OFTEC Oil Storage Tank Regulations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum distance a plastic oil storage tank must be sited from a building under the Oil Storage Regulations?
- 1.8 metres from a building (unless fire-protected) (Correct answer)
- 0.5 metres from a building
- 5 metres from a building
- 10 metres from a building
Correct answer: 1.8 metres from a building (unless fire-protected)
Under Building Regulations and OFTEC guidance, a plastic (polyethylene) oil tank must be at least 1.8 metres from any building, unless a 30-minute fire-rated barrier is installed between the tank and the building.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a secondary containment (bund) for an oil storage tank?
- To contain oil leaks and spills, preventing environmental contamination (Correct answer)
- To insulate the tank from frost damage
- To provide structural support for the tank
- To prevent theft of oil
Correct answer: To contain oil leaks and spills, preventing environmental contamination
Secondary containment (bunding) catches any oil that leaks from the primary tank, preventing it from contaminating soil, groundwater, or watercourses. It is a legal requirement in many situations under the Oil Storage Regulations.
Question 3: What percentage of the tank's capacity must the bund be able to hold as a minimum?
- 110% of the tank capacity (Correct answer)
- 50% of the tank capacity
- 75% of the tank capacity
- 100% of the tank capacity
Correct answer: 110% of the tank capacity
The bund must hold at least 110% of the primary tank's capacity. The extra 10% accounts for rainwater accumulation and potential expansion of the oil. This ensures complete containment even in adverse conditions.
Question 4: Under which UK regulations is oil storage of 3,500 litres or more in a commercial setting specifically controlled?
- The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations (Correct answer)
- The Gas Safety Regulations
- The Electricity at Work Regulations
- The Food Hygiene Regulations
Correct answer: The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations
The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001 (and equivalent in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland) set requirements for oil storage above certain thresholds, including mandatory secondary containment.
Question 5: What is the maximum capacity of a domestic oil storage tank that can be installed without requiring Building Regulations approval in England?
- 3,500 litres (Correct answer)
- 1,000 litres
- 5,000 litres
- 10,000 litres
Correct answer: 3,500 litres
In England, oil storage installations of 3,500 litres or less for domestic use can be self-certified by an OFTEC registered technician without a separate Building Regulations application, provided they comply with all requirements.
Question 6: What minimum distance must an oil storage tank be from a non-fire-rated boundary?
- 760mm from a non-fire-rated boundary or fence (Correct answer)
- 3 metres from any boundary
- No minimum distance is required
- 100mm from any boundary
Correct answer: 760mm from a non-fire-rated boundary or fence
Oil tanks must be at least 760mm from a non-fire-rated boundary (such as a garden fence) to allow access for maintenance, inspection, and to reduce fire spread risk. Greater distances apply near buildings.
OFTEC Oil Storage Tank Regulations 1
What is the minimum distance a plastic oil storage tank must be sited from a building under the Oil Storage Regulations?