OIL-heated households in the region have been urged to follow regulations for DIY projects near oil tanks.

The warning issued by Oftec, the registration body for off-grid heating, comes after an episode of BBC’s Jay Blades’ Home Fix featured a "dangerous DIY job" close to an oil tank.

The episode, which aired last Thursday and is available on BBC iPlayer, shows a DIY expert demonstrating how to build a wooden fence around a garden oil tank.

Oftec said, unfortunately the tank had not been installed in line with building regulations and the fence was not constructed to British Standards guidelines for screenings.

Under Regional Building Regulations, oil tanks must be professionally installed to minimise the risk of pollution from potential fuel spills, and of a fire from a nearby source spreading to a tank. Oftec has contacted the BBC on the matter expressing its concern.

Malcolm Farrow from Oftec said: “Oil heating systems have an excellent safety record. However, Building Regulations and British Standards guidelines are in place for a reason."

For more information visit www.oftec.org