23/01/2024

Commercial Oil Tank Guide for Businesses

Commercial oil tank regulations differ from the guidance you may have seen for domestic oil tanks. If you have an oil storage container holding 200 litres or more on commercial premises, or if your home, including barges and houseboats, stores over 3,500 litres of oil, you must adhere to commercial oil storage regulations. If your oil tank fits into one of the above categories, keep reading to follow our guide on commercial oil tanks.

What qualifies as a Commercial Oil Tank?

Any property used for business activities or public sector buildings, such as schools, hospitals, and leisure centres, falls within the commercial premises category. So, if the oil you’re storing isn’t intended for domestic use (e.g. home heating) or agricultural purposes, it falls under the classification of commercial use.

If your domestic oil tank holds more than 3,500 litres, you must also follow commercial regulations.

If the oil tank is also on a farm in England or Wales, you must pay attention to the specific guidelines for storing agricultural fuel oil.
 

Exempt Oil Tank Types

You do not need to follow the commercial rules if your storage containers are:

• Underground (they are covered by the Groundwater Protection Code instead).
• At a refinery or premises for onward oil distribution.
• Stored inside a building – a permanent or temporary structure with walls and a roof that would capture oil leaking from the container.
• Storing oil within a building will introduce an additional layer of consideration. If your storage container is situated inside a structure, there’s a likelihood that you’ll be obligated to comply with extra fire safety measures; these can be met with Fire Protected Oil Tanks.

Types of Oil that can be stored in Commerical Tanks

1. Petrol.
2. Diesel.
3. Biofuels.
4. Kerosene.
5. Vegetable oils.
6. Synthetic oils.
7. Biodegradable oils.
8. Liquid bitumen-based products.

Commercial Oil Tank Requirements

Commercial oil tanks are regulated by the 2001 Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) legislation passed by the UK government. Below are some of the main requirements and regulations that businesses must follow:

Contruction and Maintenance

Oil tanks must be constructed from robust and corrosion-resistant materials and fittings; they must also be waterproof and hold the oil without leaking. To ensure maximum integrity of the tank, it must undergo regular maintenance (please see section below).

Location

Oil tanks must be in locations that minimise the risk of damage by impact, such as being away from potential sources of ignition and 10m from watercourses, drains, and sensitive environmental areas. Similarly to domestic tanks, barriers or bollards can also be placed around the tank to protect it from potential physical damage.

There is no specific measurement that oil tanks must be located away from a building, but it must be a safe distance to avoid potential hazards.

Secondary Containment

If the oil tank is larger than 200 litres, or 3,500 in a domestic situation, it must be bunded or have drip trays. These must be inspected and maintained to effectively contain any potential spills.

Compliance

According to the government, fixed oil tanks must also comply with standards set by OFTEC:

• Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) standard OST T100 – for plastic containers.
• OFTEC standard OFS T200 or British Standard 799-5 – for metal containers.

Using a certified OFTEC oil tank technician ensures compliance with regulations and, therefore, a stress-free instalment.

Labelling

Tanks must be clearly labelled with the oil storage type and capacity to avoid overfilling and confusion.

Any business found not to be following Commercial Oil Tank Regulations can face heavy fines. Poor maintenance, installation and management of an oil tank can also lead to leakages and further fines and clean-up costs.

Commercial Oil Tank Maintenance

Commercial oil tank maintenance is crucial to ensuring safe and efficient oil storage in commercial settings. Here are some of the main focuses of commercial oil tank maintenance:

• Regular Inspections: Regular inspections of oil tanks are essential to identify any signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Visual assessments and thorough checks help in the early detection of potential issues.

 

• Leak Detection: Implementing leak detection systems and practices is vital to identify and address leaks. Leaks can pose environmental risks and may lead to hefty fines.

 

• Structural Integrity: Ensuring the structural integrity of the oil tank is paramount. Tanks should be free from rust, corrosion, or any defects that could compromise their strength. Repairs or replacements may be necessary if structural issues are identified.

 

• Safety Measures: Commercial oil tank maintenance includes confirming the proper functioning of safety features such as valves, vents, and overfill prevention devices. These components are crucial for preventing accidents and spills.

 

• Cleaning and Sludge Removal: Regular cleaning of the tank and removal of accumulated sludge is essential for maintaining the quality of stored oil. Sludge buildup can lead to contamination and affect the performance of the tank.

If you think you meet the requirements explored above, or want to find out more, browse our range of Commerical Oil tanks or contact a member of our team to enquire.