Regulation - transport, storage and distribution sector

Storing fuel

The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001 regulate the storage of oil such as petrol or diesel. This applies where above ground tanks that contain more than 200 litres are used.

The regulations require tank owners to provide a secondary containment system, such as a bund or drip tray, to prevent oil escaping into water and causing pollution. A bund has an impermeable base and walls that prevent oil from escaping in the event of a leak. The bund must be able to contain 110% of the tank's capacity.

The storage of flammable substances such as petrol or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is controlled by the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Substances Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). These regulations require employers to put measures in place to minimise the risk of explosion or fire.

Storing fuel safely

• Read guidance on the control of pollution regulations on the Environment Agency website.
• Download pollution prevention guidelines about above ground oil storage tanks from the Environment Agency website (PDF). The guidelines are produced jointly by the Environment Agency, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) and the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) in Northern Ireland.
• Download the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (Scotland) Regulations 2003 (PDF) from the Scottish Executive website. This consultation paper contains draft regulations and draft guidance.
• Read more about fuelling and fuel storage on the Netregs website.
• Read about the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Substances Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) on the HSE website.