(a) As used in this section, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:—

''Board'', the board of fire prevention regulations within the department.

''Fuel supply line'', a line from a tank to a burner in which oil is supplied to the burner.

''Fuel return line'', a line that returns unused fuel oil back to the tank.

''Oil burner'', a device for burning oil in heating appliances including, but not limited to, boilers, furnaces, water heaters or ranges.

''Oil safety valve'', a device that prevents the flow of oil if a fuel supply line breaks.

''Residential property'', a 1– to 4–unit dwelling used for living or sleeping.

''Tank'', a liquid fuel tank in which heating oil is stored and from which heating oil is delivered or pumped through a fuel supply line to an oil burner, whether located within a dwelling or other structure, including tanks installed at or below grade level, or located outdoors but excluding underground tanks wherever located.

(b) An owner of residential property utilizing a heating oil tank for consumptive use on the premises with 1 or more fuel supply lines or return lines in direct contact with concrete, earth or other floor surfaces shall:

1. (1) enclose any fuel supply line with a continuous non-metallic sleeve;
2. (2) cause an oil safety valve to be installed at the tank end of any fuel supply line in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions; or (3) employ any other release prevention method approved by the board; provided, however, that the upgrades described in clauses (1) to (3), inclusive, shall not be required if the burner is located above the fuel storage tank and the entire fuel supply line is connected to, and above, the top of the tank.