𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗶𝗹 𝗧𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 – 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲?

A single skin tank is literally just that, one layer of plastic that contains the oil or liquid inside. They are generally cheaper than bunded (2-layer tanks) but are less secure. Most domestic and commercial customers will opt for 2 layer, bunded tanks but in England and Scotland you can use single skin tanks in some situations. We always recommend employing an OFTEC approved engineer to carry out an ‘oil storage risk assessment’ before you consider installing a single skin tank. You can use our helpful guide below to see if you think your site would pass an inspection. NOTE that our Welsh customers require the use of bunded tanks by Law.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗶𝗹 𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗸

The capacity of the oil tank must be less than 2500 litres
A tank must not be within 10 metres of coastal waters or inland fresh waters like lakes or streams
The tank must not be located where oil spills could run into an open drain or a loose manhole cover
Don’t locate a tank within 50 metres of a drinking water source, for example wells, boreholes or springs
A tank must not be located over hard ground where oil spills could run over and reach coastal waters, inland fresh waters or a drinking water source
The tank must not be located where the tank vent pipes cannot be seen when the tank’s being filled, for example because the delivery tanker is parked too far away
The tank only supplies heating oil to a single-family dwelling
The tank isn’t located within the inner zone of groundwater source protection zone 1
The tank is not in an area where regional regulations require mandatory bunding

NOTE: You may need to check with your neighbours in case they have drinking water sources or open drains on nearby property.