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Oil Tank & Storage Regulations
All commercial, industrial, educational and institutional properties using and storing oil and commercial fuels must have bunded storage tanks. It's not just new tanks; these regulations apply to existing tanks as well. The regulations are there to protect the environment and to protect your business. Large fines and the cost of a clear-up following a spill can be severe, so it's time to look at your oil and fuel storage.
Q. What are the regulations called?
The Control of Pollution (oil storage) (England) Regulations 2001.
Q. To which sites do they apply?
To industrial, commercial and institutional sites, eg. factories, shops, offices, hotels, schools and public sector buildings in England, which store any type of oil (except waste oil) in a container of more than 200 litres capacity. Private dwellings storing over 3500 litres are also included, but it should be noted that Building Regulations reduce this to 2500 litres.
Q. What is the timescale?
The timescale for the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001 was 1st September 2005, whereby all relevant installations affected must be bunded.
Q. How can I ensure that a bund complies with the regulations?
Install an integrally bunded tank (OFST100). Alternatively, you could build a masonry or concrete bund that complies with the stringent requirements of the Pollution Prevention Guidance notes PPG 2 (above ground oil storage tanks) and PPG 26 (oil drum storage) issued by the Environment Agency. Masonry and concrete bunds are covered by Ciria Report 163.
The Titan environmental bunded range of EcoSafe and FuelMaster oil tanks will meet all your regulatory needs in one easy step.
Q. Can I have ancillary equipment outside an ecosafe integrally bunded tank?
An isolating valve and filter on an integrally bunded tank is not classed as ancillary equipment to the tank and is permitted. Under these regulations, you cannot fit an external sight gauge to an integrally bunded tank.
N.B. A hose and nozzle cannot be fitted to an ecosafe tank - a fuelmaster must be used.
Q. If I install the wrong type of tank now, must it be changed?
Yes, It must be replaced with a bunded tank, or be bunded straight away.
Q. Where else should a bunded tank be installed?
When on completion of OFTEC form T1/133 (risk assessment), your tank is deemed to need bunding.