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PRESS RELEASES
05 March 2008
FIRE THREAT TO TANKS CAN BE MINIMISED
A suspected arson attack on a plastic oil tank in the Co. Londonderry town of Limavady spread to an adjacent tank and damaged ten homes. Thankfully the fire was brought under control by the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and there were no reports of injuries. Oil storage tank fires are exceptionally rare, but the incident at Limavady shows what can happen if there is no adequate fire protection. In November 2006 amendments to the building regulations in Northern Ireland included rules for the construction and position of domestic oil storage tanks. According to David Blevings, Manager for OFTEC Ireland, a correctly positioned oil tank should pose no threat from fire. “If installing a tank more than 1.8 metres away from a building, and more than 750mm from a boundary, no fire protection is required for the tank.” If these separation distances cannot be achieved, either the structure should be fire resistant up to 30 minutes, or a fire wall/barrier must be used. Existing tanks which are close to buildings do not necessarily need to be moved, but instead can be protected by using a fire barrier. This must have a minimum of 30 minutes’ fire resistance, and can be a wall or a screen. When installing a new boiler, or servicing existing equipment, installers can check on the positioning of the tank and recommend a fire barrier if appropriate. Further advice and details of the building regulations in Northern Ireland can be found at http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/buildingcontrol/guidancenotesoiltanks.doc