Under the regulations and guidelines distributed by the British government, the definition of an oil tank is broad enough to include any drum, tank, vat, or cistern that is utilised for the purpose of storing oil on private property. This includes oil storage containers on residential and commercial property, but also extends to oil tanks located on farms or rural property. Many people find is useful to have an oil tank to heat the home, provide air conditioning, or power a cooking stove, but proper installation and maintenance are essential and closely regulated.
Importance of Proper Installation
There are rules and regulations in the United Kingdom that govern the appropriate procedures for installation and removal of an oil tank that is located on residential or commercial property. To ensure your installation complies with these regulations, it is best to hand the job over to a company or contractor experienced with oil tanks or vats.
When choosing an installation company look for registration under the Competent Person scheme, which allows the company to certify that its work complies with the appropriate residential building codes and regulations. Without self-certification the installation process requires the approval of a local agency or council. Also, a professional should undertake installation, as leaking issues or damage to tanks, vats, and cisterns in Dorset could lead to environmental harm and costly repairs.
Upkeep and Maintenance
The same regulations that require specific installation practises of an oil tank also make it the express responsibility of the property owner to maintain the oil tank. Any damage that results from a faulty tank will be the responsibility of the owner and this cost can be great. This is why upkeep is so important.
The type of oil tank on your property will determine the specific maintenance requirements you should follow. However, all tanks require regularly scheduled inspections. It is recommended that a professional inspect an oil tank once every 12 months. This will ensure that no leaks or other damage is caused by the seasonal changes in weather or the age of the oil tank.