Relying on the local authority to send a qualified person to check and approve the installation of integrally fire-rated heating oil tanks can be time-consuming. And who’s responsible for arranging the site visit from building control? The installation engineers? The homeowner?
Considering the sometimes oppressive (but understandable) installation criteria (1.8m away from any structure), these strict building regulations can be a headache for installers who want to offer an effortless installation, install heating oil tanks compliantly, offer the best service and give the end user the best information and advice, but still with an eye on aesthetics and keeping the tank out of sight.
The FirePro™
FirePro™ is a turnkey solution for installers and homeowners alike. Working with approved inspectors from Building Control, JHAI, we have nurtured a simple, four-step, time-effective compliance process that removes all the legalese and jargon required by building control, insurance, and local authorities.
Tuffa’s FirePro™ tanks are manufactured in the UK at our FPC ISO9001 factory. They are bunded with a fire-resistant jacket wrapped around the inner bund, which allows for up to 110% of the capacity of the tank, capturing any leaks and overfills. FirePro™ tanks are available in both steel and plastic, offering the same level of security and preventing any environmental risks caused by leaks and spills. With the cost of an oil spill and a hefty fine from the Environment Agency, the extra legroom is more than welcome.
FirePro™ comes in 30 or 60-minute fire protection models, so if the worst happens, you have time to get your family to safety. British standards approve the level of fire protection, and tested safety is measured in minutes from the tank’s point of fire.
This fire protection measure changes the rules for installing heating oil tanks. As all installers know, regulations require a tank to be sited at least 1.8 meters from a building or have fireboards bolted to adjacent walls, which can be time-consuming.
Requiring only a 300mm boundary around the entire circumference of the tank makes the hassle of unsightly fireboards completely redundant.
Our patented approach means it’s structurally safe and compliant to tuck the tank discreetly next to buildings. It can be installed inside an outbuilding and still be compliant. Although a part of the Tuffa family, FirePro™ is a stand-on-its-own tank.
Installers are well versed in the building regulations in England and Wales, differing slightly for Scotland, and Northern Ireland, which states that installation for heating oil tanks must be signed off by a competent person, building control or an approved inspector like JHAI – it’s a legal requirement.
Tricky installation?
Tuffa’s partnership with JHAI has made the installation and compliance process quick and easy with just four simple steps that can also be completed by the end-user, saving invaluable installer time.
- Complete the JHAI form and send it to them directly
- Provide any images or additional information required
- Wait for the certification direct from JHAI
- Once that’s arrived, you’re all done
In addition to improving installation processes, Tuffa is supporting installation engineers in other ways such as through our ‘Approved Installer’ network for sharing installation leads, an initiative that is being extended to include ‘local installers’.
More installation leads?
Once you are registered with us, which is free to do, you will be Included on the list of ‘local installers’ we provide for customers. The ‘Approved’ title is earned based on the number of tanks purchased.
Inflation and rising fuel costs have made the last few years incredibly hard with businesses struggling as a result and plumbing and heating engineers significantly affected. To reflect these difficult times, we have extended our ongoing installer support, increasing our discount across the entire portfolio by 50% from trade less 10% to trade less 15%.
Tuffa values hard work and believes it should be recognised and rewarded.
