UK Oil Tank Regulations & Compliance Guidelines

What You Need to Know About Domestic Heating Oil Tank Legislation in the UK

At Turner Tanks, we take safety and compliance seriously. Every domestic oil tank installation we carry out is designed to meet or exceed UK regulations and environmental standards, ensuring your system is safe, efficient, and fully legal.

 

Whether you’re installing a new tank, replacing an old one, or relocating an existing setup, it’s important to understand the rules around domestic oil storage. Below is a summary of the key legislation that affects oil tank installation in the UK.

 

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When is a Bunded Oil Tank Required?

 

According to UK regulations and OFTEC guidelines, a bunded oil tank (a tank with a second outer layer to contain leaks) is required if:

 

• The tank is within 10 metres of a watercourse, such as a stream, drain, or river

• It’s located within 50 metres of a borehole, spring, or well

• A spill could run into a drain, manhole, or soakaway

• The tank has an offset fill (where the vent pipe isn’t visible from the fill point)

• The site presents any other environmental or fire risk

 

Bunded tanks are also typically required for properties in sensitive environmental areas or where oil storage volume exceeds 2,500 litres.

 

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Building Regulations & BS 5410: Part 1 Standards

 

For domestic properties, oil tanks must comply with BS 5410: Part 1 and local building control requirements. These include:

 

• A non-combustible base, such as concrete (minimum 100mm depth) or paving slabs (50mm thick), which must extend at least 300mm beyond the tank on all sides

• A minimum distance of 760mm from property boundaries, unless the boundary is a fire-resistant wall (e.g., brick or blockwork)

• Tanks must be 1.8 metres away from windows, doors, eaves, sheds, or any combustible structure

• If located within 1.8m of a building, a fire-resistant barrier (minimum 30-minute rating) must be installed to shield the tank

 

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Turner Tanks – Compliant by Design

 

Every installation we carry out is assessed on-site to ensure it meets all legal and safety requirements. We provide:

 

• Full compliance with BS 5410 and OFTEC standards

• Correct tank siting, including bunding and base construction

• Advice on fire safety and building proximity

• Pressure-tested fuel lines and secure fittings

• Environmentally responsible old tank removal

 

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Peace of Mind, Built In

 

UK legislation is there to protect your home, your environment, and your heating system. At Turner Tanks, we make sure every installation is done properly — no shortcuts, no surprises.

 

For friendly advice or a fully compliant quote, get in touch with Turner Tanks today.