Oil Tank Installation - What You Need to Know
When installing an oil tank, whether it be at home or at a place of business, it’s always important to know exactly what options are available, and you’re your needs are. Bunded oil tanks are the safest and most efficient way to store fuel. They are duel layered unlike single skin oil tank solutions, providing an additional layer of defence against both leaks and pollution. The bund will capture any fuel spilled from a cracked inner skin of the tank, preventing environmental harm, and potential fines against the owner. It is also a legal requirement to have one if you plan on storing more than 2,500 litres of oil, or if you are storing your tank on business property.
Tank is no higher than 3 metres.
If your tank is taller than 3 metres, you will need planning permission from your local council before you can have it installed. Anything below this height does not require permission, however it can be no more than 2.5 metres tall if the tank is within 2 metres of the property boundary.
Tank cannot be located in front of a main elevation.
A main elevation refers to the front of a home or building. It generally means the part of the property that is most likely seen by the public. So, the tank will need to be somewhere away from public view.
How Can I Install My Bunded Oil Tank Safely?
We recommend choosing an OFTEC-registered technician as this ensures your oil tank installation is safe, completed correctly and most importantly, that it complies with all building and government regulations. Another advantage to choosing an OFTEC technician, is that they will do a risk assessment at the property to ensure the correct tank has been chosen. We also highly recommend choosing a bunded tank no matter what your needs, as the duel layer of protection will future proof you against any spills or environmental issues. Although single skin tanks are generally cheaper, a leak or spill can cost you more in the long run as you may be both fined, and also charged for the clean-up.
What Are 2023’s Bunded Oil Tank Regulations?
Government regulations state that your tank must be at least -
- 180cm away from non-fire rated eaves of a building or a structure
- 180cm away from a non-fire rated building or structure (e.g. a garden shed)
- 180cm away from openings (such as doors or windows) in a fire-rated building or structure (e.g. a brick built house or garage)
- 180cm away from liquid fuel appliance flue terminals
- 76cm away from a non-fire rated boundary, such as a wooden boundary fence
- 60cm away from screening (e.g. trellis and foliage) that does not form a part of the boundary
Your tank will need to be bunded if it is located in any of the below locations.
- In a place where oil spills could run into an open drain or a loose manhole cover
- Where the tank vent pipes cannot be seen when the tank is being filled, for example because the delivery tanker is parked too far away
- Within 10 metres of coastal waters or inland fresh waters like lakes or streams
- Within 50 metres of a drinking water source, for example a well, borehole or spring
- Where oil spills could run over hard ground and reach coastal waters, inland fresh waters or a drinking water source
- In the inner zone of groundwater source protection zone 1
You are also required to place a sticker on your container that explains exactly what needs to be done in the event of a spill. This must be placed somewhere that is easy to see and not obstructed. This will be added to your tank upon installation, but can be replaced by visiting the .gov site if lost or damaged.
These bunded oil tank regulations must be followed, or you could end up paying an expensive fine, and also potentially causing harm to the environment around you.
Explore Bunded Oil Tanks with Tanks for Everything
Each person or business will have different needs and requirements for their oil tank installation based on the nature of the business. Tanks for Everything have all you need to make the right decision, ensuring peace of mind, safety and an OFTEC Certification on all of our bunded fuel tanks. We offer a variety of storage options for all needs up to 10,000 litres of heating oil. Free delivery is available throughout all of mainland England and Wales.
