Domestic oil tank

[mysticman]

Is there any law stopping me from replacing my old metal oil tank with a new plastic one myself? Its rusty and needs replacing, but a guy came and said the position was too near the house etc etc I think he was flamming me, and such laws don't exist!

[Toureman]

Yes, have a look here.....

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/ 444217/590750/590821/174658/1158171/?lang=_e

But who's to know if you DIY it?

[mysticman]

Most of the regs seem to apply to tanks far larger than a domestic 1500 litre.

Thanks for the info though - I'll peruse it.

[Hard@it]

The biggest thing is to mmake sure you get one with a bund, i.e. a tank with it's own catch pit, You can get them in plastic too.

[buildersmate]

Yes, there are constraints about the position of a domestic oil tank contained in Building Regulations, Part J, Storing Fuel. You don't have to have a bund unless its over 2500 litres (but its a good idea anyway). I don't believe there's anything to stop you installing the tank. Titan are the brand leader for plastic tanks in the UK.

[PhiliBreek]

Yes and no is the answer. If you live in England or Wales, you'll either require a competent person to install it, or else you'll have to apply for a Building Notice via Building Control. For competent person in practice read OFTEC Registered Technician - see http://www.oftec.org

As for the guy who came who came to visit you, yes there's a raft of rules and regulations governing the installation of oil storage tanks. For domestic installations, most regulations fall under Building Regulations and not Environmental Regulations. See:

http://www.tankdepot.co.uk/regulations.htm
http://www.tankdepot.co.uk/installation_guidel ines.htm

Also, practically every domestic oil tank should be bunded. To see whether it needs to be, check out the OFTEC Risk Assessment:

http://www.oftec.co.uk/publications/T14_Iss2_s ept_05.pdf

Reference DIY, who indeed is to know you if you've DIY'd it?

Well probably the tank manufacturer when they laugh at any warranty claim you may make; or your home insurers when they decline an insurance claim; perhaps a surveyor when you go to sell your home; or perhaps Building Control, when they wonder where your CD10 form is.