Oil Tank NI Policy

Oil Tanks NI - Oil Tank Installation Policy

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the guidelines and requirements for the safe and compliant installation of oil storage tanks in Northern Ireland, ensuring environmental protection, public safety, and adherence to regulatory standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all oil tank installations, replacements, and upgrades for residential, commercial, and industrial properties carried out by Oil Tanks NI.

3. Regulatory Compliance

All installations must comply with:

-Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012

-The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010

-Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines

-OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association) regulations

-Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) guidelines

-Local council planning and fire safety requirements

4. Installation Requirements

4.1 Tank Selection

-Tanks must be OFTEC-approved and meet BS EN 13341 standards for plastic tanks or BS 799-5 for steel tanks.

-Bundled (double-walled) tanks are required if the installation site is in an environmentally sensitive area.

-Tanks must be correctly sized based on property requirements.

4.2 Site Preparation

-Tanks must be located at least 1.8m from buildings, windows, and ignition sources unless a fire-resistant barrier is installed.

-If near a water source or drainage system, secondary containment (bunded tank) is required.

-Underground tanks must be installed in accordance with environmental safety guidelines.

4.3 Installation Process

-All installations must be carried out by an OFTEC-registered technician.

-Tanks must be installed on a non-combustible base, extending at least 300mm beyond the tank footprint.

-Ventilation, overfill prevention, and fire safety measures must be incorporated.

-Leak detection must be installed for underground tanks.

-Corrosion-resistant materials must be used for pipes and fittings.

5. Safety Measures

-Spill containment and emergency shut-off valves must be installed.

-Tanks must not obstruct emergency exits, driveways, or public pathways.

-Fire-resistant barriers must be used where required.

-Installers must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during installation.

6. Inspection and Testing

-Tanks must undergo pressure and leak testing before use.

-A final inspection by a certified professional is required before commissioning.

-Annual servicing and inspections are recommended to ensure continued compliance.

7. Environmental Protection

-   Any spills or leaks must be reported immediately to the relevant environmental authority.

- Old tanks must be safely decommissioned and disposed of in compliance with waste regulations.

- Secondary containment is required for tanks near watercourses, drains, or environmentally sensitive areas.

8. Enforcement & Non-Compliance

-   Non-compliant installations may be subject to corrective action, fines, or legal enforcement.

- Customers must be made aware of regulations before installation to ensure full compliance.

-  Failure to adhere to this policy may result in tank removal or operational restrictions.

9. Review & Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with Northern Ireland’s latest regulations and industry best practices.