Storing fuel or oil on-site, whether for plant operations, backup generators, or fleet refuelling, carries strict legal obligations. Non-compliance with UK regulations like the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001, Building Regulations, and DSEAR can result in heavy fines or enforcement action by the Environment Agency or local Petroleum Enforcement Authorities (PEAs).
Ace Plant has supported businesses across the UK with fuel storage compliance — from combined AdBlue units for major quarries to site bowsers for active plant operations. Two recent examples include a diesel and AdBlue combined solution for Brett Aggregates, and site-ready bowsers for Smith & Sons.
This guide outlines what commercial premises must do to meet these requirements, including practical measures like bunding, maintenance, record-keeping and emergency procedures.
1. Know which fuel storage regulations apply
If your site stores 200L or more of fuel or oil (diesel, petrol, kerosene, HVO, etc.) above ground, you must comply with the Oil Storage Regulations in England and Wales GOV.UKNetRegs. These rules also apply to pubs, schools, hospitals, marinas, and farms used for non-agricultural purposes.
2. Use compliant fuel storage tanks and portable containers
Fuel containers must be certified and robust. Acceptable standards include:
These requirements are reinforced by internal safety policies and should be included in your site’s COSHH risk assessments.
Not sure what qualifies as a bunded bowser? Read our explainer on bunded bowsers to understand how they work, what regulations they meet, and why they’re essential for safe fuel storage on construction and industrial sites.
3. Secondary containment: bunding and drip trays
All fixed fuel storage tanks must be bunded, and other containers must use drip trays or bunds capable of holding leaks (see the government’s guide for pollution prevention).
- Bunding: Must contain at least 110% of the largest tank’s capacity, including valves, pumps, sight gauges and associated equipment
- Drip trays: For drums, the tray must hold at least 25% of the drum’s volume, even if housing multiple drums
Correct design prevents spills contaminating soil or watercourses and helps avoid enforcement notices.
4. Position fuel storage equipment safely
Tanks, pipes, pumps, and fill points must be sited to minimise impact or vehicle damage. When necessary, install bollards, protective barriers, and choose stable ground.
Overfill protection must be in place if fill points are out of view, using automatic cut-off valves or alarms. Pumps should be securely mounted on oil-resistant bases and locked when idle.
5. Install fuel pumps, valves, sight gauges and venting correctly
All components must remain within the bunded area. Sight gauges need secure, braced mounting and automatic shut-off valves. Pipework—including underground and above-ground lines—should be corrosion-resistant, protected against vehicle strikes, and checked for leaks regularly.
Underground piping must be tested: every 5 years with mechanical joints or 10 years without.
6. Maintain bund integrity and clean-up responsibly
Bunds should be:
- Impermeable and regularly inspected (by operators weekly and professionals annually)
- Equipped with drainage but no outlets for oil
- Free of rainwater build-up and debris
Clean-up kits must be available on-site, and any spill or leak must be contained, removed, and recorded immediately.
7. Keep thorough records
To comply with COSHH and DSEAR, you must maintain:
- Risk assessments covering fuel storage hazards
- Installation and maintenance logs for tanks, bunds, piping, valves and pumps
- Inspection records for integrity testing and servicing
- Incident reports for any spill or leak
Sites storing above 3,500 L may require environmental permits and further compliance monitoring.
8. Train staff and prepare for emergencies
Personnel should be trained in safe filling, use and inspection routines. Your team should also know the spill response procedure and how to clean bunds and keep them well-maintained. Staff should also be able to safely operate valves, gauges and storage systems.
Emergency procedures and signage are required under DSEAR and COSHH. Make sure spill kits are available and emergency contact numbers displayed.
9. Hire bunded fuel storage from Ace Plant
At Ace Plant, we offer a complete range of portable, compliant bunded fuel bowsers for hire, from 1000L to 18,000L capacities, static units and towable units.
Our range is ideal for plant, generators, refuelling, and temporary requirements, and we also offer optional bucket bowsers and truck bowsers.
All units meet 110% bunding requirements, are lockable, and suited for plant hire and construction sites. Hiring from Ace Plant avoids capital outlay and ensures regulated compliance with delivery, servicing, and nationwide support.
Whether you're storing fuel for generators, plant equipment, or refuelling operations, compliance isn’t optional — it’s essential. At Ace Plant, we provide fully bunded, regulation-compliant fuel storage solutions to help you meet legal requirements and operate safely.
Explore our full range of bunded fuel bowsers or get in touch for expert advice on the right storage setup for your site.
FAQs about fuel storage for UK businesses
To help businesses navigate the legal and practical aspects of fuel storage, we've answered some of the most common questions about UK regulations, bunding requirements, and on-site compliance.
Do I need a bunded fuel tank on a construction site?
Yes. If you're storing 200 litres or more of oil or fuel above ground at a business or construction site in England or Wales, the tank must have secondary containment, such as a bund. According to the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001, bunds must hold 110% of the tank's capacity to safely contain spills or leaks.
What is a bunded fuel bowser?
A bunded fuel bowser is a mobile or static tank with an integrated outer layer (the bund) designed to contain spills. It helps businesses comply with oil storage regulations by offering built-in secondary containment, reducing environmental risk. Learn more in our bunded bowser explainer.
Who enforces fuel storage regulations in the UK?
In England, enforcement is carried out by the Environment Agency. In Wales, it's Natural Resources Wales, and in Scotland, SEPA. For fuel used in vehicles, the Petroleum Enforcement Authority (PEA), often your local fire and rescue service, may also be involved, especially with larger volumes or retail sales.
Do I need a permit to store fuel on-site?
You don’t usually need a permit for basic on-site storage. However, if you're storing over 3,500 litres, or in sensitive areas (e.g. near watercourses), you may require an environmental permit or planning permission. Your local Environment Agency office or PEA can advise.
What size bund do I need for my fuel tank?
For a single tank, the bund must hold 110% of the tank’s capacity.
For multiple containers, the bund must hold the greater of:
- 110% of the largest container, or
- 25% of the total combined capacity
Ace Plant’s full range of bunded fuel storage units meets or exceeds this requirement.
Can I use a drip tray instead of a bund?
Only for small containers like drums or cans. Drip trays are acceptable if they can hold at least 25% of the drum's volume. For fixed tanks or mobile bowsers, a bunded tank is required under UK fuel storage laws.