Containment products: stop migration, protect drains, control run-off

Containment is often the difference between a manageable clean-up and a major pollution incident. Good pollution prevention practice focuses on stopping spills from entering drains and watercourses, then controlling spread so liquids can be recovered safely. NetRegs guidance repeatedly highlights prompt action to protect drains and surface waters, supported by suitable drain blockers and spill response equipment.

This page explains where containment products fit in your spill response plan, what to choose for different risks, and links to the most relevant ranges on Serpro.

What containment products do

• Stop migration by creating a physical barrier that keeps a spill in a defined area.
• Protect drains by sealing gullies, grates and manholes to prevent liquids entering the drainage system.
• Control run-off by bunding or berming around leak sources, transfer points and temporary work areas.
• Buy time for safe clean-up, reducing slip hazards, secondary contamination and costly downtime.

Why drains matter

Spills can travel quickly through surface water drainage to ditches, streams and rivers. UK pollution prevention guidance recommends understanding where your drains are, where they discharge, and using control measures to stop pollutants reaching them. See GOV.UK: Pollution prevention for businesses and NetRegs GPP 1.

Core containment product types

Drain protection

Drain covers and drain seals create a rapid “shut-off” so spilled liquids cannot enter storm drains or surface water systems. They are commonly used in loading bays, yards, workshops, fuelling areas and anywhere liquids could reach a gully.

Browse: Drain Protection

Drip trays and spill trays

Drip trays capture small leaks and drips under pumps, valves, generators, containers and plant. They help prevent chronic contamination and keep floors safer. NetRegs includes specific construction-site advice on using drip trays to prevent spills on site. See NetRegs: Drip trays to prevent spills on site.

Browse: Drip and Spill Trays | Bunded Drum Trays

Temporary bunding and portable berms

Temporary bunding creates an instant bund around a work area, vehicle, drum, IBC, plant or transfer operation. It is ideal for maintenance shutdowns, outdoor works, tank farms, depots and emergency response, where you need fast set-up and flexible layouts.

Browse: InstaBund Portable Bunding

IBC and drum containment

Secondary containment (for example, spill pallets and bunded storage) provides a “second line of defence” to catch leaks before they spread. This approach is referenced across UK safety and major accident prevention resources, including HSE guidance on containment measures.

Browse: IBC Containment | Spill Containment

How to choose the right containment

Step 1: Identify where a spill could go

• Mark drains, gullies, interceptors and outfalls on a simple drainage plan.
• Note slopes, door thresholds and likely flow paths in rain or wash-down conditions.
• Identify high-risk points: deliveries, decanting, tank filling, IBC taps, bund valves, maintenance work areas.

Step 2: Match the product to the scenario

• If the priority is stopping drains: use drain protection and position it where it can be deployed in seconds.
• If the priority is capturing routine leaks: use drip trays beneath equipment or storage points.
• If the priority is controlling run-off outdoors: use portable bunding/berms to contain and recover liquids.
• If the priority is storage compliance and long-term risk reduction: use IBC/drum containment solutions and bunded areas.

Step 3: Plan for the liquid type and conditions

• Consider compatibility (oils, fuels, coolants, mild acids/alkalis and general chemicals) and any temperature exposure.
• Think about rainwater: if using outdoor containment, plan how to manage clean rainwater versus contaminated liquids.
• Confirm access: products should be easy to lift, deploy, and store near the risk area.

Containment and spill response work best together

Containment controls the spread; absorbents and recovery methods remove the liquid. NetRegs GPP 22 provides practical spill response steps, including actions to prevent pollution and manage spills that could reach drainage systems. See NetRegs: GPP 22 (Dealing with spills).

If you also need complete response packs, see the relevant Spill Kits range.

Quick links: Serpro containment ranges

• Drain Protection
• Drip and Spill Trays
• Bunded Drum Trays
• Spill Containment
• IBC Containment
• InstaBund Portable Bunding

References (citations)

• NetRegs: Good practice to prevent pollution (incident response planning)
• NetRegs: GPP 22 – Dealing with spills (PDF: download)
• NetRegs: GPP 1 – A general guide to preventing pollution
• NetRegs: Drip trays to prevent spills on site
• GOV.UK: Pollution prevention for businesses
• HSE: Secondary containment (COMAH technical measures)