Non-domestic Oil Storage Brochure

This easy guide applies to non-domestic oil storage tanksincluding those supplying commercial buildings, villagehalls, churches and schools. OFTEC recommends thattanks containing waste oil are treated in the same way asfuel supply tanks.This easy guide does not cover forecourt (petrol station)operations. Agricultural installations are covered byseparate regulations.For information on domestic tanks, please refer to theOFTEC Easy Guide for Domestic Oil Storage.All about tanksModern oil storage tanks come in all shapes and sizes, andcan be made from steel or plastic. There are special tanksdesigned for underground storage, and these must beinstalled as per the manufacturer’s instructions.Galvanised steel tanks must never be used for oil storageas this can produce an electrolytic reaction due to thedifferent metals in the system.It’s important to remember that the average hose lengthfrom an oil delivery tanker is 30m, and this should be takeninto consideration when deciding on a location for a tank.OFTEC advises choosing a tank that meets minimumstandards such as the OFCERT scheme, and you can find alist of tank manufacturers in the equipment directory on theOFTEC website at www.oftec.orgProtecting the EnvironmentTo minimise the risk of pollution from an oil spill, non-domestic oil storage tanks above 200 litres should havesecondary containment (a bund). This can either be anintegrally bunded tank, or a separate construction aroundthe tank. The bund must be capable of holding 110% of thetank’s contents.Modern tanks manufactured to OFTEC Tank StandardsOFS T100 or T200 all have a gauge to measure the contentsand come with overfill protection as standard – to minimiseany risk of waste or spillage.Safe oil storageIt’s very unlikely that a fire could be started by the contentsof an oil storage tank. However, it does need to beprotected from a fire that may originate nearby.Non-domestic tanks under 3,500 litres should be sited atleast 2m away from any buildings or boundaries. If it’simpossible to comply with this requirement, then a firebarrier rated minimum 60 minutes should be provided,extending 900mm higher and wider than both ends of thetank.Non-domestic tanks above 3,500 litres should be sited 6maway from any buildings or boundaries. If it’s impossible tocomply with this requirement, then a fire barrier ratedminimum 120 minutes should be provided, extending900mm higher and wider than both ends of the tank.non-domestic oil storageTheOFTECeasy guide to...It’s important that oil storage tanks are inspected annually,and this could be done at the same time the appliance isserviced.Back to basesProper support is vital for any oil storage tank, which will bevery heavy once it’s full of oil. Steel tanks can be supportedoff the ground by purpose built masonry piers, or may besupplied with steel supports. Plastic tanks can besupported by a purpose built raised platform on masonrypiers, or alternatively can be installed at ground level. All oilstorage tanks must be supported adequately by a non-combustible, level base.Internal oil storageIn some situations, the oil storage tank can be sited inside abuilding. For those installations, the tank must be selfcontained within a fire resistant chamber. Any tank above3,500 litres should be placed on the lowest level of thebuilding.OFTECOil Firing Technical AssociationFoxwood House, Dobbs Lane,Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 2QQTel: 0845 65 85 080 Fax: 0845 65 85 181www.oftec.org PUB/44 Issue 2 11.11.2008