It makes sense that tanks with adequate fire protection are essential for storing any liquid that has the potential to ignite during storage.

Our fire resistant oil tanks are manufactured and fully tested to ensure the safe storage of heating oil in line with building control regulations. Peace of mind for tank installers and their customers.

What are the Benefits of Fire Resistance Tanks?

Of course, a fire resistant tank has obvious safety benefits, but it goes further than that when it comes to installation…
Under building regulations, conventional heating oil storage tanks are required to be installed in an isolated location with strict ‘fire separation distances’ ensuring a minimum distance from other structures. This can be quite restrictive when planning an installation, especially if outdoor space or minimising visual impact is an issue.

Choosing a fire resistant oil tank means that you have much freedom concerning the site of installation. Fire Resistant tanks can be sited closer to recognised fire hazards than conventional tanks. This often means that the tank can be located in a more ‘out of the way’ location to keep your garden view free of ‘unsightly heating equipment’ – although we love all our tanks, we’re the first to admit that oil tanks are never going to win beauty prizes!

With more scope on the placement, including a relaxation on minimum distances from windows, doors and garden boundaries, it’s easier to tuck your oil tank away behind the garden shed! That’s more good news when you’re considering visual impact or saving outdoor space.

Installing a conventional tank within close proximity to buildings often means installing a costly fire screen wall with it… another garden feature you can probably do without. Due to the use of inbuilt fire resistance material combined with a robust bund in a fire resistant tank, a fire screen wall isn’t needed.

Are Fire Resistant OilTanks OFTEC approved?

This is a question we’re often asked. Fire Resistant tanks are not OFTEC approved. But far from that causing a headache for our installers, it just means that the tank can be signed off by Building Control.

Remember, it’s still mandatory that OFTEC’s regulations for the siting of your tank are followed. Your oil tank must be a minimum of:

• 1.8m away from non-fire rated eaves of a building
• 1.8m away from a non-fire rated building or structure (e.g. garden sheds)
• 1.8m away from openings (such as doors or windows) in a fire-rated building or structure (e.g. brick-built house/garage)
• 1.8m away from liquid fuel appliance flue terminals
• 760mm away from a non-fire rated boundary, such as a wooden boundary fence
• 600mm away from screening (e.g. trellis and foliage) that does not form part of the boundary.

If you’re in any doubt or need advice – always consult an OFTEC registered installer.

What about the Atlantis Tanks Range of Fire Resistant Oil Tanks?

Fire Resistant oil tanks are clearly a good choice for many customers and are becoming increasingly popular. That’s why we stock a range of both plastic and steel tanks manufactured to comply with the relevant fire resistance standards. Take a look at the range on our website: https://atlantistanks.co.uk/products/easytank/oil-tanks/fire-resistant-plastic-oil-tanks/

Why Atlantis Tanks’ Fire Resistant Tanks are Market Leading

Triple-Skinned

Whereas many tanks on the market are double-skinned, our fire resistant tanks are triple-skinned. This is because in a double-skinned tank, the bund isn’t protected from fire, only the inner tank benefits from the protection. Three skins mean the bund as well as the inner tank are protected.

Non-absorbent Insulation

The wool-type insulation used in some tanks on the market is absorbent. This means that, should the inner tank leak for any reason, the insulation would absorb that kerosene. In effect, it would no longer act as fire barrier. The visual examination to check if this problem has occurred is tricky and involves removing all the material to see if it has absorbed any liquid. Trust us, it’s no an easy task but there really is no other way of doing it.

Our special non-absorbent insulation is a game-changer in this respect. It doesn’t need to be visually inspected. It’s not stored inside the bund, so in the unlikely event of the inner tank leaking into the bund, the liquid wouldn’t come into contact with the insulation.

Need some more answers? Give our team a call, we’re always happy to help our family of UK installers. Or, visit the website now to see our range of fire resistant tanks

There are many different types of oil tanks on the market, they come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and capacities. One of the most important decisions you must make before you shop for your tank is whether to install a single skin or bunded oil tank.

We think that a bunded tank is the best option in most cases. Here are some reasons why:

Compliance with Regulations

For commercial installations where the tank has a capacity of 200 litres or more, a bunded tank is mandatory.

Domestic Installations

Regulations applying to domestic installations can vary between regions and are subject to change frequently, so it’s important to know whether you even have the option of using a single skinned tank.

The installation of an oil tank is classed as notifiable work by Building Regulations. This means that it must be installed to the correct standards. An OFTEC registered oil tank installer can self-certify their own installation. If you decide to do your own installation, it’s your responsibility to ensure the tank you install is legal.

There is always a good chance of regulations being updated and tightened. You could find yourself having to replace a newly installed single-skinned tank when the law changes. To avoid falling foul of the regulations and futureproof against changes, installing a bunded tank is usually your best option.

What are the Regulations?

In general, you need to install a bunded oil tank in the following circumstances:

• You are storing over 2500 litres of oil
• Your tank is sited near to an open drain or a loosely fitting manhole
• Your tank is within 10m of a controlled waterway, such as a river or stream
• Your tank is sited where any spilled liquid could travel over ground to reach a controlled waterway
• Your tank is sited within 50m of a well, borehole or natural spring
• Your tank vent is not visible from the fill point
• You use oil for a building other than a single family dwelling
• There are any other hazards unique to your site

If you’re in any doubt about compliance, contact an OFTEC registered installer for advice.

Protecting the Environment

Looking after our planet and preventing damage to the environment is crucial. Leakages of oil and other hazardous substances can easily enter natural waterways where plant and animal life pays a huge and devastating toll. Pollution that enters waterways can also find its way into supplies for arable land and even reservoirs where our own drinking water is processed.

A bunded oil tank is far less likely to leak. Any damage or corrosion would have to affect the two layers of the tank before any fluid could escape. Regular inspection and maintenance mean that this is highly unlikely to occur. In the event of a leak from the interior into the bund, the second layer will buy you valuable time to sort out the problem and retrieve the oil before it escapes and causes damage to the environment.

If the worst happens and oil from your tank does damage to the environment, expect a big bill for the cost of cleaning up the problem.

Stopping Fuel Theft

Sadly, the theft of valuable fuel oil is on the increase. Many thefts from single-skinned tanks involve the skin being penetrated and the liquid simply siphoned off.

A bunded tank offers an extra layer of protection against theft or tampering. It’s more complicated to penetrate a bunded tank and the extra work slows thieves down who will often want to steal your fuel and get away as quickly as possible. Thieves are far more likely to target oil stored in a single-skinned tank for this reason.

Reduce the Cost of Waste from Leaks

As well as being damaging to the environment, oil leakages cause damage to your bank account! If your home or business stores oil, leaks and spills can be costly. A bunded oil tank contains any leakage inside the bund. This means it can be safely removed and returned to storage, providing it has not been contaminated.

Buy More Oil to Save Money

The fuel oil market is notoriously volatile. Prices can fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. It makes sense to buy your oil in bulk when the price is at its lowest. Any tank with a capacity of 2500 litres or more must be bunded by law. Use a bunded tank with a higher capacity to store larger volumes of oil and save money.

Even if you don’t legally need to install a bunded oil tank, we think these are some really good reasons why doing so is a good idea. If you have any questions we haven’t covered, please give us a call. If you’re ready to buy your new oil tank, take a look at our range: https://atlantistanks.co.uk/products/easytank/oil-tanks/

What’s in the Report?

Surface water drainage – What is it?

Why Does that Affect Climate Change?

You will pay for surface water drainage in your bill in one of three ways:

• a fee in the standing charge
• a charge based on the rateable value of your property
• through a charge related to the type of property you live in

Solutions to Help You and the Environment

Rainwater Harvesting

How Does Rainwater Harvesting Help Prevent Climate Change?

• Collecting rainwater massively reduces any run-off into sewers. This reduces the energy needed to process this water.
• Using rainwater reduces your usage of water supplied via the water companies. This reduces the energy required to process and pump that water to your home.
• Rainwater that runs off into the sewerage system inevitably ends up in our natural waterways. This causes environmental damage that requires energy to rectify.

Surface Water Drainage Rebates

Atlantis Tanks’ PuraTank Rainwater Harvesting Systems

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s how important human contact is to us all. That got us thinking about how it’s entirely possible to speak to someone on the phone many times a week, or chat via email, yet know very little about them as a person or even what they look like.

With this in mind, we thought it would be good to introduce our team members so you can put a face to a voice when you’re talking on the phone. We’ve also asked each of them to answer four questions about themselves (some of their answers are surprising!)

So, enjoy meeting the team and look out for Meet the Team Part Two:

Jon Mytton – Managing Director, accomplished pianist and someone who is described as ‘good at just getting things done!’

1. You used to sell pianos for a living. If I was buying a second-hand piano, what’s the most important thing/things to look for?
Go for a European make rather than a Far Eastern as you are far more likely to succeed with obtaining something of quality. This is apart from good Japanese makes such as Kawai or Yamaha. Otherwise, just simply go by your gut feel – if you like to play it, if it looks alright and you can afford the price then it will most likely be OK for you!

2. What do you consider to be the most important skill to succeed in life?
For me, it’s not really about skills so much as about attitude! If you have the right attitude, can be a team player, are a hard worker and someone who is genuine and honest – you will ALWAYS succeed!

3. What did you want to be when you were a child?
A pilot!

4. What makes Atlantis Tanks the best tank supplier in the UK?
Apart from the fact we have great products….it’s the great team that gives us the edge. We value our customers like there’s no tomorrow – everyone is important to us from the smallest to the largest!

Linda Carruth – Keeping Accounts running smoothly

1. Can you describe your best day working for Atlantis Tanks? What happened and why did you enjoy it so much?
This is a hard question to answer as I enjoy working for Atlantis and enjoy my job, in 2020 the whole team went to Hardwick Hall and had breakfast. We then had the company’s vision, goal & targets for the year presentation followed by a session with ‘The Speaker With The Orange Tie’, which was great fun, very interesting and helpful. Great to be part of the Atlantis Team!

2. What are your favourite hobbies and pastimes?
I enjoy cooking & barbecuing – especially trying different cuisines. I also like being outdoors – walking, gardening, etc.

3. If you weren’t working in accounts for Atlantis Tanks, what would be your fantasy job?
My dream job would be either a paramedic or a midwife – I love helping others.

4. Tell us one thing that none of the Atlantis team know about you?
I honestly don’t know, I think they know all there is to know about me!!!

Adrian Thompson – Production Manager with an atomic past

1. If you had to summarise your entire career in one sentence, what would that be?
Consistently producing quality products and always attempting to improve my engineering skills throughout my career.

2. What’s the best thing about being a production manager?
Having an impact on product quality and engaging with fellow employees.

3. What is your secret talent?
Like my work ethic, I do my gardening to a high standard.

4. As a welder, what is the most unusual thing you’ve welded?
I manufactured all the pipework for the Hadron Collider Nuclear Research Plant at CERN on the French/Switzerland border. (Machining and welding).

Riley Mytton – Operations Director and football fanatic

1. Why do you support Manchester United and Barcelona as opposed to a local team?
I do like Newcastle United as well, I just love the history and quality of football surrounding Barcelona and Manchester United and all they have achieved over the years. I just like to enjoy good football and this is what the likes of Barcelona bring!

2. The great debate is whether Messi or Ronaldo is the greater player. Why do you rate Messi vs Ronaldo?
I think both are brilliant players, Ronaldo is a goal machine and an example to others how hard he works towards his ambitions. But for me, I think Messi is the GOAT! He’s a natural phenomenon and so complete in his game. Passing, shooting, skills, dribbling, vision – he’s the best in most areas of the game! His stats are unbelievable and if you watch the highlight reels of him you will understand why football fans love him! 😀

3. What is your biggest ambition in life?
To be successful at what I set out to achieve, and to be consistently loyal to my personal core values. And to live life!

4. What’s your favourite and least favourite thing about working for Atlantis Tanks?
I love my job and everything about working for Atlantis, probably the nicest thing for me is this team’s momentum and strong work ethic which is like a pulling force as we all work to bring Atlantis to new horizons and further success.

The least favourite thing, I’m not really sure I have one but maybe Monday mornings.

Steven Hanlon – Logistics Manager. He may be an Extinction Rebellion target but he’s living the dream.

1. Please write a short paragraph about your background and how you joined the Atlantis team.
Prior to joining Atlantis, I worked for the Banks Group for 30 years. 27 of these years were in Transport with the last 10 year as Transport Manager.

My employment with the company heavily relied on the success of the coal mining business and changes in government policy over the last few years clearly questioned the future of coal mining in the UK. With all active mining sites in the UK coming to end in 2021, and the government refusing approval for any new sites, I was conscious that 2021 would probably be my last year working for the Banks Group.

I accidentally became aware of the vacancy at Atlantis Tanks. Immediately, it appeared a good fit for me and my skills and it reminded me of the Banks Group when I joined 30 years ago – A successful family business on the way up that push to offer a great service, put their customers at the forefront of their thoughts and conduct their operations in the correct way)

So… for the first time in over 30 years I decided to apply for a job vacancy and the rest is history!

2. What’s the most interesting/bizarre story from your time with the Banks Group?
There’s a few. Many aren’t suitable to print and not sure what would be classed as interesting / bizarre as a lot of it became the norm.

I had to shut the southbound Tyne Tunnel to get a heavy / wide load to travel northbound up the southbound side as the load could not fit through the northbound side.

I’ve been on an advanced media training course with ITV / Tyne Tees news reading legend Pam Royle.

I’ve been to public meetings with riot police positioned outside the venue and on major loads near to the venue.

I’ve been identified as a potential target for Extinction Rebellion (due to Banks Group involvement with coal) and needed to go on defensive driver training course and also be shown techniques on how to spot if you are being followed. I was also advised to stop using social media with friends and family as there was a concern that if Extinction Rebellion couldn’t intimidate their targets directly they would go for their friends and family and apparently social media make it easier for such groups.

We have had to dig protestors out of the ground and get them down from trees before starting sites.

When Banks were granted permission for a new coal site in 2018, protesters stormed our offices and carried out a fake funeral to signal the death of the world.

I was sent on secondment for 6 months to work with the government and the army in the fight against foot & mouth.

I answered the telephone one day and it was Tony Blair on the phone. (He was Prime Minister at the time)

I’ve offered Prince Edward a polo mint.

A driver once killed a rat with his shovel when delivering to a farm. It turned out to be the farmer’s daughter’s pet chinchilla.

3. What’s the best thing about being a logistics manager?
No two days are the same and you always have to be ready for change and the next challenge.

4. How did your teachers describe you at school and what did you want to be when you were a child?
I’m not sure what my teachers would have said about me at school. Probably something like ‘Bless him. He’s not the brightest but he tries hard.’ My only ambition when I left school was to work with computers and to have a company car. I’ve just realised, I’m living the dream!

Tomasz Prychodny – A Production Engineer using his secret talents

1.What is your secret talent?
I don’t have any secret talents because I use them all in everyday life.

2. What is the best thing about being a production engineer?
Making people happy.

3. Please write a short paragraph about your background and how you came to work for Atlantis
In 2005 I started work as a welder in Poland. I’ve been living in England for 5 years with my family and I continue to work as a welder in my role as a Production Engineer for Atlantis.

We’re happy to hear that you enjoyed Meet the Team Part One (if you haven’t read it yet, find it here).

Putting a face to a name is always good and finding out a little bit more about the people you speak to on the phone and online is even better! Read Meet the Team Part Two to find out some more (sometimes) surprising facts about the rest of the Atlantis team:

Gavin Mytton – Kemble Depot Manager and tech geek

1. Please give us a timeline of your career working in the tank supply industry. about your background and how you came to be the Kemble Depot Manager.
2002 I worked for Containers Direct, my father’s business, as an OFTEC Installer supplying and installing oil tanks

2008 – 2019 I worked on a consultant basis for Atlantis, advising on IT, Systems etc

2019 – 2020 I became a full-time-time Atlantis employee, working in Systems and IT

Jan 2021 I took on the role of Depot Manager at the new South West Depot at Kemble

2. If you weren’t working in the tank supply industry, what would you be doing?
I’m a bit of a geek, I love gadgets, tech and systems. This is where I would be.

3. What is your secret talent?
I can get into anything! I’ve got the curiosity of a cat, the nose of a bloodhound, and the lock picking abilities of a street urchin from a Charles Dickens novel.

4. Do you play a musical instrument? If not, and you could play one, what would you choose and why?
Well sort of, I play the saxophone, piano and guitar but none of them terribly well. I don’t have the patience to practise.

Saskia Storey – Business Development Manager and creator of excellent cakes

1. What is your favourite part of your job?
Interacting with our customers is what I enjoy most. I enjoy dealing with our current customers, some of whom I speak to every day, and also dealing with the new ones that come on board. Every day is different, it’s always interesting and we are kept busy looking after all the enquiries. Our team culture is fun. Good communication is what keeps us all connected, whichever branch anyone is located at that day.

2. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m a gin and a chocolate lover 🙂 I love shopping and have recently (during lockdown) started to get into baking and creating cakes too.

3. How long have you worked for Atlantis?
One and a half years.

4. What is Atlantis best at?
Outstanding service – from the point of enquiry all the way through to the end user receiving their tank. I often get feedback from customers who have had their expectations exceeded (especially feedback about our drivers who deliver on our own vehicles) and quite a number of them have kindly gone on to leave a positive Google review on our page.

Peter Czuffer – Logistics and would-be helicopter pilot

1. What is your favourite work task?
Seeing satisfied customers.

2. What is the most frustrating or tricky thing about working in logistics?
Things always change at the last minute.

3. If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would they be and why?
My mum, my friend and my auntie because I miss them.

4. If you didn’t work for Atlantis, what would be your dream job?
Flying a helicopter.

Kieran Mytton – Sales Director, drummer and barbecue enthusiast

1. Who is the most likely Atlantis Tanks team member to burn the BBQ and why?
Riley, because he always leaves the cooking to others, haha!

2. If you didn’t work for Atlantis Tanks, what would you be doing?
If Atlantis didn’t exist, I guess I would still be involved in a sales role, as sales is what I’m passionate about and something that motivates me. Saying this, I am also passionate about design, so architecture would also be an interesting occupation.

3. What is your greatest work achievement?
Securing one order just shy of £1m, which is the biggest single order Atlantis has received to date. Aside from this, seeing the business grow year on year and seeing the team’s input towards this growth gives me and everyone else a great sense of achievement.

4. Who do you consider the greatest ever drummer and which drummers inspire you most?
Keith Carlock is an all-time favourite, having played drums for Toto and many other groups & artists, it’s fair to say – he can play the drums. But I have many favourites and appreciate all drumming styles.

Phil Gaskin – Durham Depot Manager, clubland fan and hobnobber with the stars

1. What is the proudest moment of your career?
One of the proudest moments is when I was nominated for an award in my previous job and I was down to the last 5 out of 1500 people. Unfortunately, I did not win but was proud to get that far.

2. Please write a short paragraph about your background and how you came to be the Durham Depot Manager.
I am a time served plumber and became a site manager in construction at the age of 29 in a local authority. In my last job, I worked for one of the dragons from Dragon’s Den (the TV program). I was not really looking for a new job when I saw the advert for my job with Atlantis, but it had my name all over it… and the rest is history.

3. Who is your favourite band/solo artist and why?
I have a passion for 80s pop music and clubland music – the two could not be more different from each other. I have been to many clubland events over the past few years and even my children are fans of this music now.

4. What are your hobbies or pastimes?
My hobbies are my dogs. I have 3 at the moment, a mother and daughter jackawawa, and my son’s jack russell as he is away in the Royal Navy.

Peter Smith – Logistics and saving up for a BMW E30 M3

1. What would be your dream car and will you ever get one?
BMW E30 M3 Never say never!

2. What is your favourite thing about your job?
Travelling around our beautiful countryside and meeting new people.

3. If you could solve one world problem, what would that be and why?
I would stop the worldwide mass destruction of wildlife habitats. I just think it’s so sad what we are doing to our planet.

4. What was your proudest moment at work?
I haven’t really had one.

John Goodenough – Ely Depot Manager, bricklaying expert and homebrewer

1. What makes a good bricklayer?
Many qualities make up a good bricklayer. Here’s just a few: pride in your work, being willing to either work in a team or on your own, enjoying outdoor, physical work, being willing to learn from others and take on new ideas and methods.

2.What’s the best thing about working for Atlantis Tanks?
Personally, I enjoy the mix of my roles, which is operations and sales. Every new day is different.

3. Tell us one thing that none of the Atlantis team knows about you?
The Atlantis team don’t know that I used to brew a nice ale at home. This is something I need to get going again!

Ben Wilson – Logistics and Top Gear mechanic

1. What does it take to be a really good mechanic?
You have to have passion for what you do and find enjoyment from accomplishing the job.

2. What’s the most unusual or difficult mechanical problem you’ve ever solved/fixed?
The most unusual mechanical problem I’ve fixed was a Volvo that was in an accident whilst I was in Kazakhstan filming for Top Gear. We used parts from a Lada and lots of “bush ingenuity” to repair it!

3. What are your hobbies or pastimes?
My hobbies and pastimes are spending time with my children and I also have an industrial unit where I build modified quad-bikes.

4. What’s the best thing and the most frustrating thing about logistics?
The best thing about logistics is when everything goes according to plan the most frustrating is when things go wrong or there are delays.