Whether you’re fuelling agricultural machinery or heating remote farm buildings, storing diesel or heating oil on a farm comes with strict legal responsibilities. The exact rules that apply depend on what kind of oil you’re storing, how much, and what you’re using it for. And while both diesel and heating oil are considered polluting substances, not all regulations treat them the same way.
Let’s break down the key requirements, highlight the differences between storing diesel and heating oil, and explain how to stay compliant, safely and legally.
Different Fuels, Different Rules?
Both diesel and kerosene (heating oil) are regulated to prevent spills and environmental harm. However, depending on how and where the fuel is stored, different legal frameworks may apply.
Storage of diesel, widely used in agriculture to fuel tractors, harvesters, generators, grain dryers and other plant and equipment, is subject to the Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil (SSAFO) Regulations 2010 if used for agricultural purposes. However, if you are using it solely for non-agricultural purposes, it falls within the Oil Storage Regulations 2001 (OSR).
Heating oil, used primarily to heat non-residential agricultural buildings such as workshops and outbuildings (and occasionally for equipment such as grain dryers), also comes under the SSAFO Regulations, but if you have a separate heating oil supply used exclusively to heat residential buildings such as a farmhouse, domestic oil storage rules that follow the OFTEC Guidance for Domestic Liquid Fuel Storage apply.
Key Differences at a Glance:
- SSAFO applies to agricultural fuel oil used for farming operations (regardless of whether it’s diesel or heating oil).
- Oil Storage Regulations 2001 (OSR 2001) apply if you’re storing diesel or heating oil for non-agricultural commercial purposes (or on a larger scale).
- Domestic oil storage rules apply to heating oil stored for household use, typically in tanks under 3,500 litres.
Which Rules Apply to You?
Agricultural Use (SSAFO Regulations)
Use of diesel or heating oil for:
- Powering tractors, combines, or irrigation systems
- Running grain dryers or backup generators
- Heating barns or other operational outbuildings
Commercial/Non-Agricultural Use (Oil Storage Regulations 2001)
Storage of diesel or heating oil for:
- Non-farming business activity
- Workshops, commercial vehicles, construction or logistics operations
Domestic Heating Use
- Heating oil (kerosene) used solely for the farmhouse or other residential buildings on-site.
Mixed Use
If a tank supplies fuel to both domestic and agricultural systems, you may need:
- Separate tanks
- Clear labelling
- Compliance with both rule sets
SSAFO Requirements (For Agricultural Diesel or Heating Oil)
If you store more than 1,500 litres of diesel or heating oil on agricultural land in England, SSAFO applies, but only for above-ground storage. Here are the main requirements:
Setback from Watercourses
Tanks must be:
- at least 10 metres from any inland or coastal waters
- even further away in high-risk areas (contact the Environment Agency)
- clear of drains, soakaways or ditches.
Secondary Containment (Bunds)
You must have a bund system that:
- holds 110% of the tank’s capacity (or 25% of total volume for multiple tanks)
- is impermeable and watertight (no drainage taps or outlets)
- has lockable valves and downturned spouts.
Note: Bunded (double-skinned) tanks must still meet the 110% requirement to comply.
Tank Standards
All tanks must:
- be ISO 9000 certified
- have a minimum 20-year lifespan with maintenance
- be labelled clearly and inspected regularly.
Read more: Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil (SSAFO) Regulations 2010
Oil Storage Regulations 2001 (Non-Agricultural Use)
If your diesel or heating oil isn’t used for farming, you’re likely subject to the OSR 2001, which applies to non-domestic above-ground oil storage of over 200 litres.
Key requirements include:
- Secondary containment (bunds) that meet the 110% rule
- No direct discharge pipes
- Good access for inspection
- Impact protection (e.g. barriers in traffic areas)
Read more: Oil storage regulations for businesses
OFTEC Domestic Heating Oil Storage (Under 3,500 Litres)
If your tank stores heating oil for domestic use only (e.g. for the farmhouse), and it’s under 3,500 litres, you’re not covered by SSAFO or OSR but should follow OFTEC’s domestic storage guidelines.
While not legislation in itself, OFTEC’s guidance is widely followed by installers and is supported by Building Regulations, which may be enforced by local authorities.
Who the Rules Apply To
- Households and farm residences off the mains gas grid
- Domestic tanks supplying oil-fired boilers or Aga-style cookers
- Properties with tanks below 3,500 litres in volume
Main Requirements
- Tanks should be installed by a competent person, ideally an OFTEC-registered technician
- A suitable base or support (non-combustible and level) is essential
- Plastic or steel tanks must be certified to meet relevant quality and safety standards
- Oil storage should be at least:
- 76 metres from non-fire-rated boundaries (for plastic tanks)
- 8 metres from non-fire-rated buildings (unless fire protection is added)
Bund Requirements
All new or replacement domestic tanks are usually required to be bunded if any environmental risk is present. In practice, that includes most installations, but particularly where
- the tank is within 10m of controlled water (e.g. pond, river, ditch)
- there’s a risk of spillage entering drains or watercourses
- the site is environmentally sensitive
- the tank has a capacity of more than 2,500 litres.
Bunds must be able to contain 110% of the tank’s contents.
Other Recommendations
Tanks should be clearly labelled with:
- contents (e.g. “Kerosene – Heating Oil”)
- safe fill level
- emergency contact details.
Regular checks should be carried out for leaks, rust or algae, and vents, filters and gauges should be kept in good condition.
We also recommend storing an oil spill kit nearby, so that in the event of damage to the tank, any spill is contained to prevent or reduce environmental contamination.
Older Domestic Tanks
Even if you’re not legally required to replace an old single-skin tank, you may still be liable for clean-up costs in the event of a spill. OFTEC strongly recommends that tanks are
- replaced every 15–20 years (depending on condition)
- upgraded to bunded models if any pollution risk is present.
Read more: OFTEC Guidance for Domestic Liquid Fuel Storage (Up to 3,500 Litres)
Installing a New Tank: Step-by-Step
1. Planning Permission
You may need planning consent if the tank:
- exceeds 3,500 litres
- is taller than 3m (or 12m in remote areas)
- is close to watercourses, listed buildings or roads
- is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or National Park.
If you’re unsure, check with your local authority or visit https://www.planningportal.co.uk//fuel-tanks/.
2. Risk Assessment
To prepare a risk assessment for installing a new diesel or heating oil storage tank, you should evaluate:
- slope and drainage
- proximity to water
- soil type and wildlife habitats.
You should also keep written records for inspections or claims.
3. Notify the Environment Agency (SSAFO only)
You must notify the Environment Agency 14 days before installing or modifying a tank for agricultural use.
You will be required to submit plans, product specifications and bund details.
Useful link: Environment Agency Office Locator
4. Site Selection
Choose a spot that is:
- flat, stable and outside of flood zones
- easy to access but secure from vandalism
- protected from vehicles, vegetation and UV exposure
5. Use a Competent Installer
An OFTEC-registered technician or certified installer under the Competent Person Scheme is strongly recommended.
Find a technician: www.oftec.org/find-technician
6. Ongoing Maintenance
Plan a proactive maintenance schedule that includes:
- annual inspections
- regular removal of water/sludge from inside the tank
- repairs to bunds, valves and seals
- accurate maintenance logs.
Old Tanks: Are You Exempt?
You might be exempt from SSAFO if your tank:
- was installed before 1 March 1991
- hasn’t been moved, modified or increased in capacity
- poses no pollution risk.
But beware – the Environment Agency can still force an upgrade if they deem it unsafe. So, if your system’s ageing, it’s best to upgrade before it becomes a liability.
Further Help
Whether you’re storing diesel to run your tractor fleet or heating oil to keep the farmhouse warm, the regulations are there to protect your land, your business and the environment. Failing to follow them can result in fines, prosecution and major clean-up costs.
The key is knowing which set of rules applies to your situation and planning accordingly. If in doubt, consult the Environment Agency or a certified installer. It’s far better to get it right the first time. The following references offer further information, and we are always willing to advise you. We also supply a complete range of diesel and heating oil storage tanks, fuel stations and mobile refuelling bowsers to fully equip your farm.
References
- Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil (SSAFO) Regulations 2010
- Oil Storage Regulations 2001 (OSR)
- OFTEC Guidance for Domestic Liquid Fuel Storage (Up to 3,500 Litres)
- Groundwater Protection Code (Defra)
- Planning Portal (UK Planning Guidelines for Fuel Tanks)
- Environment Agency – Access and Contact Information
- OFTEC Technician Finder