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Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001

Known as the Oil storage regulations or OSR England, these regulations require anyone in England who stores more than 200 litres of oil, to provide more secure containment facilities for tanks, drums, Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) and mobile bowsers. This is to prevent oil escaping into the environment.

This section contains questions and answers on the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001.

If you wish to read the regulations in full, you will find them listed in Annex C of the following document:

Remember that other regulations and standards apply to the storage of oil and these aren't enforced by us. For example, Building Regulations (PDF, 4MB), OSR Northern Ireland (PDF, 1.1MB), OSR Scotland and petroleum licensing legislation.

It is your responsibility to make sure that your oil storage facilities comply with all relevant legislation.

For more information about the OSR England please read this document:

  • Do the regulations apply to you?

    Find out if the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001 apply to your home or business.

  • Exemptions

    The regulations don't apply to all oil storage, so find out if your oil storage is exempt.

  • Oil containers

    Find out how the regulations apply to different kinds of oil containers.

  • Secondary containment

    Find out how the regulations apply to secondary containment

  • Ancillary equipment, pipework and pumps

    Find out about ancillary equipment, pipework and pumps, and the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001.

  • Enforcement

    Find out about the penalties for failing to comply with the regulations.