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how to store oil & fuel safely
Browse Oil Storage Tanks
It’s important to understand the risks, regulations and best practices when storing heating oil and other similar fuels to protect yourself, others and the environment. Oil and fuels are highly flammable and dangerous substances, so it’s essential that they are correctly handled and stored to prevent serious accidents.
There are also a number of legal guidelines and regulations that directly apply to fuel and oil storage, including storage limits and correct storage facilities. Failure to meet these regulations could land organisations and individuals in serious trouble in the form of anti-pollution works notices or even prosecution.
The Importance Of Oil & Fuel Safety
Oil and fuel safety is very important for businesses and their staff to ensure the workplace is as safe as possible. Oil and fuel are highly flammable and pose a high risk if improperly handled and stored. Moreover, improper storage and handling of oil as well as diesel, petrol, or other fuel poses a serious environmental concern as it can pollute the surrounding ecosystem. Due to this, it’s crucial to safely store and handle oil and fuel by using the correct containers and tanks that adhere to regulations.
Similarly, when storing heating oil for domestic use, safety is paramount to avoid accidents that can cause injury to residents, damage to property, and pollution of the local environment.
There are a number of established methods when it comes to storing oil and fuel safely. Cans, drums, bowsers and tanks are all safe and effective methods for storing fuel, but it’s also important to factor in how it will be handled and disposed of. For example, using small containers increases the risks of spillage during filling and emptying the vessels. It’s a good idea to consider using tanks when storing larger quantities (above 300 litres) of fuel. It’s also good practice not to store any more than 50 litres of fuel in any workrooms.
How To Store Oil Safely
As oil is a toxic, flammable substance, it poses a significant risk to the safety and wellbeing of those around it. As such, it’s important to store oil safely and correctly to mitigate the risk of fire, pollution and accidents.
A large part of this is common sense practices, such as not having any open flames near the storage location. It’s also important to ensure that you’re properly storing the fuel in high-quality oil tanks that efficiently and safely store oil.
Before we look further at the best solutions for safely storing oil, it’s worth taking a look at the relevant regulations.
Fuel Storage Regulations
There are four main regulations that cover proper fuel storage in the UK that you’ll need to consider when storing fuel at home or in the workplace. These regulations include:
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Control of Pollution (oil storage) (England) Regulations 2001
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The Water Environment (oil storage) (Scotland) Regulations 2006
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The Control of Pollution (oil storage) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
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Guidance on the Water Resources (control of pollution) (oil storage) (Wales) Regulations 2016
Take the time to read the regulations relevant to you in full to ensure that you remain safe and compliant when storing fuel at home or in the workplace.
According to these regulations, storage containers that exceed 200 litres (for commercial or industrial purposes) or in excess of 3,500 litres (for domestic use) must use a bunded oil tank, bowser or other containers such as drums. A secondary containment of no less than 110% of the maximum contents should also be used.
It’s also important to perform a risk assessment for the storage tank to ensure the following:
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If it has a capacity that exceeds 3,500 litres.
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If it is within 10 metres of a controlled water source, such as a stream, river, lake, pond, canal or coastal waters.
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If there is a chance that any oil spillage could escape into open drains or manhole covers.
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If it is within 50 metres of a drinking water supply, such as a well, spring or borehole.
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If it is located over hard ground or a hard surface that could allow spillages to enter controlled water supplies.
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If it is located where the tank vent pipe outlet can’t be viewed from the filling point.
If any of these risks turn out to exist in your storage location, then a secondary containment bunded tank or bund around the tank is necessary.
There are a few exceptions to these regulations that you should consider, such as:
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If the premises is predominantly a single private dwelling where less than 3,500 litres of oil is stored. Building regulations still apply for new and replacement domestic tanks, though.
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If the premises refines or distributes oil.
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If the oil is stored in a building or underground.
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If the oil is for agricultural use to produce heat and power. In this case, storage is regulated under the Control of pollution (silage, slurry and agricultural fuel oil) regulations, 1991.
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If it is waste mineral oil.
Types Of Oil Tanks For Safe Storage
There are a number of different oil and other fuel tanks for you to choose from that offer different benefits, so it’s worth considering your situation before investing in the most suitable tank for your needs.
Plastic Oil Storage Tanks
Plastic oil storage tanks are the most common type of oil storage tanks, particularly for domestic purposes. There are a lot of reasons behind this, such as:
Durability: Plastic tanks use polyethene, which is incredibly hard-wearing and durable.
Design: Plastic tanks are seamlessly designed so there are no seams, which strengthens the tank and lowers the risk of leakage.
Cost: Plastic tanks offer cost savings as they don’t usually cost as much as equivalent sized steel tanks.
Lifespan: Plastic tanks can last up to 20 years if maintained properly, so they last a long time.
Lightweight: The construction of plastic tanks means they’re very lightweight, making them easy to transport and move into position.
Both plastic single skin oil tanks and bunded plastic oil tanks are available to meet requirements. While bunded tanks aren’t compulsory in all situations, they are nevertheless the preferred option for many homeowners and businesses because of the extra safety they provide.
Steel Oil Storage Tanks
Steel oil storage tanks are less common for residential usage, particularly for new installations, but they are the more popular option for commercial purposes. This is largely due to the fact that they can store more oil at any given time. They also offer several other benefits, including:
Enhanced durability: Due to their steel construction, these tanks are much more resistant to corrosion, ultraviolet light and other types of damage.
Longer lifespan: When maintained properly, steel tanks can last more than 30 years.
More secure: Steel tanks are stronger than plastic ones, so the chance of theft via syphoning fuel is drastically reduced.
Bigger capacity: Steel oil tanks are designed with bulk storage in mind, so they can often hold up to 120,000 litres of oil at a time.
Like plastic tanks, single skin steel tanks are available as well as bunded steel tanks. As well as offering safety benefits, bunded steel tanks also provide additional protection against puncturing and theft, so are a good choice for commercial sites where larger quantities of fuel are left unattended, such as overnight.
Single Skin Oil Tanks
Single skin oil tanks use a single layer of material to hold oil, such as plastic or steel. They’re a good cost-effective option, but offer less security and strength than a bunded oil tank. These tanks are usually suited to domestic usage, but they can only store up to 2,500 litres and can’t be used near water sources.
Bunded Oil Tanks
Bunded oil tanks use two layers to provide additional protection, durability and security when storing oil. If a leak occurs in the inner layer, then it doesn’t leak out due to the outer layer. This makes it a good choice if environmental protection is a high priority on site. In many cases, a bunded oil tank is the only option, such as if you’re storing more than 3,500 litres of oil (or 2,500 in Scotland). They do cost more though, so they aren’t as much of a cost-effective option (although will likely be much cheaper than the cost to clean up after an oil spill, should a tank be punctured).
Fire-Rated Oil Tanks
Fire-rated oil tanks are designed using a fire-retardant material that protects them against the risk of fire if it comes into contact with an open flame. They are typically used for residential purposes to provide a fuel supply for central heating systems. With that said, they are also suitable for commercial and agricultural properties too. The main reason to choose a fire-rated oil tank is that it can be placed much closer to the property. They also circumvent certain requirements, such as the need for fire protection screens or walls.
How To Store Fuel Safely
If you intend to store fuel at your residential, commercial or agricultural property, it’s important to know how to store it safely. One of the best things you can do to ensure the safe storage of fuel is to use high-quality tanks and containers, and regularly inspect them for signs of wear, damage or corrosion.
Another consideration for safe fuel storage is finding the right location. Try to find a location that poses minimal risk of damage by things like machinery or inclement weather such as flooding. It should be at least 10 metres away from any coastal waters, and 50 metres away from springs. Also, keep it away from roof height and above.
When it comes to fuel storage for homes and businesses, there are a number of regulations that you must adhere to. It’s a good idea to read through them in full to ensure you remain fully compliant. Below are the regulations to consider:
For Storing At Home & At Residential Properties
If you’re storing fuel at home, it’s important to follow the building regulations if it’s being used to power your central heating or stove. Building regulations differ from country to country, so check the most suitable building regulations for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland respectively.
You can find out more about storing heating oil for residential use in our guide to heating oil tank regulations.
For Storing At A Business, Marina Or Public Sector Building
If you’re storing on commercial premises, then you must adhere to the control of pollution (oil storage) (England) regulations 2001. This covers a wide range of fuel types, including:
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Red diesel
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Bulk white diesel
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Kerosene
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Biofuels
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Hydraulic oils
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Industrial lubricants
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Synthetic oils
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Liquid bitumen-based products
You can find out more about safely diesel fuel in our diesel fuel storage safety guide.
For Storing On Farms & Agricultural Properties
When storing fuel on any farm or agricultural property, the main regulation to adhere to is storing silage, slurry and agricultural fuel oil. Although, if you’re storing fuel on a farm for non-agricultural business purposes, such as fueling vehicles, then you must adhere to the same regulations as a business.
Safe & Efficient Fuel Storage Solutions
Steel Fuel Tanks
Steel fuel storage tanks are a good option for businesses, particularly those with larger capacity requirements, due to their ability to store more fuel and offer improved security. They’re also incredibly hard-wearing and built to last up to 30 years.
Plastic Fuel Tanks
Plastic fuel storage tanks are usually favoured for businesses looking for smaller capacity options. They are available in a wide selection of shapes to fit different locations. They’re a good weather resistant, low maintenance and cost-effective option, as they’re generally more affordable compared to steel tanks.
Portable Fuel Tanks
Portable fuel tanks and fuel bowsers can be transported to and around sites readily, which makes them useful if you’re moving around to refuel facilities or infrastructure. They don’t offer as much capacity as a standard fuel tank, but you still get to enjoy many of the same benefits such as improved quality control and improved security.
Dispensing Tanks
Dispensing tanks offer an easy-to-use design that allows you to quickly dispense fuel for refuelling purposes. It’s a particularly useful option if you require regular refuelling for machinery or vehicles on-site.
Oil & Fuel Tank Positioning
It’s important to consider where the tank is going to be positioned to offer ease of access and mitigate the risks associated with storing fuel. Some considerations for tank positioning should include the following:
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Choose an area with minimal risk of flooding, damage by impacts or machinery
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Keep the tank at least 10 metres away from inland or coastal waters, and 50 metres from a spring
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Keep it away from roof height or above
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Keep it on an impermeable surface if it’s close to where fuel is dispensed or deliveries are made.
Fuel Tank Security
As fuel is a high-commodity product, there’s a chance that it may be targeted by thieves. Due to this, and the associated risks of spillage, it’s important to ensure fuel tank security.
There are many off-the-shelf solutions available for this to consider. A simple lock on the fill pipe and vent works, as does secure fencing around the perimeter of the tank. This might be coupled with alarm systems and CCTV to act as security and a deterrent. For larger sites, on-site security is another option to ensure that fuel tanks are safe and secure.
In the majority of cases, a bunded steel tank will be the most secure choice. If properly maintained, this kind of tank will provide the highest level of protection against being punctured or drilled in order for fuel to be removed because of the double layered design made from durable steel, combined with the bund between the two skins.
Find The Best Oil or Fuel Storage Solution
Whether you’re a homeowner looking for a replacement heating oil tank, or represent a business needing to store large quantities of fuel on-site, at Northern Tank Store you can find a wide range of tanks and accessories to meet your requirements.
We have one of the UK’s largest ranges of tanks, but if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for we provide a bespoke design and build service so that you can get a tank manufactured to meet your precise requirements.
For help, information and advice regarding oil and fuel storage, get in touch with Northern Tank Store where our expert team will be able to assist you.