Safe storage of fuel should be an important part of all farm and horticultural business operations. Correct and secure storage of your fuel saves you money in the long run, by preventing spillages and leaks and thus reducing any associated clean-up costs. It also reduces the risk of fuel theft.
To comply with the UK government’s regulations for agricultural oil storage, fixed storage tanks are required to be bunded (double-walled). Not only are bunded oil tanks compliant with current regulations, but they also offer farmers and business owners a cost-effective solution for oil storage
That’s why agricultural fuel oil storage is regulated by the UK government. It’s important to keep up to date with the latest government requirements to avoid receiving a hefty fine for non-compliance. Here we talk about the main types of fuel storage tanks that’ll help you to ensure compliance on your farm.
Types Of Fuel Storage Tanks for Farms
Many farms and horticultural businesses power their vehicles and plant machinery with petrol or diesel. In addition, various other types of oil may also be in use in these businesses, such as red diesel for commercial heating, kerosene, or biofuels. Since most oils and fuels are flammable, not to mention potentially harmful to the environment, it’s imperative that they’re stored securely.
Diesel tanks can be made from metal or plastic, and each has its benefits. Often made from steel, metal diesel tanks tend to have a longer lifespan and can be more secure than plastic diesel tanks. It’s more difficult to drill and syphon off fuel from a metal tank than a plastic one.
By contrast, a plastic tank does not corrode like a steel tank, offering you peace of mind about the quality of the fuel stored within. Additionally, plastic is a more versatile material, so you can custom order a storage tank to fit your space and usage needs.
Petrol tanks are ideal for storing fuel for your vehicles and machinery and are often above-ground models with a choice of pump, flow meter, and lockable cabinet. The most inexpensive installation would consist of a ground tank and a hand pump as you only need a flat, concrete surface to securely place your tank. However, depending on your circumstances, you may find it beneficial to install a tank with electric pump dispensers or a mechanical flow meter.
Both petrol and diesel tanks are available in single-skin or bunded options (single skin tanks can only be used when the storage capacity is below 200 litres). A bunded tank is also known as a double-walled storage tank and offers added reassurance that any spills or leaks from the inner tank will be captured and contained within the second, outer tank. The type of tank you require depends on how you plan to use your petrol or diesel, the quantity you need to store, and whether you are using it in a commercial or domestic setting.
Whichever type of diesel or petrol tank you choose, it must meet ISO9000 quality management standards. In most cases, farms and horticultural businesses will need a bunded petrol or diesel tank for safe and compliant fuel storage.
Types Of Oil Storage Tanks for Farms
In addition to fuel to power machinery or vehicles, farms often store oil for heating purposes.
Oil Storage Tanks
Like diesel and petrol tanks, oil storage tanks can be made from plastic or steel. There’s a wide range of different types of oil storage solutions, including:
● Oil drums;
● Mobile bowsers, which are oil containers that can be relocated easily, but not under their own power;
● Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), which are pallet-mounted industrial-grade, reusable containers; or
● Fixed Storage Tanks (either in single or multiple tank configuration).
Bunded oil tanks are typically made from steel or polyethylene plastic, which is a strong, diesel-resistant material. Consequently, they offer protection from the elements and do not rust like metal tanks.
Bunded oil tanks offer peace of mind as the primary oil tank is surrounded by a secondary outer tank. In the event of any oil spillages, the second “bund” prevents the oil from escaping the outer shell. For this reason, they’re considered more environmentally friendly and will help your business to comply with UK requirements, such as the need to dispose of oil without causing pollution.
Farm Fuel Tank Regulations
On the whole, farms in England are required to comply with the “Storing Silage, Slurry, and Agricultural Fuel Oil” guidance. Under these requirements, farms and landowners have a responsibility to take precautions that prevent and contain spillages, thus minimising environmental damage.
However, it’s worth keeping in mind that other oil and fuel storage regulations may apply, depending on how you’re using the fuel. Other regulations that may apply include the:
● “Oil Storage Regulations for Businesses” – these apply if you’re storing oil in your farm or horticultural business to fuel vehicles; or
● “Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage Systems” under the UK’s building regulations – these may apply if you’re storing oil to fuel your own home.
For oil stored for agricultural purposes, you’ll be required to store your oil tank or drum in a secondary bund that:
● Has a life expectancy of more than 20 years (with regular maintenance);
● Is impermeable to oil and water, including all the walls and the base;
● Does not have a bund outlet drain; and
● Encapsulates every part of the tank.
Additionally, any taps and valves must be directed downwards when not in use and locked shut, and delivery pipes must be permanently attached to the primary tank and contained within the secondary bund.
The agricultural fuel oil guidance also stipulates minimum capacity requirements for your bund:
● For a single tank, the bund must hold a minimum of 110% of the main tank capacity;
● For multiple tanks, the bund must hold the larger of 110% of the largest tank capacity or 25% of the total storage volume of all of the tanks combined.
Where you position your oil storage tanks on your land is also subject to government regulations. In short, this means that your tanks cannot be located within 10m of inland or coastal waters. If you’re using underground storage solutions, then you may find that DEFRA’s Groundwater Protection Code of Practice also applies.
Reducing the Risk of Fuel Theft
With rising fuel costs across the UK, it should come as no surprise that fuel thefts are becoming a more common occurrence.
Investing in appropriate fuel and oil storage solutions can help to keep your resources secure and reduce any negative impact on productivity and long-term costs. Simply storing your oil tank in a bund can act as a deterrent to thieves, as they’ll need to get through two layers in order to syphon off your fuel.
Other ways to protect your fuel and oil include:
● Out of sight, out of mind – Storing your oil storage tank out of sight of the public, such as in a lockable building or away from main roads or public rights of way, means that potential thieves will have to go out of their way to seek out your fuel.
● Physical Barriers – Keeping your fuel tank inside a cage means there’s yet another layer for potential thieves to break through before accessing your fuel. You could also install fencing or shrubs as a further deterrent and block the line of sight to your storage areas.
● General Security Measures – Apply common sense security measures, such as installing security cameras, lights, or motion sensors.
● Lock Your Taps & Valves – Installing tank security devices ensures that movable parts such as fixed taps, valves, or pipework are locked when you’re not using them.
● Secure Your Vehicles – It may come as a surprise that some fuel thieves are going as far as stealing fuel directly from your machinery or vehicles, so it’s best to keep these out of sight and lock them up at night.
In Summary
Storing your fuel on-site can be a cost-saving way of running your farm or horticultural business, as it means you’ll benefit from bulk purchasing power. If you’re looking at buying your fuel in bulk, then you’ll want to make sure that your investment is secure from thieves and stored safely until you want to use it.
The UK’s regulations for farm fuel storage safety are designed to ensure that fuels and oils are stored responsibly and cause minimal environmental damage. Non-compliance can be a costly business, so it’s important to know your responsibilities for storing fuel and oil and the best types of diesel, petrol, and oil storage tanks to suit your business needs
