links for additional information on oil storage for domestic and business use (GOV.UK.)

Diesel Transportation Regulations

It is important to transport fuel safely and legally. However, the law can be confusing at times since different laws apply to different tank capacities.

The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG 2009) govern the transportation of diesel, kerosene, and petrol on UK highways.

These regulations are part of an international arrangement governing the transportation of hazardous goods by road. The legislation is known as the European Agreement on the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). Northern Ireland has its own, completely different set of rules.

Summary of legislation

You may use your own equipment to transport up to 450 litres of diesel for refuelling on a single site without ADR permission, this is known as the ‘small load exemption.' Tanks used in this manner and falling under this classification are ‘approved for immediate consumption' under ADR 1.1.31c (also known as the ‘Craftsmans' exemption.’)

For multi-site refuelling and volumes greater than 450 litres, full ADR form approval or UN approval is required.

A full ADR licence is necessary for transporting volumes of 1000 litres or more. Drivers must be registered, and transport vehicles must pass the ADR road vehicle qualifying exam. (GOV.UK.)

Many organisations prefer to carry fuel in tanks with a volume of fewer than 1000 litres to eliminate the need for expensive and time-consuming maximum ADR licencing.

Where can I find out more?

If you wish to find out more information on The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transport Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009, please click here. (GOV.UK.)

‘Competent Person’ Scheme

Choose an oil tank installer who is a member of a 'Competent Person' scheme (GOV.UK.)

Registered installers can self-certify that their work complies with building regulations and handle building control problems, such as objections. This guarantees that your tank is properly installed, safely, and in the appropriate location.

If you are unable to use someone licenced under a 'Competent Person' scheme, you must contact your local authority to obtain a Building Control Notice. You will also be liable to pay for the inspection.

Location

You must use a bunded oil storage tank if your tank is to be in any of the following places:

• • The oil tank is being used for commercial purposes.
  • Where oil spills may infiltrate an open drain or a loose manhole cover.
  • Where the tank vent pipes cannot be seen when the tank is being loaded, such as when the supply tanker is parked too far away.
  • Within 10 metres of marine waters or inland freshwater bodies such as wetlands or streams.
  • Within 50 metres of a drinking water source, such as a well, a borehole, or a spring.
  • Where oil spills may run over hard ground and enter coastal waters, inland freshwater, or a source of drinking water.
  • In the inner zone of groundwater source protection zone 1 (GOV.UK.)

Other circumstances that necessitate a bunded oil storage tank include:

• • If the vent pipe cannot be seen from the fill point, any size oil storage tank must be bunded. This is referred to as a "blind fill."
  • All new oil tanks constructed on domestic or commercial premises in Wales must be bunded.

What are the various Oil Tanks?

Check out our Guides & Tips article that covers oil-fired central heating systems, or explore the range of oil tanks.