UNFORTUNATELY , oil is one of the most common reports of pollution , contributing to over 15 % of pollution incidents each year in the UK . It can harm people , plants and marine life , damage rivers , soil , destroy natural habitats and drinking water supplies , as well as ruining workshop and garage environments .

Oil Storage regulations are governed by the Control of Pollution ( Oil Storage ) ( England ) Regulations 2001 . This requires anyone in England who stores more than 200 litres of oil to provide secure containment facilities for tanks , drums , Intermediate Bulk Containers ( IBCs ) and mobile bowsers . There are different regulations for England Scotland and Northern Ireland and in this article , we take a closer look at oil storage for the workshop …

The basic principles of oil storage

There are 2 main principals in storing lubricants , product integrity and environmental requirements . The basis is always to create an area which is safe , clean and appropriate . Basic rules include :

1 . Oil must be stored at least 10 metres away from inland or coastal waters , flood areas and 50 metres clear of a spring .

2 . Tanks should be on flood level or below ground level and must never be stored above roof level and kept away from areas that risk damage via impact , machinery and weather . The full Legal requirements are outlined in detail in the Oil storage regulations for businesses - GOV . UK ( www . gov . uk ) website which covers storage of quantities of 201ltrs and above . There are however different regulations that apply , depending on where you store your oil , how much you store and what you are using the oil for . If you choose not to comply with these regulations , you can be served an anti-pollution works notice and face prosecutions .

Different Types of Oil Containers require careful storage .

Lubricants are supplied in many ways , bulk , barrel , & various drums & small packs to meet the needs of a wide customer base . Bulk & barrels are generally supplied to commercial workshops and the other sizes to both the commercial & retail market . With the exception of bulk , the remaining sizes can all come in either plastic or metal containers depending on the supplier and also the type of product . Lubricants stored in a factory fresh sealed container will not normally degrade . Obviously , metal containers can be subject to corrosion over extended periods . In essence , the largest single container must be contained within 110 % of its volume .

Storage and movement of containers is guided by lifting at work regulations , so heavy containers are to be lifted correctly and with suitable / appropriate machinery .

The temperature of the surrounding environment can affect the lubricant .

Heat is a huge risk to oil , not only from a fire point of view , but also from a volumetric point of view . Oil volume will increase as the temperature rises so contained vessels need to be vented .

Once a container is opened it will come into contact with the environment and whilst lubricants often contain Antioxidants they will start to oxidise when in contact with the atmosphere . If for example you were to leave a sample of hydraulic fluid in a glass jar open to the atmosphere for a period of time you would see it darken in colour as this happens . Elevated temperature will , as will almost all reactions , increase the speed .

Is there a way to manage lubricant storage sustainably ?

Yes – oil not only needs to be stored safely and properly because it ’ s the law – it should be stored to help with the environment and health and safety – Bulk Storage tanks are ideal says Nigel Bottom , MD of lubricant manufacturer Witham Group – Using a system of metal bulk storage tanks in your garage and simply having all products delivered in ) batches removes the need for all plastic packaging . The simple colour coded tanks have sight gauges , taps or pumps and come labelled with each lubricant name and its application . This system is easy to use for all the workshop team , helps keep working spaces ship shape , avoids spills from containers and helps avoid important oil contamination , whilst helping the environment by using no packaging . With annual maintenance the longevity of bulk tanks will outlast 50 + years ! This is a very sustainable process indeed as the defunct metal tank can then be simply recycled and the metal used again .

This method of storage and use , also helps tick all the regulation requirements for oil storage and keeps users and the workshop environment as safe as possible .

Whilst Bulk tanks are the most sustainable method of storage as it eliminates packaging completely , some lubricants or workshop greases cannot come in bulk and therefore looking for a lubricant supplier that offers packaging that is made from recycled materials or who offers recycling schemes for metal barrels all help businesses improve their sustainability credentials .

What ’ s the number one thing that garages need to consider when storing lubricants ( exposure to water , etc .)?

The best piece of advice we can give is to treat lubricants as if you were storing drinking water . Always avoid storing any products outside where water could penetrate the lid or seal . Many people assume the seals on barrels are watertight , they are generally not and are simply used as an anti-tamper method . If no other option but external storage is available always store barrels on their side . Moisture and Dirt ingress are the two main factors . Moisture can be overcome by keeping the bulk storage at as close to the same temperature at all times and dirt is simple good practise . Closed windows and auto shutting doors .

In addition to this , using air operated or electric transfer pumps and guns stops the contamination of oil in dirty transfer jugs . If jugs are used , they need to be kept in a clean environment also , upside down and empty when not in use . Bulk storage tanks should be fitted with return flaps to stop wastage of unused clean oil which can be returned to the bulk tank .

Are there ways to optimise space within the workshop for efficient lubricant storage ?

There are many innovative storage solutions on the market , bulk tanks are excellent for larger volume products and bulk tanks can simply be raised off the workshop floor and downpipes fitted to both fill and empty . A simple process which will not impact the workshop floor space at all .

Bunded racks and trays are also available for smaller sizes . Try and avoid storing products for extended periods and just buy as much as your immediate needs require .

For more information about Oil storage , bulk storage tanks , recycled packaging , barrel recycling schemes and other ways to ensure your workshop is clean , safe and sustainable – visit : www . withamgroup . co . uk .