How often do you check your oil tank?

About 1.2 million homes across England and Wales have oil fired heating systems.

With any liquid storage container there is the risk of leakage. There are several causes of leaks, but the most common are tank or pipe failures.

The Oil Storage Regulations 2001 are designed to prevent oil spillage and leakage into the environment and apply to temporary and permanent tanks and drums of more than 200 litre capacity.

The regulations apply to the capacity of the tank and not the volume of oil stored. Empty tanks are still covered by the regulations, as they may contain oil residues which still pose a threat to the environment. If they don’t comply with the regulations they should be filled with a material to prevent subsequent use or decommissioned.

Heating oil can contaminate soil, water and the air. Chemicals in the oil can evaporate easily and produce fumes, whilst plastic water pipes cannot prevent oil contamination. Short term exposure is unlikely to have any serious detrimental effects on health, although longer contact can lead to irritated skin, dizziness, headaches and vomiting.

Our Bunded Oil Tanks comply fully with the Regulations and allow for 110% bund capacity. They comply with OFTEC manufacturing standards and are precision engineered and made from either steel or polyethylene.

As failure to comply with the regulations can mean a £5000 fine, it pays to check that your oil storage tank conforms!