Technical Advice and Support

Bulk oil storage on commercial sites in the UK is governed by strict regulations. Key considerations include:

• Capacity: Regulations vary depending on the total storage capacity. Larger installations require more stringent controls.
• Containment: Secondary containment (bunding) is essential and must meet specific standards.
• Location: Tank placement must comply with separation distances from buildings, boundaries, and process environments. Fire safety regulations are paramount.
• Construction and Materials: Tanks must be constructed of suitable materials and meet British Standards. Regular inspection and testing are required.
• Environmental Permits: Depending on the storage volume and location, you may need an environmental permit from the Environment Agency.
• Security: Secure storage is essential to prevent theft and vandalism.
• Planning Permission: Planning permission can sometimes be required for new bulk storage installations.

GOV.UK (Oil Storage): A good starting point for finding government information on oil storage regulations: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/storing-oil-at-a-home-or-business

Commercial oil storage in the UK is subject to various environmental regulations, primarily enforced by the Environment Agency. These regulations cover:

• Pollution Prevention: Preventing spills and leaks is crucial. Robust secondary containment and leak detection systems are essential.
• Groundwater Protection: Regulations aim to protect groundwater from contamination. Proper tank siting and bunding are critical.
• Waste Disposal: Waste oil and tank cleaning materials must be disposed of by licensed waste carriers.
• Reporting: You may need to report spills or leaks to the Environment Agency.
• Oil Storage Regulations: Specific regulations cover the design, construction, and operation of oil storage facilities.

For information on environmental regulations related to pollution prevention, see the below link. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pollution-prevention-for-businesses

Regular inspection and testing are mandatory for commercial oil tanks in the UK. The frequency depends on the tank’s size, age, and construction. We recommend following OFTEC guidelines, GEP (Good Engineering Practice) and EEMUA guidelines where applicable. Speak with a qualified technician to establish a suitable inspection and testing schedule. This should include regular visual inspections, as well as more in-depth testing methods as required.

Decommissioning a commercial oil tank requires careful planning and adherence to strict regulations. Key steps include:

• Notification: You may need to notify the Environment Agency and local authority before decommissioning.
• Oil Removal: All remaining oil must be removed by a licensed waste carrier.
• Tank Cleaning: The tank must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any residual oil or sludge.
• Disposal or Making Safe: The tank can be removed or made permanently unusable in situ.
• Documentation: Detailed records of the decommissioning process must be kept.

Information particularly in relation to underground tank decommissioning can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prevent-groundwater-pollution-from-underground-fuel-storage-tanks/decommissioning-an-underground-storage-tank

Preventing spills is crucial for commercial oil storage. Best practices include:

• Bunded Tanks: Using bunded tanks or other forms of secondary containment.
• Leak Detection: Installing leak detection systems to provide early warning of a leak.
• Regular Inspections: Conducting regular inspections of tanks, pipework and valves.
• Staff Training: Training staff on proper handling procedures and spill response.
• Spill Kits: Keeping spill kits readily available in case of an incident.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance of all tank components.

OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association): This is a key resource for heating oil tank guidance and best practices in the UK: https://www.oftec.org/

Maintaining fuel quality is essential for efficient operation and preventing equipment damage. Key considerations include:

• Regular Testing: Regular fuel testing to check for contamination (water, sediment, microbial growth).
• Filtration: Using appropriate filtration systems to remove contaminants.
• Storage Conditions: Store oil in a cool, dry place to prevent degradation.
• Supplier Quality: Choosing a reputable fuel supplier who provides high-quality oil.
• Additives: Consider using fuel additives to improve stability and prevent microbial growth (consult with a fuel specialist, such as JWH).