Oli tank barrier

[Guest DarrenF]

I want to position a new oil tank (1100litre capacity) behind a garden raised flower bed wall constructed form old railway sleepers, about 6 inches thick.

The tank will be at least 5 metres away from any building or boundary wall in every other direction.

Would timber this thick provide 30 minutes fire resistance? ( although I have no idea how a fire could get anywhere near the tank!)

[Tom Sutton]

Check out http://www.oilstorageregs.co.uk/ for guidance and if you require the approved documents especially " J " go to

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations/approveddocuments/

[Guest Brandon]

Hello,

I am trying to find out if there is a minimum safe working distance for doing hot work (welding/grinding) in the vicinity of a partially full domestic oil storage tank. One of the steel single skin type. Not for working on the tank or pipework, but just in the vicinity of the tank. Is there a fire risk with the vapour in the tank and how far does the vapour travel?

[Tom Sutton]

Domestic fuel oil is similar to white spirit and the flash point of white spirit is 26 to 65 degrees centigrade therefore at normal temperature and pressure it will not give off sufficient vapours capable of igniting. But to be cautious keep the oil tank sealed, place a barrier between your work and the tank like a corrugated steel sheet or a domestic fire blanket.

[Guest BryanMa]

Hi - some work has started in a field next to our house. The builders have started bonfires. We have a oil tank on the perimeter of our property. Is there a recommended minimum distance you should have been an oil tank and a bonfire. I suspect they have one fire within 5 metres.

Thanks

[Tom Sutton]

Tank location OFTEC

It is unlikely that a fire could be started by a domestic oil storage tank and its contents. However, tanks are required to comply with fire separation distances in order to adequately protect the stored fuel from a fire or heat source that may originate nearby.

Tanks should be sited:

• 1.8m away from non-fire rated eaves of a building;
• 1.8m away from a non-fire rated building or structure (e.g. garden sheds);
• 1.8m away from openings (such as doors or windows) in a fire rated building or structure (e.g. brick built house/garage);
• 1.8m away from oil fired appliance flue terminals;
• 760mm away from a non-fire rated boundary such as a wooden boundary fence;
• 600mm away from screening (e.g. trellis and foliage) that does not form part of the boundary.

Also this is Bury Council site but you could check your local council see if they can help. http://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=3559

[Guest MicahelW]

Hi,
we had our annual oil central heating audit and service yesterday. The engineer indicated our oil tank does not meet new regulations. I intend moving the tank next year on a base that will meet regulations. However because of its position it will still be near a wooden fence. I need to clad the fence ( I believe will be OK) but I need a recommendation for sheets of material to use. I would like to use sheeting that is above 30 minute standard. 60 minute or above would be great can you help?

[Tom Sutton]

You could build a single brick or block wall with double brick piers to the height and length you require, or check out https://www.fireboards.co.uk/enviroboards-oil-tank-kits their kits may be suitable or check out https://uk.answersite.com/search?q=oil+tank+fire+barrier&ts=b&agid=1339205226295928&kwid=kwd-83700378478401%3Aloc-188&n=o&qsrc=0&src=jo&gch=&au=11690998&tt=T0002404&clickid=04af4b3a7f611b4885d91738d334b735&mkt=gbr&dev=c&adid=83700338940663&qstr=60+minute+fire+rated+barrier+for+oil+tank&utm_source=b&utm_medium=bcpc&msclkid=04af4b3a7f611b4885d91738d334b735&jtUidc=127eef02-2b74-429e-91ce-ad66bc923583&jtSessionRedirector=98d3ef67-ea1c-4124-94b5-ba4cf1140b7a and surf.