Regulations & Safety

OFTEC Oil Tank Regulations (Simple Guide 2025): Siting, Bunding & Safety

Posted on by Tom Marshall
Heads up: This quick guide summarises common OFTEC and UK building-regs concepts for domestic oil tanks. It may be out of date or not fit your property. Always check the current rules on the official OFTEC website and the latest Approved Document J, and speak to an OFTEC-registered technician for site-specific advice.

New or replacing a tank and searching “OFTEC regulations”? Here’s a neat overview of siting rules, when a bund is needed, and common safety checks — with links to official sources. When you’re ready to buy, browse Oil Tanks or see Monitors & Gauges.

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What do “OFTEC regs” cover?

OFTEC publishes guidance and technician standards for domestic oil storage (typically up to 3,500L). UK Building Regulations (see Approved Document J) also give siting and protection guidance for small domestic tanks. Local environmental rules may add extra requirements — always check region-specific advice.

Siting snapshot (distances & fire protection)

  • Keep tanks away from fire risk: guidance allows protection by separation distances from buildings/boundaries and/or by a fire-rated barrier.
  • If you can’t meet separations: a fire barrier with at least 30-minute rating is commonly used; keep a clear gap (often quoted around ~300 mm) between tank and barrier — follow your tank manufacturer’s instruction for the exact spacing.
  • Inside a garage/outhouse? Installations typically require a 60-minute fire-rated chamber (specialist job).
  • Typical examples you’ll see referenced (illustrative only, verify locally): approx. 1.8 m from non-fire-rated eaves/openings/buildings; about 760 mm from non-fire-rated boundaries (e.g. timber fence). Your installer will confirm what applies on your site.
Why it varies: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland enforce rules differently. Local risk (nearby buildings, boundaries, flues, vegetation, waterways) changes what’s acceptable. Always get a site visit by an OFTEC-registered technician.

Do I need a bunded oil tank?

Click for a quick bunding checker

Bunding (secondary containment) = a tank-in-a-tank or a surrounding wall that catches spills. It’s widely recommended for domestic tanks and often required by law in non-domestic settings.

  • Domestic homes (< 3500L): a bund is typically required if there’s an increased pollution risk (e.g. close to drains, watercourses, boreholes/springs), or where a spill could reach open ground or water. Your installer does a formal risk assessment.
  • Non-domestic / business: bunding is usually mandatory above small thresholds; check your environmental regulator’s rules.
  • Capacity: when a bund is used, its secondary containment volume is commonly 110% of the tank capacity (or more for multiple tanks).

Bottom line: Ask your OFTEC technician to complete the site assessment and confirm bund requirement for your property.

Popular Bunded Oil Tanks – Quick Picks

1000 Litre Super Slimline Bunded Oil Tank

1000 L Super Slimline Bunded Oil Tank

Volume: 1000ltr

Great where access is tight.

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Dimensions & weight
Weight: 130.00kg
Dimensions: L:1900mm   W:660mm   H:1515mm
Footprint: L:1825mm   W:570mm
DESO 1340 Litre Bunded Oil Tank V1340BT

DESO 1340 L Bunded (V1340BT)

Volume: 1340ltr

Popular square footprint.

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Dimensions & weight
Weight: 107.00kg
Dimensions: L:1410mm   W:1410mm   H:1530mm
Footprint: L:1390mm   W:1390mm
Harlequin 1400SSL Slimline Bunded Oil Tank

Harlequin 1400SSL Slimline Bunded

Volume: 1435ltr

Slimline for narrow access.

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Dimensions & weight
Weight: 200.00kg
Dimensions: L:2110mm   W:640mm   H:1670mm
Footprint: L:2075mm   W:630mm
DESO 2500 Litre Slimline Bunded H2500BT

DESO 2500 L Slimline Bunded

Volume: 2500ltr

Large capacity, slim profile.

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Dimensions & weight
Weight: 190.00kg
Dimensions: L:2300mm   W:1250mm   H:1450mm
Footprint: L:2300mm   W:1250mm
900 Litre Bunded Steel Oil Tank

900 L Bunded Steel Oil Tank

Volume: 900ltr

Durable steel construction.

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Dimensions & weight
Approx Weight: 185kg
Dimensions: L:1375mm   W:650mm   H:1250mm
Titan ESSL2000 2000 Litre Slimline Bunded

Titan ESSL2000 – 2000 L Slimline

Volume: 2000ltr

High capacity, narrow footprint.

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Dimensions & weight
Weight: 230.00kg
Dimensions: L:2500mm   W:800mm   H:1700mm
Footprint: L:2350mm   W:800mm

Base, fills & good practice

  • Solid base: level, robust, and sized to support the full tank; keep it clear around the edges for inspection.
  • Fill & vent: position safely for deliveries; protect from damage; consider drip-tray/cabinet where fills are outside the bund/secondary containment.
  • Overfill prevention & monitoring: use a contents gauge or smart monitor; set low-level alerts to avoid run-outs.
  • Keep combustibles away: don’t stack timber/garden items against the tank or inside the bund.
  • Annual check-up: get your tank and oil line inspected; replace tired seals and perished hoses.

FirePro tanks (read before buying)

Tuffa FirePro

Important: FirePro tanks are not OFTEC-approved. They typically require Building Control sign-off. Consider FirePro when you need a tank close to buildings/boundaries and a compliant fire-resisting solution is required. Always confirm acceptability with your local authority before ordering.

Browse the FirePro category

Tuffa 1150 L FirePro Bunded Oil Tank

Tuffa 1150 L Plastic Bunded Fire-Protected (FirePro)

For sites where separation distances can’t be achieved. Requires Building Control approval.

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FAQs (click to open)

Where can I site an oil tank in my garden?
Away from heat sources and boundaries, or protected by a fire-rated barrier if separations can’t be met. Avoid places where a spill could reach drains or water. Your installer will confirm exact distances after a site assessment.
Do I need a bunded oil tank at home?
Often yes where there’s pollution risk (near drains/water, on hardstanding leading to a drain, etc.). Non-domestic sites usually must be bunded. An OFTEC risk assessment decides for your setup.
Can I put a tank in a garage or shed?
Possible, but typically needs a 60-minute fire-rated chamber and careful design — a professional job.
How big should the bund be?
A common requirement is a minimum of 110% of the tank’s capacity (or the greater of 110% of the largest tank or 25% of total for multiple tanks). Confirm locally.
Who signs off the installation?
Use an OFTEC-registered technician. They’ll install to the current standard and issue the correct paperwork / notify where required.

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Post summary (TL;DR)

Siting: Keep tanks away from buildings/boundaries or use a fire-rated barrier if you can’t meet separations. Bunding: Widely recommended; often mandatory for non-domestic or higher-risk sites. When used, bunds commonly hold 110% of tank capacity. FirePro: not OFTEC-approved — check with Building Control before purchase. Always verify with the latest OFTEC & Building Regs.

Tom Marshall