The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001

Fixed tanks

4.—(1) Any fixed tank used for storing oil shall satisfy the following requirements.

(2) Any sight gauge must be properly supported and fitted with a valve which must be closed automatically when not in use.

(3) Any fill pipe, draw off pipe or overflow pipe must be positioned, or other steps must be taken, so as to minimise any risk of damage by impact so far as is reasonably practicable and—

(a)if above ground, must be properly supported;

(b)if underground—

(i)must have no mechanical joints, except at a place which is accessible for inspection by removing a hatch or cover;

(ii)must be adequately protected from physical damage;

(iii)must have adequate facilities for detecting any leaks;

(iv)if fitted with a leakage detection device which is used continuously to monitor for leaks, the detection device must be maintained in working order and tested at appropriate intervals to ensure that it works properly; and

(v)if not fitted with such a device, must be tested for leaks before it is first used and further tests for leaks must be performed, in the case of pipes which have mechanical joints, at least once in every 5 years and, in other cases, at least once in every 10 years; and

(c)if made of materials which are liable to corrosion, must be adequately protected against corrosion.

(4) The tank must be fitted with an automatic overfill prevention device if the filling operation is controlled from a place where it is not reasonably practicable to observe the tank and any vent pipe.

(5) Any screw fitting or other fixed coupling which is fitted and is in good condition must be used when the tank is being filled with oil.

(6) Where oil from the tank is delivered through a flexible pipe which is permanently attached to the container—

(a)the pipe must be fitted with a tap or valve at the delivery end which closes automatically when not in use;

(b)the tap or valve must not be capable of being fixed in the open position unless the pipe is fitted with an automatic shut off device;

(c)the pipe must be enclosed in a secure cabinet which is locked shut when not in use and is equipped with a drip tray or the pipe must—

(i)have a lockable valve where it leaves the container which is locked shut when not in use; and

(ii)be kept within the secondary containment system when not in use.

(7) Any pump must be—

(a)fitted with a non-return valve in its feed line;

(b)positioned, or other steps must be taken, so as to minimise any risk of damage by impact so far as is reasonably practicable; and

(c)protected from unauthorised use.

(8) Any permanent vent pipe, tap or valve through which oil can be discharged from the tank to the open must satisfy the following requirements—

(a)it must be situated within the secondary containment system;

(b)it must be arranged so as to discharge the oil vertically downwards and be contained within the system; and

(c)in the case of a tap or valve, it must be fitted with a lock and locked shut when not in use.