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It can a very onerous job having your oil tank changed and not something that you will want to do too often. Generally, if you have planned to do this for some time you may ask your friends or neighbours if they have had a new tank and if so, who did the work? Were they happy with the job and would they recommend the people that they used? Is the paperwork all in place to confirm that the job is legal? Is the work part of a planned building project and if so, is it something that your builders are prepared to do for you?
Unfortunately, when an oil tank needs to be replaced, more often than not it is an unexpected and slightly onerous situation. Sometimes even a “distress purchase”, so where on earth do you start?
The most important thing is to contact a company who is professional, efficient, and dependable. You will understandably be nervous about having strangers around your home and in your garden. Will they make a mess, will they spill oil from the old tank and trample on your plants? One of the main things to take into consideration is who – if anyone – is this company answerable to? This is where OFTEC comes into its own.
Who Are OFTEC?
OFTEC is the trade body that covers the oil heating industry. Generally, oil tank installation companies will be registered with OFTEC and also the technicians will also be individually registered. OFTEC provides the regulations to which oil tank installers work and as members, they must adhere to them as they are based on government legislation. In order to be an OFTEC trained technician, you will need to go on regular courses and pass tests and prove that you are a competent person who understands and respects oil.
What Do OFTEC Do?
OFTEC provides a touchstone for members and a robust technical support system so that should a job be more difficult or if there are more complex siting issues to be considered, the technicians will be able to draw on their advice and expertise to ensure that the best possible direction is given. This will give you confidence going forward but also should something go wrong, or you are not happy with the work, you have recourse through OFTEC. They will take up any issues that you have with the technician and, should this relate to non-compliant work, they will insist that it is put right. If it is not resolved to OFTEC’s satisfaction, the company can be struck off. OFTEC will also be able to reassure you should you have any questions about the work and why it was done a certain way and if necessary, mediate between you and the installer.
Oil storage comes under building regulations and when your tank is replaced, it will need to be signed off as compliant so that the relevant documentation is generated and kept in a safe place. Your tank replacement is notifiable work and the certificate to confirm this will be needed by your solicitor should you wish to sell the house or in the event that an insurance claim is made. At the very least, should something go wrong along the line, if you can demonstrate that you had the work done by an OFTEC registered company and it was signed off properly, this will go a long way to prove that you did as much as you possibly could to ensure that your oil tank replacement was carried out to the very best of your ability.
Technically the person who changes your tank for you does not need to be OFTEC registered but if they are not, you will need to find someone OFTEC registered who will sign it off for you. Not many people are prepared to vouch for work that they have not carried out and so failing this, you will need to contact local building control and they will need to visit a site and inspect the work. This will incur an additional cost, which you should factor in when comparing quotations from various companies, particularly if one is OFTEC registered and one is not.
If you are in doubt as to the best way forward, pick up the phone and have a chat with OFTEC. They are very approachable and are happy to discuss the best way forward with you. You do not even need to give your name to them as they just want to ensure that you make the right decision and give you peace of mind.
