A tank tray fitted for
an existing tank
National Oilheat Research Alliance 21
from ice, snow or dripping water. Check
for eaves, gutters and downspouts when
locating a tank
• Tanks must be secured and supported to
prevent settling, tipping, sliding, floating,
or lifting. Special precautions must be
taken in flood prone areas and ballasting
requirements may necessitate a larger
slab to ensure that the tank is protected
against flotation. NORA and NFPA have
developed Recommended Practices for
Home Heating Oil Tank Flood Resistance.
These practices, found Appendix
II are also included in the annex of the
2016 and later editions of NFPA 31
• Outdoor 275-gallon above ground tanks
must be at least 5' from adjoining property
lines
• Tanks must be positioned at least 2"
away from any wall or structure. Advise
the customer to keep this space and
the space beneath the tank clear of any
debris
• Horizontal tanks are less likely to tip
over than are vertical tanks
• If tanks are installed in an area where
vehicles are parked or where traffic flow
is possible, protection from vehicular
impact is a necessity
• Tanks must not block access to doors,
windows, utility boxes or meters
• It is wise to locate tanks away from
drains or drywells so as not to provide
the stored product a path should a leak
occur
Spill Protection for Above Ground
Tank Installations
Indoor Installations
When tanks are installed above ground
indoors, the use of tank trays beneath the tank
can help mitigate housekeeping and nuisance
calls. Particularly when the fuel filter and/or
other components are located at the tank. The
tank tray catches spillage which occurs during
routine servicing and is easily cleaned, reducing
complaints of odors. Also, AST failure is
often preceded by tiny tank leaks, commonly
referred to as “weeping.” Any drips from the
initial stage of tank failure are easily contained
in the tank trays, minimizing unsightly staining
beneath the tank and residual odors.
It is a good practice to let customers know
these units are available and installation of a
tank tray is recommended when replacing an
indoor tank. Alarms are also available. The
alarm is tripped when fuel collects in the tray
alerting the homeowner that a problem exists
before serious damage has occurred.
Outdoor Installations
Outdoor above ground tanks are subject to
additional conditions which can shorten tank
life and compromise fuel quality, including:
• Severe temperature swings
• Potential coating damage from adverse
weather and UV
• Being struck by falling objects
• Acts of vandalism