Legislation

Introduction 

Different regulatory bodies control tanks dependent on their location. Above ground external tanks come under the EA’s Oil Storage Regulations. Underground tanks come under DEFRA’s Groundwater Protection Code (Petrol Stations and other fuel dispensing facilities involving underground storage tanks) and internal tanks are governed by Building Control

Regulations Approved Document J. Ultimately all would become under The EA’s control if there were an oil spillage of more than 5 litres into the ground. There are also minor differences between England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.  

There is currently in the UK a requirement to ensure all fuel storage facilities meet their legal requirements:

Regulation 9 states that a person with custody or control of any oil breaching the Regulations will be guilty of a criminal offence. (From The EA). 

Regulatory compliance requirements for sites that store diesel / gas oil.

1. Annual OFTEC Inspection of fuel storage system, including pipework and ancillary equipment
2. Pressure Testing of underground pipework
3. Integrity testing of underground storage tanks
4. Tanks not in use – Tank Decommissioning / Making Safe
5. Spill Response Plans
6. Spill Response Training
7. Spill Kits
8. Bi-annual Interceptor Inspections
9. 5 yearly Interceptor Clean
10. DSEAR Risk Assessments
11. Drain Mapping

Legislation has recently changed (Aug 2022) and all sites that have fuel storage should have an up to date drain map.

Please get in touch if you would like more information or a quotation for any of the services listed above.

Inspections 

123oils annual inspections are designed to meet all minimum regulatory requirements and best practice for fuel storage facilities in the UK. 

Typical process per tank: 

1. Tanks are either visually inspected or pressure tested
2. Any buried or hidden pipework pressure tested 
3. Integrity of bund, tanks and pipework checked 
4. Tanks checked for water (will corrode in bottom of tank causing rust)
5. All gauges, overfill alarms etc checked for correct operation
6. Fuel sample taken from each tank to check fuel condition, bacterial growth and fungal growth 
7. Spill kits and spill plan on site checked

Following the on site inspection a pass certificate will be issued if the installation meets its legal requirements. If not, a fail certificate will be sent along with a report detailing why it failed and what remedial works need to be done and at what cost.