Regulation 5 Fixed tanksI1
Northern Ireland
Any fixed tank used to store oil shall satisfy the following requirements —
any sight gauge shall be properly supported and fitted with a valve which closes automatically when not in use;
any fill pipe, draw off pipe or overflow pipe shall be positioned, or other steps shall be taken, so as to minimise any risk of damage by impact so far as is reasonably practicable; and
if above ground, shall be properly supported;
if underground—
shall have no mechanical joints, except at a place which is accessible for inspection by removing a hatch or cover;
shall be adequately protected from physical damage;
shall have adequate facilities for detecting any leaks;
if fitted with a leakage detection device which is continuously to monitor for leaks, the detection device shall be maintained in working order and tested at appropriate intervals to ensure that it works properly; and
if not fitted with such a device, shall be tested for leaks before it is first used and further tests for leaks shall be performed, in the case of pipes which have mechanical joints, at least once in every five years and, in other cases, at least once in every ten years.
if made of materials which are liable to corrosion, shall be adequately protected against corrosion.
The tank shall be fitted with an automatic overflow prevention device (which may include an alarm sounding device) if the filling operation is controlled from a place where it is not reasonably practicable to observe the tank and any vent pipe.
Where a screw fitting or other fixed coupling is fitted it shall be maintained in good condition and used whenever the tank is being filled with oil.
Where oil from the tank is delivered through a flexible pipe which is permanently attached to it—
the pipe shall be fitted with a tap or valve at the delivery end which closes automatically when not in use;
the tap or valve shall not be capable of being fixed in the open position unless the pipe is fitted with an automatic shut off device;
the pipe shall be enclosed in a secure cabinet which is locked shut when not in use and is equipped with a drip tray, or the pipe shall—
have a lockable valve where it leaves the tank which is locked shut when not in use; and
be kept within the secondary containment system when not in use.
Any pump shall be—
fitted with a non return valve in its feed line or an isolating device;
positioned, or other steps shall be taken so as to minimise any risk of damage by impact so far as is reasonably practicable; and
protected from unauthorised use.
Any permanent vent pipe, tap or valve through which oil can be discharged from the tank to the open shall satisfy the following requirements—
it shall be situated within the secondary containment system;
it shall be arranged so that any oil discharged is contained within the system; and
in the case of a tap or valve, it shall be fitted with a lock and locked shut when not in use.