Can a Bunded Oil Tank Explode? Understanding the Safety Features

“Can a bunded oil tank explode?” is a question many homeowners and businesses ask. It’s understandable when dealing with heating oil. In this post, we’ll calmly examine how bunded oil tanks are built to be safe, what situations could present risks, and how proper maintenance and usage make explosions vanishingly unlikely.

What Is a Bunded Oil Tank?

A bunded oil tank has an inner container for oil and a secondary outer shell (the bund) that catches leaks or spillages. This design keeps environmental risks low and significantly improves safety compared to single-skinned tanks.

Key Safety Features

Here are the protections built into quality bunded tanks:

  • Double-wall construction for spill containment.
  • Overflow alarms or indicators to prevent overfilling.
  • Venting and pressure relief valves to avoid pressure buildup.
  • Use of durable materials resistant to corrosion and weathering.

What Could Lead to Explosive Risk (But Rarely Does)

Potential dangerous situations almost always involve a combination of failures:

  • Poor maintenance – rust, cracked welds, malfunctioning safety fittings.
  • Exposure to excessive heat or flames near or touching the tank.
  • Vapour build-up due to blocked vents.
  • Unauthorized modifications that remove or weaken protective features.

Regulatory Backing & Legal Standards in the UK

Several government and regulatory sources lay out the legal and technical framework that keep bunded oil tanks safe:

By following these, plus OFTEC standards, most risks can be managed or eliminated.

Best Practices to Stay Safe

To ensure your bunded oil tank remains safe:

  1. Have it installed and serviced by OFTEC-registered professionals.
  2. Clean and inspect fittings, seals, venting, and alarms regularly.
  3. Ensure the tank base is solid, level, non-combustible, and correctly sized.
  4. Position the tank away from heat sources or open flames and allow clearance for inspection.

Internal Resources (Oil Tanks Plus)

Conclusion

Bottom line: bunded oil tanks are engineered for safety. Explosion risk is very low when tanks are properly built, installed, and maintained. Regulations and safety standards provide legal and technical checks to catch potential hazards early. If you look after your tank and follow guidance, you can store oil safely without worry.