Half of UK dealers are not fully aware of new oil storage regulations, which are due to be implemented in September and could be forced to close their workshops until they comply.

“”Half of dealers have a view of what is required of them, but the other half do not have a clear picture of what they need to do to comply and what the impact will be,” says Jonathan Garton, general manager of Total Lubricants UK.

“Around 75% of dealerships will only require some minor changes to meet the regulations, whereras around 20% have got some reasonably significant work to do. For the remainder there is a real issue and they may need to relocate or change their whole storage system.”

The new legislation, which will be enforced by the environment agency, covers oil stored in tanks, bulk containers, oil drums and mobile bowsers. It includes oil of any kind, such as engine oil, petrol and oils used as solvents.

Businesses will be required to ensure that oil containers are of sufficient strength to ensure there will be no leakage or a likelihood of bursting, and they must be situated within a secondary containment system, such as a drip tray. Containers must also be able to hold at least 110% of their volume.

“The industry will need to be ready for this legislation and it will undoubtedly affect the entire industry. We are working with our dealership and workshop customers to explain what it means to them and what is critical,” says Garton.