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Storage Tank Inspections

If your business stores fuel onsite, maintaining the integrity of your storage tank(s) is critical to ensure compliance, safety and uninterrupted operations. Whether you require an external inspection or non-destructive testing (NDT), our experts can identify potential issues early, helping you prevent leaks, hazards and costly unplanned downtime.

Book a tank inspection today by calling 0333 004 0355 to speak to our team.

What is a tank inspection?

A tank inspection is a professional assessment of a fuel storage tank to check its condition, safety and compliance. It helps identify issues such as corrosion, leaks, contamination or structural weaknesses before they develop into serious problems.

Tank inspection services we provide:

• Visual inspections
• NDT tests
• Pressure tests
• EMMUA 159
• Man-entry inspections
• And more

What are the benefits of a tank inspection?

Tank inspections ensure compliance, protect your operations and prevent costly issues by detecting problems early on.

Key benefits include:

• Early detection of issues that could damage your tanks
• An extended lifespan of your fuel tank through proactive maintenance
• Preservation of fuel quality by reducing the risk of contamination
• Reduced risk of leaks, protecting the environment and public health
• Improved site safety by reducing fire hazards
• Cost savings by spotting problems before they escalate
• Compliance with legal fuel storage requirements
• Demonstration of responsible tank management for insurance purposes
• Avoidance of fines and reputational damage

What’s involved in our tank inspections?

Our experts provide comprehensive support through every step of your tank inspection:

1. Speak to our team to discuss any concerns about your storage tank
2. Our engineers will attend your site to assess the health of your fuel storage system and associated pipework, identifying potential pitfalls
3. Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive a detailed report certifying that your tank is compliant or outlining recommended actions
4. If your tank receives a caution or serious rating, we will advise on any next steps needed to make your tank compliant, including our industry-leading maintenance services

Additional maintenance services we can provide include:

• Industrial tank cleaning
• Fuel polishing
• Fuel uplift
• Fuel system inspections
• Industrial tank lining
• Tank decommissioning

What standards do your tank engineers work to?

Our highly trained engineers work to all relevant regulations and standards, such as:

• Control or Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001
• Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR)
• EMMUA 159
• OFTEC standards (for domestic homes)
• All relevant Health and Safety Regulations
• and more

Why choose Beesley Fuels for your tank inspection?

Whether you’re new to Beesley Fuels or you’re an existing customer looking for fuel maintenance, there are several reasons to choose us, including:

• Over 50 years of trusted experience in the fuel industry
• Highly trained engineers with expertise across sites of all sizes and sectors
• Comprehensive inspection of your tank to identify potential issues
• Clear, detailed report on the health of your fuel storage tank(s), along with actionable recommendations
• End-to-end support: we don’t just identify problems, we provide the services to solve them

Commonly asked questions about tank inspections

How often should storage tanks be inspected?

The suggested frequency of tank inspections depends on factors such as its age, size and location. Sites that operate in hazardous or high-risk environments should undergo inspections more frequently to ensure safety, compliance and operational reliability.

How do fuel tanks become damaged over time?

Fuel tanks can deteriorate both internally and externally:

• Internal corrosion: Contaminated fuel, water, or crystallised fuel can corrode the tank from the inside
• External corrosion: Exposure to rain, moisture and harsh weather can cause rust on the outside
• Structural stress: Age, temperature fluctuations or poor maintenance can lead to cracks, bulges or leaks

Regular inspections and proper storage will help to prevent damage and extend the life of your tanks.

Which storage tanks can you inspect?

Whatever the size, material and location of your tank, we can provide inspections for all fuel tanks, including:

• Steel and plastic tanks
• Underground and above-ground tanks
• Bunded tanks
• AdBlue^® tanks
• Single and double-walled tanks
• Fibreglass tanks
• And more

Which regulations must fuel tanks meet to ensure compliance?

There is a range of regulations that storage tanks must meet, which may vary depending on the nature of your business. These include:

• Oil Storage Regulations – consisting of the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations and secondary containment standards, which require all fuel tank bunds to hold up 110% of the tank’s volume
• Environmental Protection & Groundwater Regulations – enforced by the Environment Agency (EA), these regulations include the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016, Groundwater 1998 and Water Environment 2017 Regulations
• Building Regulations – ensure tanks are safe and secure upon installation and repair
• Health & Safety Regulations – such as Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations, as well as other requirements depending on the nature of your business
• British Standards Institute (BSI) – ensure tank durability and include standards such as BS 5410
• OFTEC Standards – for domestic homes within the liquid fuels heating industry

There are many more fuel regulations that might apply to your business, which is why it’s always best to get your fuel maintenance handled by the experts. To discuss your site and requirements with our team, call today.

What happens if you do not get your tank inspected regularly?

Failing to get your tank(s) inspected regularly may risk cracks forming and fuel leaking, putting your environment, employees and reputation at harm. You also run the risk of not meeting your legal obligations as a fuel user, which could lead to hefty fines.

How long does a tank inspection take?

The length of a tank inspection depends on its size and accessibility. At Beesley Fuels, we endeavour to conduct our tank inspections as quickly as possible, minimising disruption to your operations.

Do you provide documentation after the inspection is carried out?

After we complete our tank inspection, we will provide documentation detailing when the inspection was completed, a certificate and a detailed report outlining the health of your tank and any recommended actions.

What happens if you identify issues with my fuel tank?

If we identify issues with your fuel tank, there is no need to panic. We can provide a range of industrial tank services to make your tank compliant, prevent leaks and avoid fines.

To learn more about our tank inspection service, and to see how our services could benefit you. Call our fuel experts on 0333 004 0355 today.