19/06/2023
Regulations and requirements for domestic oil tanks
When installing, replacing, removing or inspecting an Oil Tank, a set of regulations and guidelines must be followed to enforce and maintain a safe standard, such as positioning your Oil Tank at least 1.8m away from your house. Adhering to these regulations is not only for individuals’ safety but for protecting the environment and avoiding penalties or legal consequences. In this blog, we will explore OFTEC oil tank regulations and guidelines put forward by the government.
What is OFTEC?
OFTEC is an independent organisation that sets industry standards, along with the government, to ensure the safe and efficient use of oil tanks; all oil tanks must follow the defined oil tank regulations. This guide is for domestic oil tanks of 3500 litres or less; if your garden tank is larger than this, you must follow commercial guidelines.
1. Installation
When installing an oil tank, it must be done by a ‘competent professional’ who is registered with OFTEC. This ensures that the tank is positioned correctly, all necessary safety features are in place, and the installation follows the required guidelines. If you decide to install your tank yourself or by a non-certified professional, you’ll have to get a Building Control Notice from your local council and arrange and pay for an inspection.
2. Tank Capacity
The size and capacity of the oil tank must be appropriate for the property’s heating requirements. It should be able to accommodate sufficient fuel for the heating system without posing any safety risks. Government guidelines state that anything above 3,500 litres must be considered a commercial tank and follows different regulations. They also state that any oil tank over 2,500 litres must be bunded.
3. Location
Oil tanks should be positioned in a designated area away from potential hazards, they should also be accessible for maintenance and refilling purposes. The following specifications demonstrate where an oil tank must sit on your property to adhere to OFTEC regulations:
- 1.8m away from non-fire rated eaves of a building,
- 1.8m away from non-fire-rated buildings or structures, e.g. a shed,
- 1.8m away from doors and windows,
- 1.8m away from liquid fuel appliance flue terminals,
If you cannot comply with the location requirements, then a fire barrier with a minimum of 30-minute rating must be installed.
4. Bunding
Although you can choose whether to have a single skin tank or bunded oil tank most of the time, the government advises that your tank must be bunded if there is a higher chance of an oil tank emergency contaminating water or the environment. If your oil tank falls into one of the following categories, you are legally required to have a bunded tank:
- Where oil spills could run into a drain or open manhole cover
- Where the tank’s pipes cannot be seen when the tank is being filled, e.g. because the tank is too far away
- Where the tank is within 10 metres of coastal water, lakes, freshwater or streams
- Where the tank is within 50 metres of a drinking water source
- If the tank is in groundwater source protection zone 1
- If your tank can hold more than 2,500 litres of oil.
To avoid penalties or prosecution, we advise following these guidelines carefully when selecting your domestic oil tank.
Penalties and Consequences
Not complying with oil tank regulations can result in severe penalties and legal consequences. The person who installed the tank can get fined and prosecuted if an oil tank inspection shows non-compliance with regulations. Individuals are also responsible for ensuring that the technician’s work meets requirements and can be held accountable for non-regulated work.
What We Recommend…
The best way to follow all regulations and guidelines is by using an OFTEC-certified technician to carry out any oil tank services, especially installations. This ensures that all oil tank regulations and requirements are met. The qualified technician will ensure the tank location, base, capacity and installation follow the requirements, providing you with a safe and effective experience.
Need more information?
For more information about OFTEC-certified technicians and our oil tank services, call us today on 01638 781710.
