Commentary - June 2025

Fire tank inspections just got more urgent. Under the latest TB203 regulation updates, fire tanks now require internal inspections every two years, not ten, meaning that facilities managers and fire contractors across the UK and Europe are under pressure to comply - without disrupting operations. That’s five times more inspections over the same period, creating demand for faster, safer and more cost-effective solutions.

Why traditional inspections no longer cut it

Historically, fire tank inspections were infrequent and often carried out using disruptive or limited methods. Draining the tank and sending an operative inside remains a common practice, despite the downtime, safety risks and regulatory overheads that come with confined space entry. In some cases, inspections are reduced to surface-level checks that miss early signs of corrosion or critical internal damage entirely.

With inspections now required every two years instead of ten, those traditional approaches no longer stack up. Taking systems offline this frequently isn’t sustainable - for safety, insurance or operational continuity. Relying on partial visibility only increases the risk of expensive issues being missed until it’s too late.

The ROV advantage

Balmoral’s remotely operated vehicle (ROV) inspection service offers a smarter, more future-ready alternative. One that keeps your system running while delivering deeper insight.

• Inspections without downtime
  Tanks stay full and operational, removing the need for costly shutdowns or temporary fire cover.
• No confined space entry
  ROVs eliminate the need for human entry, simplifying insurance, reducing risk and improving safety.
• Clear, visual reporting
  High-definition footage and structural testing reveal issues early, so you can act before they escalate.
• Actionable insight for long-term planning
  Identify corrosion, damage or component failure early, helping you plan ahead rather than react in crisis.

Built to inspect. Equipped to solve.

We don’t just inspect tanks.

We design, manufacture, maintain and replace them. That gives us a critical advantage when it comes to inspections. We understand how tanks are engineered, how they fail and how to keep them working at their best.

Our ROV inspection service is well established, delivered by the same experienced team that’s supported clients for years. With enhanced equipment and full LPCB and FM accreditation, we’re helping customers meet new regulations with confidence.

We’re one of the few providers that can offer a complete solution. Where others stop at reporting faults, we go further, offering practical recommendations, in-house maintenance, and full tank replacement where needed.

And as the only tank supplier in the world with the BSI Kitemark™ for Service Excellence, we’re trusted to get it right first time.