OFTEC

One of the most common questions we get asked is what are the regulations for having a domestic oil tank.

It is recommended that the chosen tank is manufactured to OFTEC Standards. Your oil tank should be inspected annually as part of your heating system’s regular service visit. Oil tanks, like all heating products, have an expected working life (typically 20 years) The tank manufacturer or your servicing technician can advise you on when you should consider replacing your tank.

Tanks should be sited:

• 1.8m away from non-fire rated eaves of a building;
• 1.8m away from a non-fire rated building or structure (e.g. garden sheds);
• 1.8m away from openings (such as doors or windows) in a fire rated building or structure (e.g. brick built house/ garage);
• 1.8m away from oil fired appliance flue terminals;
• 760mm away from a non-fire rated boundary such as a wooden boundary fence;
• 600mm away from screening (e.g. trellis and foliage) that does not form part of the boundary.

A bund may be required. This can be achieved by either choosing an integrally bunded tank or constructing a bund around a tank.  The person installing your tank will do a risk assessment, and they’ll let you know if your tank needs secondary containment. Typically, installations near a river, well or any controlled water are likely to require bunding.

The bund must:

• hold 110% of the tank’s capacity
• be impermeable to oil and water
• You’ll also need a bund if your tank can hold more than 2,500 litres of oil.

Inspections of the tank and bund, looking out for general wear and tear, deficiencies in the walls of the tank and the feedline, should be undertaken regularly.

You might find the eBook below helpful.  We’re happy to talk so feel free to contact us on 0800 0209 307 or e-mail us on info@soilutions.co.uk.