Is Your Oil Burner System in Compliance with New Massachusetts Law?

Selling your home in Massachusetts? Then, it may be time have your oil burner system inspected by your oil company to see if it is in compliance with a new little known Massachusetts law that was recently passed. It states that a home’s older oil burner systems must be installed with a safety value or a protective sleeve on the oil supply line. If the Seller or Buyer is unaware of this new law until the last minute, it could delay closings.

Commonly Asked Questions:

Q: Where can I find more information about this law?
A: Check out an informative article on the MassDep website: www.mass.gov/dep/cleanup/laws/hhsl.htm

Q: Can a homeowner put the sleeve on themselves?
A: No, it must be performed by a licensed oil burner technician.

Q: Which oil systems are affected by the new law?
A: Unless they are exempt, it affects all oil burning systems. However, most systems installed on or after January 1, 1990 will most likely be in compliance. State fire codes implemented these requirements on new installations at that time.

Q: What oil systems would be exempt from the law?
A: If the oil burner is located above the oil storage tank and the entire oil supply line is connected to and above the top of the tank or an oil safety valve or oil supply line with a protective sleeve was installed on or after January 1, 1990 and these changes are in compliance with the oil burning equipment regulations they will be exempt.

Q: How can I determine that my oil burner is in compliance?
A: The permit from the fire department for the installation can be used to document the compliance or a licensed oil burner technician can certify that it complies.

Q: If I don’t have an oil safety valve or oil supply line with a protective sleeve in place how do I go about in getting the oil burner system in compliance?
A: Either your local oil company can assist you or one can be found from a list of licensed technicians at http://db.state.ma.us/dps/licenseelist.asp. Click on the “individuals” tab, scroll down to and then select “Oil-Burner-Technical Certificate” in the “Select a license type” box, type in your city or zip code and click “select”.

Q: Where can I find a form to document compliance of my oil heating system upgrades?
A: MA Department of Fire Services Forms for use by licensed oil burner technicians may be found at the OSFM Forms Web Site.

I would welcome to hear from any of you of any situations where your closing was postponed or delayed for any reason. I can be contacted at rcarter@carterclosings.com or by cell phone at 781-944-7000.

Thanks
Attorney Richard M. Carter

Carter Law Office, PC
Attorney Richard M. Carter
Admitted to Massachusetts Bar and New Hampshire Bar
rcarter@carterclosings.com