Oil Tanks with a capacity not greater 3,500 litres should not be fitted any closer than 1.8 metres to non-fire rated (30 mins. minimum) walls or eaves.
Where these clearances cannot be achieved, the protection measures noted in British Standard BS 5410: Part 1: 1997 must be provided by means of a 30 minutes fire-resistant wall which extends at least 300mm above and beyond the ends of the tank.
It will be necessary to protect exposed eaves forming part of a roof within 1.8 metres of the top of an oil storage tank to provide a 30 minute resistance to fire. Cladding can be applied to the eaves in order to prevent fire spreading to the roof.
If the tank capacity is greater than 3500 litres or you require further advice, please contact OFTEC.
