Why containment matters

Drips, weeps and small losses often occur during transfer, decanting, maintenance, or routine storage. By using bunded areas, containment trays, or double-walled tanks, facilities can significantly reduce the risk of spills reaching the environment and limit clean-up time when an incident occurs.

• Protects drains and reduces the chance of environmental contamination
• Helps keep walkways and work areas cleaner and safer
• Supports site standards and good housekeeping for audits and inspections
• Provides a defined area for storage, decanting and maintenance activities

Containment options

Containment can be introduced at different points across your operation. Common approaches include:

Bunded areas

Bunded zones provide a dedicated secondary containment footprint for drums, IBCs or process containers. They are well suited to warehouses, plant rooms and loading bays where multiple containers are stored together.

Containment trays and drip trays

Trays are ideal for placing beneath pumps, valves, small containers, dosing points, benches and machinery where regular drips can occur. They help keep liquids contained at source and simplify housekeeping.

Spill pallets and IBC bunds

Spill pallets provide elevated, bunded storage for drums, while IBC bunds are designed around bulk containers. Both can help prevent loss from reaching floors and drains during storage and handling.

Double-walled and bunded storage

Where larger volumes are stored, double-walled or bunded tanks can provide robust containment and reduce the consequences of a leak. These are often used for fuels, oils and process liquids.

How to choose the right solution

The best containment solution depends on your liquids, container sizes, handling methods, location and available space. Consider:

• Liquid type, temperature and compatibility with materials
• Container format (small packs, drums, IBCs or tanks) and total stored volume
• Where activity happens (storage, decanting, maintenance, loading/unloading)
• Access requirements for forklifts, pallet trucks or cleaning
• Whether you need portable containment or a fixed bunded area

If you also need absorbents for day-to-day drips or emergency response, you can pair containment with suitable spill kits and absorbent products.

Related pages: Spill Kits, Absorbents, Drip Trays

Find a containment solution for your site

Explore our containment range to help reduce spill risk, improve housekeeping and protect the environment. 

If you are assessing a new area or upgrading an existing setup, a quick review of what you store, how you handle it and where it is located can help you select the most effective containment method.