Oil Storage
Why Is It Important
Correct storage of oil is not just a part of good site management, oil storage must comply with the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001 if the oil storage is more than 200 litres.
- Ensure oil containers are of sufficient strength & integrity to make a leak or burst highly unlikely.
- Situate container in a secondary containment system such as an interceptor drip tray or bund to prevent the escape of oil .
- Ensure a bund is able to hold 25% of the combined storage capacity, or 110% of a single drum/container.
- Ensure that interceptor drip trays can hold 25% of the combined storage capacity, or 110% of a single drum/container.
- Position & protect containers to minimise any risk of damage by impact from machinery .
- Make sure bunds are impermeable to water & oil & covered to prevent rainwater ingress.
- Make sure any valve, gauge, pipes etc is situated within the bund/ interceptor drip tray .
Ensure all containers are correctly labelled with contents.
- Discharge rainwater that accumulates in bunds to a watercourse, groundwater or foul sewer unless you have specific permission through a trade effluent or discharge consent.
- Forget to supervise deliveries of oil & ensure there is sufficient capacity in the tank for the delivery.
- Forget that these Oil Storage Regulations apply to both fixed tanks & mobile double skinned bowsers.
- Store within 10m of a drain or surface watercourse.
Leave bunds & drip trays to overflow . - Make sure any valve, gauge, pipes etc is situated within the bund/ interceptor drip tray .
- Ensure all containers are correctly labelled with contents.
Questions:
1.Why is it important that oil is stored correctly?
2.What kind of oil is covered by the regulations? (every kind of oil is covered – including diesel, petrol, heating oil, lubricating oil, vegetable oil, bitumen, & paraffin)
3.How big does a bund around an oil container have to be to comply with oil storage regulations?
