HELP & INFORMATION
Working with you to minimise the risk of an oil spill happening - providing help and financial assistance if it does.
What to do in the event of a spill
If you discover an oil leak or have a spill, prompt action is essential to avoid the oil entering a drain, watercourse or soaking into the ground where it could cause a serious pollution incident.
Stop The Flow
With priority for your own safety, place a bucket under the leak and close any valves or taps on your tank. Leak sealing putty or a soft bar of soap can be used to effect a temporary repair to a split tank.
Contain the Oil
Use the materials in your spill kit, or alternatively soil or sandbags, to soak up and contain the oil and prevent it from spreading and reaching drains and watercourses or sinking in to the ground.
Contact an Oil Spill Specialist
Upon discovery of an oil spill, HomeSpill Protect policyholders should call 0800 917 1332 to arrange emergency assistance.
Contact your Environmental Regulator
If oil has already entered a drainage system or a water course, or there is a risk of it doing so, you should also report the incident to your environmental regulator on 0800 80 70 60 (24-hour service).
Do not endanger your own health and safety; if you are likely to come in to contact with oil, wear appropriate protective clothing..
Looking after your OIL TANK SYSTEM
The experts suggest that one of the most effective ways of preventing environmental damage from occurring, is to carry out a simple monthly check of your oil tank and pipes for leaks or signs of corrosion and to be aware of your normal consumption rate.
An obvious sign that you have a problem is when you notice a sudden increase in your oil consumption and even a small leak can cause a large loss of oil over time. If you are worried that you have a leak but can’t trace it, an OFTEC technician can carry out a simple pressure test on your system to check.
Another reliable warning sign is smell, if you can smell oil it could mean it’s not where it is supposed to be, so don’t delay, have it checked out!
Links
Oil Care Website
Click here
Oil storage regulations for businesses
Click here
Find a registered OFTEC Oil Technician – Oil Care
Click here
Get to know your oil tank (2011)
Click here
The OFTEC guidance to – Domestic Oil Storage
Click here
The OFTEC guidance to – Domestic Oil Supply Pipes
Click here
Regulations for storing oil at home
Click here