Storing oil at your home or business
Overview
You have to follow certain regulations if you have an oil storage container at your home, business or farm.
Oil storage containers include tanks, drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and mobile containers called ‘bowsers’.
The person responsible for the property or premises is usually legally responsible for the oil storage container, for example the homeowner, business owner or site manager.
Which regulations to follow
The regulations are different depending on where you store your oil.
At your home
You normally have to follow building regulations for your home if you have an oil storage container installed.
If your storage container can hold 3,501 litres or more, you must follow the regulations for businesses.
At your business
You have to follow oil storage regulations for businesses if the container can hold 201 litres or more of certain types of oil.
The regulations for businesses also apply to public sector buildings like schools, hospitals, churches and residential care homes.
At your farm
You have to follow different regulations depending on whether you’re storing oil:
- for heat and power for agriculture, for example to fuel your tractor or run a grain dryer
- to heat your farmhouse - follow regulations for your home
- for a separate part of your business, for example to fuel vehicles you hire out - follow regulations for businesses
Checking and labelling your tank
You should get your oil storage container inspected every year by someone who’s registered with a ‘competent person’ scheme.
The person inspecting your tank will let you know when you should replace it.
Oil Care suggest that you check your oil tank is not damaged or leaking at least once a month.
Learn what to do if you have an oil leak or spill.
Your tank should have a sticker that tells you how to look after your oil. If it does not, you can order a new sticker.