Bunded Spill Pallets
Bunded spill pallets (often called spill pallets) provide secondary containment for drums, small tanks, IBCs and day-to-day fluid handling in workshops, yards, plant rooms and fuel storage areas. They help you prevent spills spreading, reduce the chance of drain contamination, and support good environmental compliance when storing diesel and other oils.
Why bunded spill pallets matter in diesel areas
Diesel areas are high-risk for leaks from tanks, bowsers, drums, hoses, couplings and transfer points. A bunded spill pallet places a contained “catchment” directly beneath the container(s), capturing drips and minor leaks before they migrate across the floor or reach gullies and interceptors. This is especially important where rainwater, wash-down, or vehicle traffic can move contamination quickly.
Referring guidance for diesel areas: Ensure all fuel tanks are bunded, using products such as bunded spill pallets and drip trays. Regularly manage interceptors to prevent drain contamination.
What is a bunded spill pallet?
A bunded spill pallet is a raised platform (typically with a removable grate) that sits above an integral sump. Containers are stored on the platform so any leaks collect safely in the sump. Many models are designed for forklift handling and are built from materials selected for chemical compatibility (commonly polyethylene or steel).
Secondary containment sizing basics
In the UK, commonly referenced good-practice guidance for secondary containment is:
- Containment capacity of at least 110% of the largest container.
- Where multiple containers share the same containment, many guidance documents reference the greater of 110% of the largest container or 25% of the total stored volume.
Always treat these as a starting point and apply site-specific risk assessment (stored liquids, location, drainage routes, exposure to rainfall, and operational practices).
Choosing the right bunded spill pallet
1) Container type and footprint
- Drums: single or multi-drum spill pallets for oils, diesel and lubricants.
- IBCs: dedicated IBC containment platforms with higher sump capacities.
- Small tanks / day tanks: bunded platforms or covered bunds depending on exposure and access needs.
2) Material compatibility
Match the pallet material to the liquids stored. Polyethylene is widely used for many oils and chemicals, while steel options can suit certain operational environments and higher temperature applications. If you store mixed substances, confirm compatibility and any site rules before selection.
3) Indoor vs outdoor use
For outdoor diesel areas, consider rainfall management. Secondary containment must retain capacity and not become compromised by collected rainwater. Covered bunds, sheltered storage, and planned inspection/drain-down procedures help keep containment effective.
4) Real-world usability
- Removable grates for easier cleaning and inspection.
- Low-profile options to reduce manual handling strain and improve access.
- Forklift channels where pallets must be repositioned.
- Clear labelling and housekeeping controls to prevent overfilling the sump.
Best practice for installation and ongoing use
- Position bunded pallets away from drains and door thresholds where possible.
- Keep transfer points (dispensing taps, hose connections) within containment.
- Inspect routinely for liquid in the sump, damage, blocked outlets, and degraded grates.
- Remove collected liquid promptly using your site’s approved waste process.
- Use absorbents and drip trays at “known drip points” (e.g., couplings, pump areas) to reduce sump loading.
Spill pallets, drip trays and drain protection work together
For robust spill prevention in diesel areas, bunded spill pallets are typically used alongside:
- Covered Bunds & Pallets for more protected storage solutions
- Spill containment and bunding guidance for broader site strategies
- Drain protection to stop spills reaching gullies and interceptors
- Bunded storage solutions for wider storage and compliance planning
- Bund design guidelines for sizing and practical design considerations
When to upgrade beyond a spill pallet
If you store larger tanks, have frequent transfers, or operate outdoors with higher exposure to rainfall and vehicle impact, consider a more comprehensive bunded storage approach (such as covered bunds, bunded compounds, or dedicated fuel stores). You can also improve resilience by combining secondary containment with drain protection, spill kits, and documented inspection routines.
Need help selecting a bunded spill pallet?
If you tell us what you’re storing (diesel, oils, coolants, chemicals), the number and type of containers (drums/IBCs), and whether the area is indoors or outdoors, we can help you choose a practical containment option.
Contact Serpro for product guidance.