The regulations require fuel oil distributors to conduct inspections on all fuel oil heating systems. This includes all underground and aboveground tanks, associated piping, venting and heating appliances such as furnaces, boilers and water heaters. The fuel oil distributors must inspect, or have a licensed oil burner technician inspect all equipment to which they deliver fuel, initially and at least once every 10 years. Fuel oil cannot be delivered to equipment that poses an immediate hazard.
Once inspection is complete, if the technician determines that there is an issue with the installation of the tank or supporting components of the heating system, or if there is damage, rust or leaks, they will issue an order for rectification. Depending on the severity of the danger from the unsafe installation, or damage, a fuel supplier can specify a time period up to 90 days for corrective action or the delivery of fuel oil will cease. If the unsafe installation is very dangerous (Red Tag), then the distributor must immediately stop the supply of fuel oil to the installation.
There are insurance carriers who choose not to provide insurance coverage when tanks have passed a prescribed age. This is not a requirement of TSSA.
TSSA does not regulate Insurance carriers who ultimately may decide to impose a replacement requirement based on the age of the tank according to their own risk assessment criteria.
Hoover’s Home Energy Inc can perform comprehensive TSSA inspections on your tank and appliances, as well as answer any questions you may have in regard to requirements. We can also repair any deficiencies that are found.
