Storing oil in mobile bowsers

If you use a mobile bowser to store oil in England or Scotland, you must comply with the relevant requirements of the Oil Storage Regulations.

All the general requirements of the Oil Storage Regulations also apply to mobile bowsers.

These regulations do not apply in Northern Ireland and Wales. However, you should still consider meeting the requirements of the regulations, as they aim to prevent water pollution. If you pollute water you are committing an offence and you may be prosecuted and fined.

Secure your bowser's pipework and fittings when it's not in use

You must fit locks to taps or valves that are permanently fixed to the bowser and through which you can discharge oil to the open. You must lock these shut when they are not in use.

If you deliver oil through a flexible pipe that is permanently attached to the bowser, you must ensure that:

• the delivery end of the pipe is fitted with a manually operated pump or valve that closes automatically when it is not in use
• the pump or valve is lockable and you keep it locked shut when it is not in use
• the end of the pipe that leaves the container is fitted with a lockable valve that you must lock shut when it is not in use.

Make sure you meet all the general requirements of the Oil Storage Regulations and for storing oil in fixed tanks. For more information see our guidance on:

General requirements of the Oil Storage Storage Regulations
Storing oil in fixed tanks

In this guideline:

Do the Oil Storage Regulations apply to you?
Which oils are not covered by the Oil Storage Regulations?
General requirements of the Oil Storage Regulations
Storing agricultural fuel oil
Storing oil in fixed tanks
Storing oil in mobile bowsers
Storing oil above ground - good practice guidance
Storing oil below ground - good practice guidance
Dealing with oil spills
Oil storage further information
Oil storage legislation