Oil Tank Fire and Safety Regulations | Things You Should Know

Proper oil tank placement can’t be neglected at any cost. The consequences of ignoring it can be higher than expected, as it can lead to hefty penalties and other hazards. That’s why it’s essential to consider safety regulations to eliminate those risks and comply with all standards.

So, in this blog, you’ll learn everything you need to know about oil tank placement regulation in the United Kingdom.

OFTEC’s Oil Tank’s Regulations

Below are some of the latest safety regulations you must comply with if you’re going to install an oil tank. These are set by the Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) to prevent accidents and ensure your oil tank is properly sited.

Platform or Stand with a 300mm Edge

Your oil tank should be positioned on a platform or stand with a minimum 300mm edge for safety and practicality. This elevates the tank off the ground and prevents any potential damage to the soil or surface beneath it. It also ensures enough space around the edges for easy access whenever maintenance is required in the future.

1.8m Distance from Non-Fire Rated Structures

According to OFTEC, oil tanks must be situated at least 1.8 meters away from any buildings or structures that do not have a fire-resistance rating of at least 30 minutes, such as gazebos, outhouses, and more. This minimises the risk of a fire spreading from the tank to nearby buildings lacking fire resistance.

1.8m from Openings in Fire-Rated Buildings

In addition to keeping your oil tank away from non-fire-rated structures, it must also be placed 1.8 meters away from any openings in buildings with a fire-resistance rating. The distance helps reduce the fire risk of extending into the building via these openings.

760mm from Non-Fire Rated Boundaries

OFTEC guidelines also specify that the oil tank must be positioned at least 760mm away from any non-fire-rated boundary, such as wooden fences. Since materials like wood are flammable, this distance is important for limiting the spread of fire from the tank to nearby boundaries or properties.

600mm from Garden Screening

For similar reasons, the oil tank should be located at least 600mm away from any garden screening, such as hedges, bushes, or home décor plants. These features can be flammable and, if a leak or fire occurs, it could quickly spread the flames and worsen the situation.

1.8m from Flue Terminals of Oil-Fired Appliances

Finally, your oil tank must be placed 1.8 meters away from the flue terminals of any oil-fired appliances. This precaution is essential in the event of a fire—if your oil tank were to catch fire, it should be far enough away from other appliances to prevent the flames from spreading to other combustible materials.

Environmental Safety Regulations

Since spills or leakages in the tank can harm the environment, you must also comply with other environmental standards to guarantee everyone’s safety without any disruptions.

If you meet the following criteria, you need a bunded oil tank instead of a single skip oil tank for an added protective layer, such as:

• When tank’s capacity overflows 2,500 litres.
• When the tank is in the range of 50m from a borehole, spring, or well.
• When the vent pipe outlet can’t be seen from the fill pipe access.
• Any other hazards nearby that contribute to pollution & raise environmental issues.
• If the tank is placed within 10m of controlled water, such as lakes, rivers or streams, posing the risk to contaminate the groundwater.

Whom to Hire for Oil Tank Installation?

If you’re looking for a reliable oil tank installation company, Network Environmental UK has you covered. With our years of expertise in the industry, we offer dependable solutions, from tank installation services to ongoing maintenance and support, to keep your industrial and commercial operations running smoothly.

So, don’t get in the technicality of complying with regulations, as our end-to-end solutions never compromise on quality standards. Contact us today at [email protected] to get your quote for tank installation and more.