How to carry out a safety check on your oil storage tank

It is your responsibility to keep your domestic oil storage tank safe.

Do not wait for a problem to occur, download and read a copy of the Essex Contaminated Land Consortium's domestic heating Oil Care Guide (PDF, 1.32MB).

Oil leaks can cause damage to property and the environment. Prolonged exposure to vapours could cause harm to health. It could cost you thousands of pounds and take months or years to clean up an oil spillage and there is a risk of prosecutions and fines.

To prevent problems from occurring make sure your whole system is regularly checked and serviced by professionally qualified, competent engineers.

What we can do to help

We cannot clean up any oil that is spilt or undertake any repairs for you, but we may be able to help you find someone to clean up the oil and to ensure that this is done to the correct standards.

Contact us for advice

Check your oil tank

Are there any visible leaks or stains? Are there any cracks or damage to the tank, pipes, sight gauges or the support system?  Is your tank old or in poor condition?

If any of these apply, get advice from a qualified and experienced engineer as soon as possible. If repair or replacement is required, do not attempt to do this yourself.

Make sure that there is space around your oil storage tank. Cut back any plants which are growing near or over the tank, as they could damage it.

Make sure that any deliveries of oil can be made safely and supervise them whenever possible.

Do what you can to prevent vandalism or theft, but do not make any changes that would affect how your system works.

Prepare for emergencies

Keep a copy of emergency telephone numbers to hand – or obtain a sticker for your tank from the Environment Agency by telephoning their National Customer Contact Centre on 03708 506 506.

Have a basic spill kit ready (see the guide for details), but don't put yourself in any danger trying to stop or clean up a spill.

What to do if your oil storage tank leaks

Contact your insurance company immediately if a spill does occur.

Check what is covered by your insurance policy. Some policies will only cover you for the cost of replacing lost oil, not for any clean-up. Most companies will not cover you at all if a leak is caused by lack of maintenance.

If your insurance policy does not cover you, you will need to employ your own accredited spill company.