Heating oil lines exposed

RurtBeynolds

I'm after ripping up some decking and see that the line carrying oil from the tank to the boiler is exposed.

What are the regulations about this? Should it be under ground?

Wearb

Below from OFTEC guidance.

"External/exposed pipes
In order to prevent air locks, external gravity piping should
run in a continuous rise following the direction of flow. Pipes
must be supported by purpose made clips and attached to
permanent structures such as a wall. A garden shed or
wooden boundary fence is not classed as a permanent
structure because it will deteriorate with age, and any
movement may damage the pipes.
Buried oil feed pipes
Buried oil feed pipes must be of appropriate material such
as plastic coated copper or approved plastic underground
pipe. Oil feed pipes should be buried at least 300mm clear
of other underground services such as water and electricity.
Oil feed pipes should be buried to a depth of 450mm. The
bottom of the trench should be filled with 40mm of tightly
compacted sand for the pipe to lie on. The pipe is then
covered with another 40mm of sand and a layer of building
grade polythene used to protect from contamination.
Warning tape (which is available from OFTEC Direct) should
also be placed above the pipe 150mm below the surface.
It’s important to protect the oil feed pipes from accidental
damage.

Buried oil feed pipes

Buried oil feed pipes must be of appropriate material such
as plastic coated copper or approved plastic underground
pipe. Oil feed pipes should be buried at least 300mm clear
of other underground services such as water and electricity.
Oil feed pipes should be buried to a depth of 450mm. The
bottom of the trench should be filled with 40mm of tightly
compacted sand for the pipe to lie on. The pipe is then
covered with another 40mm of sand and a layer of building
grade polythene used to protect from contamination.
Warning tape (which is available from OFTEC Direct) should
also be placed above the pipe 150mm below the surface.
It’s important to protect the oil feed pipes from accidental
damage.

Safety and maintenance:

Oil feed pipes must be inspected regularly, and pressure
testing may be necessary, especially for pipes
underground.
For safety purposes, records should be kept by installer
and occupier on the following:
• Pipe Route
• Material used
• Size of pipe and sleeving if any
• Buried depth if applicable"

RurtBeynolds

Many thanks @Wearb!