Bunded Oil Tanks

A bunded oil tank is quite simply a tank within a tank. The bund area of a Tuffa oil tank is able to hold at least 110% of the primary tank’s contents.

All non-domestic oil storage tanks over 200 litres need to be bunded.

A Bund is required in domestic situations if:

• You are storing over 2500 litres.
• Your tank is near an open drain or loose fitting manhole.
• Your tank is within 10m of controlled water such as a river, stream etc.
• Your tank is located where any spillage could travel over hard ground to reach controlled water.
• Your tank is located within 50m of a borehole, spring or well.
• Your tank vent is not visible from the fill point. (Such as an extended fill point)
• Your oil use is for a building other than a single family dwelling.
• Any other unique hazards to your site.

Heating oil is a liquid fuel used in boilers and furnaces for heating and/or cooking in domestic and commercial applications typically when the property is not connected to the gas-grid.

For more detailed information about heating oil, it’s uses, types of storage available and more then visit our expert guide to heating oil tanks.

There are two types of oil used for domestic heating:

Gas Oil – also known as red diesel and 35-second oil, gas oil is a heavier oil generally used in older boilers, in agriculture or commercially.

Kerosene – also known as home heating oil or 28-second oil, kerosene is a lighter and cleaner fuel and the most common type used in homes in the UK.

Everyone storing oil in a container with a capacity to store over 200 litres must follow oil storage regulations. The regulations you are required to follow depends upon the usage of the tank and its location – both the proximity of the tank in relation to other structures and the country in which the tank resides.

Find a list of the up to date Oil Storage Regulations here.

Heating oil storage tanks come in a range of shapes, sizes and capacities and can be manufactured in-house from both plastic and steel. Tuffa manufacture bunded oil tanks, fire protected oil tanks, steel oil tanks and plastic oil tanks.

Find out more on the types of heating oil storage options available here.

Oil tank maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner in domestic properties. It’s recommended that your oil tank is checked intermittently every 6 months and after any extreme weather, and you use a competent technician to maintain your tank every year.

Find out more on how to check and maintain your oil storage tanks here.

We would recommend that you opt for a bunded tank over a single skin tank for a number of reasons. This could be because you need to store a larger volume of liquid, the placement of your tank is at risk of contaminating the environment or the public, and to comply with regulation requirements.

Keep your tank concealed to avoid the prying eyes of potential thieves, or keep enclosed in fencing with a lockable gate. CCTV and security lighting are a great way to deter thieves and can help authorities recover your assets, should they be sabotaged or stolen.

Keep an eye on your fuel levels regularly to ensure that you are aware of any sudden, unexpected losses in your fuel reserves.

Keep your tank clean and in good condition to ensure you get a full lifespan from your tank. They are manufactured using steel for strength and durability, as well as longevity.