Find out how the regulations apply to different kinds of oil containers.
What types of oil container are covered by the OSR England?
The regulations apply to:
- tanks (can be permanent or temporary);
- drums greater than 200 litres capacity;
- intermediate bulk containers (IBCs);
- mobile bowsers.
Oil storage containers can be made from a variety of materials, for example polyethylene or metal, but all should be designed and manufactured to hold oil and must be ‘fit for purpose’ while they are being used.
We regard an Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) as being permanent oil storage and the requirements for fixed tanks apply.
Please read our Pollution Prevention Guidance document below, for details of how the OSR England apply to these storage containers:
How do I know if a tank will comply with the regulations?
There are British Standards and Oil Firing Technical Association for the Petroleum Industry (OFTEC) standards that, when a tank is manufactured to the specification, means many of the minimum requirements of the OSR England are met. These include:
- For polyethylene tanks: OFTEC OFS T100
- For steel tanks: BS 799-5
OFTEC OFS T200
But, however well a tank is manufactured, there are other aspects you need to consider to make sure your tank complies with the OSR England. These include:
- location;
- use of fixed coupling points and drip trays during delivery;
- maintenance;
- security.
Does the OSR England apply to the size of the container or the amount of oil stored in it?
The OSR England applies to the size of the container rather than the contents. An oil storage tank with a capacity of 1,000 litres, with only 199 litres of stored oil, is within the regulations. Domestic properties with a storage tank greater than 3,500 litres capacity, with only 2,500 litres of stored oil, are within the regulations.
What is the definition of a mobile bowser?
For the purpose of the regulations, a mobile bowser is defined as being:
- an oil storage container that can't move under its own power (we don't consider a rigid or articulated road tanker to be a mobile bowser);
- designed for storing and dispensing oil;
- able to move between locations.
A mobile bowser's design should prevent oil from being lost from the container in the event of a collision, drop, roll over or similar incident.
Mobile bowsers may have wheels or be transported on or by another vehicle.
The regulations state that trailer-tankers towed by road-tankers of a similar size are not mobile bowsers.
There are many types of self-bunded bowsers now available. Bowsers that aren't bunded must be kept in a bunded area than can hold 110 per cent capacity when in use. A drip tray with a capacity of 25 per cent is acceptable for single drums.
Note that the Carriage of Dangerous Goods (ADR) legislation may apply if you use a mobile bowser on the public highway.
Can I store oil in a road tanker without secondary containment?
Road tankers are designed to transport oil – not for storage. You shouldn’t store oil in a road tanker, unless you provide secondary containment for the tanker.
Please note that the Defra Guidance Note refers to a specific road and rail tanker exemption which does cause confusion. This wasn’t included as an exemption in the regulations when they became a legal requirement.
We may use our powers under the Anti-Pollution Works Notices Regulations 1999, or Environmental Civil Sanctions (England) Order 2010, to require suitable pollution prevention measures based on the risks on site and the costs/benefits to the environment and the owner, or to stop your activities.
Is an empty tank covered by the regulations?
The regulations are designed to stop oil escaping into the environment.
Many abandoned tanks will have an oily residue at the bottom that could cause pollution.
We advise that redundant tanks are properly decommissioned and removed in line with the waste duty of care.
Where removal is not possible an abandoned tank should be filled with a material that will ensure it can't be used again.
