Designed to promote safety and to prevent pollution, the new oil storage regulations should minimise leaks, spills and environmental contamination in Wales.
What are the new regulations?
The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (Wales) Regulations have been in effect from 2016 – the change is that they now apply to all fuel containers in Wales that can hold over 200 litres of oil.
This means that all above-ground IBCs, mobile bowsers, tanks must:
- Be 110% bunded
- Have all ancillary equipment (e.g. valves, gauges etc) contained within the bund
- Be fitted with a lock which secures access when the tank isn’t in use
- Be fitted with an automatic overfill prevention device
These regulations apply to all fuel storage capable of holding over 200 litres of oil – so even if your tank has a capacity of 1200 litres and you only have 50 litres in it, the legislation still applies.
For a full list of measures covered by these new regulations, see the full document here.
What is a bund?
Bunds are secondary containment systems for fuel tanks, most commonly taking the form of a low impermeable wall around the base of a fuel tank.
Some tanks are integrally bunded, meaning that the bund is built into the tank itself for an extra layer of protection. These tanks don’t need an additional exterior bund so long as they meet the minimum fuel capacity requirements.
Why have these regulations been updated?
Simply put, to protect users and the environment.
It also moves Wales ahead of England when it comes to oil storage safety measures, as these regulations apply to all fuel containers with a capacity over 200 litres. The threshold is much higher in England.
What fuels are covered under these regulations?
The new regulations apply to any above-ground fuel tanks that store fuel or oil, including:
- Red diesel
- White Diesel
- Heating oil
- Biofuels
- Petrol
- Solvent oils
- Vegetable oil
- Lubricants and cutting fluids
- Waste oil
- Plant oil
How can I find out if my oil tank is compliant?
There are a few simple checks that you can undertake to find out if your tank complies with the new regulations:
- Find your tank’s paperwork – this will detail the tank’s capacity and other details
- Find out your tank’s make and model
If your tank was installed after March 2016 then it’s likely that it is compliant as this was when the first regulations were brought in.
If you’re in any doubt, or to upgrade your tank to a newer compliant model, please contact Nationwide Fuels on 0330 678 0880. Our friendly, expert team will be able to help with your tank and any other fuel concerns you might have.
What if my oil tank doesn’t comply with the regulations?
If a tank owner is found to be in breach, they can be subject to criminal proceedings and a fine of up to £5,000.
Our expert team are here to provide specialist guidance on your oil storage tank needs, and we also offer a range of tanks that fully comply with UK regulations and ISO 9000 standards.
Be safe. Be responsible. Contact Nationwide Fuels expert team today on 0330 678 0880 to ensure that you’re on the right side of the law.
Information correct at time of writing (March 2020)