Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any further questions please email sales@tankservices.co.uk
- What is a bunded tank?
- Do I need a bunded tank, and how do I know?
- Who are OFTEC?
- Where can I find installation advice?
- Can I fit the tank myself?
- Can I install a tank in a building, garage or shed?
- What’s an Oil loop such as a ‘Tiger Loop’?
- What’s a remote acting fire valve?
- I’ve got water in my oil, what can I do?
- I want to transport some diesel between sites, what tank do I need?
Q: What is a bunded tank?
A: A Bunded Oil Tank simply consists of a tank within a tank. The fuel is stored in the inner tank and the outer tank acts as a failsafe so that in the event of a spillage, excess fuel will collect in the bund. They are a requirement at commercial, industrial and institutional premises.
Q: Do I need a bunded tank, and how do I know?
A: For domestic premises you need to carry out an oil storage risk assessment available from OFTEC form TI/133D. All non-domestic oil storage tanks over 200 litres need to be bunded.
A Bund is required if...
- You are storing over 2500 litres.
- Your tank is near an open drain or loose fitting manhole.
- Your tank is within 10m of controlled water such as a river, stream etc..
- Your tank is located where any spillage could travel over hard ground to reach controlled water.
- Your tank is located within 50m of a borehole, spring or well.
- Your tank vent is not visible from the fill point. (Such as an extended fill point)
- Your oil use is for a building other than a single family dwelling.
- Any other unique hazards to your site.
Q: Who are OFTEC?
A: OFTEC is Oil Firing Technical Association for the Petroleum Industry. It was launched in April 1991 to construct a framework within which oil firing in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland could operate with a greater degree of technical expertise and efficiency. One of its first priorities was to set up a system of training and registration for Technicians engaged in commissioning, servicing, installation and plant operation with oil firing equipment. The scope of the scheme has since been extended to cover Technicians engaged in oil delivery.
Q: Where can I find installation advice?
A: OFTEC publish 'Easy Guides' which can be downloaded from their website or a direct link here
Q: Can I fit the tank myself?
A: Oil tanks need to be installed by a competent person, if you do not use an OFTEC registered installer, you will have to contact your local building control.
Q: Can I install a tank in a building, garage or shed?
A: Internal oil storage tanks should never be installed in a habitable area, and should always be contained within an enclosed chamber.
Detailed requirements exist for the installation of oil storage tanks within habitable buildings and domestic garages. For more information, contact OFTEC.
Q: What’s an Oil loop such as a ‘Tiger Loop’?
A: An oil loop is a de-aerator that helps remove any air or gas bubbles from the oil pipe. Most frequently required when the oil tank is lower that the burner unit or when using a top outlet tank, please note that the oil burner pump must be able to be configured to use a two pipe system to work with the oil loop. Consult an OFTEC engineer for more information.
Q: What’s a remote acting fire valve?
A: A remote acting fire valve is a safety device required by building regulations. The purpose of the valve is to monitor the temperature of the appliance and isolate the oil supply in the event of a fire or significant rise in temperature due to a fault.
Q: I’ve got water in my oil, what can I do?
A: Contact an OFTEC engineer. Our procedure is to draw off as much water as possible from the bottom of the tank using a vacuum pump, we dip the oil tank with a water detection paste to test if we’ve removed it all. We than add a product called ‘Fuel Set’ which will emulsify small amounts of water into the oil and allow it to burn off harmlessly. After that any filters will be cleaned or changed and the supply pipe is cleared. Bleed the air out of the supply pipe and fire the appliance.
Q: I want to transport some diesel between sites, what tank do I need?
A: You need to use a UN approved container often referred to as an IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) and depending on the quantity of diesel, you will need to display orange plates and have certain safety equipment. For more information contact us and ask for our leaflet ‘Diesel Fuel, You and the Law’
IMPORTANT. Whilst every effort is made to keep this information up to date, Southern Tank Services Ltd cannot be held liable for errors or omissions. Compliance with statutory requirements is the responsibility of the person(s) who install, use and maintain products supplied by Southern Tank Services Ltd. If you have concerns over compliance, you must seek professional advice, contact your local Building Control Officer, your local environmental authority or OFTEC. Southern Tank Services Ltd. advises that oil storage installations should be installed and maintained by an OFTEC Registered Technician. Southern Tank Services Ltd. will not be responsible for installations or product use that does not comply with prevailing statutory requirements.
