Moving Half Full 1200Litre Heating Oil Tank

[corinth748]

is it safe to lift half full 1200 litre heating oil tank using straps & fork lift from existing stand to a new one about 2 feet away?

[paddywak]

Should be safe enough providing you're using the appropriate lifting gear for the weight of the tank.

[jomifl]

I think you have to consider the consequences of the tank being dropped (for whatever reason) resulting in the release of the contents. Where would the oil go? could it be ignited etc. Probably best to decant the contents into another container(s) first.

[buildersmate]

The weight of 600 litres of the oil in there is about 400Kg. I would doubt that you have a tank that could handle this - they are not designed to be lifted when loaded in this manner. A steel tank might handle it but it might buckle and, besides, depending on the age of the tank, parts of it may be weaker from corrosion. A plastic tank is a definite no-no.

There is a greater risk than the fire risk - the risk of environmental pollution if the tank breaks.