OFTEC Oil Storage Tank Regulations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a tank contents gauge on a domestic oil storage tank?
- To indicate the oil level so the homeowner knows when to reorder fuel (Correct answer)
- To measure the temperature of the oil
- To regulate the flow to the burner
- To measure the quality of the oil
Correct answer: To indicate the oil level so the homeowner knows when to reorder fuel
A contents gauge shows the approximate level of oil remaining in the tank. This allows the homeowner to monitor usage and reorder fuel before the tank runs dry, which can cause air locks and burner lockouts.
Question 2: Where should the tank fill point be positioned for safe delivery access?
- Within 30 metres of where the delivery tanker can park, with safe access (Correct answer)
- Directly on top of the tank only
- Inside the building
- At least 50 metres from any road
Correct answer: Within 30 metres of where the delivery tanker can park, with safe access
The fill point should be within 30 metres of the delivery vehicle parking position (the maximum standard hose length). The fill point should be clearly visible and accessible, with a hardstanding area for the delivery driver.
Question 3: What type of material is commonly used for domestic oil supply pipework between the tank and the building?
- 10mm copper pipe or steel pipe, buried underground in a protective duct (Correct answer)
- Plastic garden hose
- Rubber tubing
- Lead pipe
Correct answer: 10mm copper pipe or steel pipe, buried underground in a protective duct
Oil supply lines are typically 10mm OD copper or steel, buried at a minimum depth of 300mm in a protective duct when underground. This protects against physical damage, frost, and allows for leak detection and pipe replacement.
Question 4: What is the minimum depth for burying an oil supply pipe underground?
- 300mm (or 450mm under driveways) (Correct answer)
- 50mm
- 1 metre
- No minimum depth is specified
Correct answer: 300mm (or 450mm under driveways)
Underground oil supply pipes must be buried at a minimum depth of 300mm to protect them from frost and accidental damage. Under areas subject to vehicle traffic (driveways), a depth of 450mm is recommended.
Question 5: What must be done if an oil tank is to be sited within a zone that could potentially flood?
- The tank must be securely anchored and all openings above the flood level (Correct answer)
- Flooding zones cannot have oil tanks under any circumstances
- No special measures are needed
- Only steel tanks are allowed in flood zones
Correct answer: The tank must be securely anchored and all openings above the flood level
In flood-risk areas, the tank must be securely anchored to prevent flotation and displacement. All openings (fill, vent, offtake) should be above the predicted flood level. Secondary containment must also be flood-resistant.
Question 6: What is the OFTEC recommendation for the condition of ground beneath a bunded oil tank?
- It must be impervious to oil — typically a concrete pad or integral base (Correct answer)
- Any natural ground surface is acceptable
- It only needs to be level
- Gravel is the recommended surface
Correct answer: It must be impervious to oil — typically a concrete pad or integral base
The base of the bunded area must be impervious to oil to prevent contamination if a leak occurs within the bund. This typically means a concrete pad or the integral base of a purpose-built bunded tank system.
OFTEC Oil Storage Tank Regulations 3
What is the purpose of a tank contents gauge on a domestic oil storage tank?