Secondary containment systems

One of the most effective methods for preventing spills is the installation of secondary containment systems. These systems are designed to capture any leaks or spills from primary containers, such as tanks or drums, ensuring that hazardous materials do not escape into the environment. Typical designs include bunded areas, which are walls or barriers that can hold the entire volume of the largest container, along with any additional spillage.

In practice, secondary containment is commonly achieved using bunds, spill pallets, drip trays, or bespoke bunded rooms. The best option depends on what you store, how it is handled, and how likely a release is during transfers, decanting, maintenance, or routine use.

Bunded areas and hardstand containment

Bunding is a robust, site-wide strategy for fixed storage. A properly designed bund creates a defined “capture zone” around tanks, IBCs, or drum storage, preventing a leak from travelling. Bund walls should be compatible with the liquids stored, resistant to impact, and arranged so that rainwater management does not compromise containment.

For external locations, consider how water ingress will be handled. A bund that fills with rain can lose effective free capacity. Where appropriate, use controlled drainage arrangements and inspection routines so the bund remains ready to contain a release.

Mobile and modular containment options

If storage locations change, or you need flexibility, mobile containment is often the most efficient solution. Spill pallets and modular bund flooring can be installed quickly and scaled as your storage grows. Drip trays are ideal beneath smaller containers, dispensing points, pumps, and workbenches, providing targeted containment exactly where leaks are most likely to occur.

For short-term tasks such as servicing plant, refuelling, or maintenance work, temporary containment (for example, portable trays and protective floor covering) helps prevent routine drips becoming costly clean-ups.

Sizing and capacity planning

Effective containment starts with correct sizing. Your containment should be capable of holding the expected worst-case release for that area. As a baseline, many sites work to “largest container plus an allowance”, but you should also consider transfer hoses, valves, pipework, and any elevated sources that could drain down.

If multiple containers are stored together, think about whether a failure could involve more than one unit (for example, during impact or fire). Planning for realistic scenarios helps you choose containment that genuinely reduces risk, not just meets a minimum requirement.

Chemical compatibility and durability

Containment materials must be compatible with what they may be exposed to. For example, some liquids can soften certain plastics, while solvents may damage coatings. Also consider operating temperatures, UV exposure outdoors, and mechanical wear from pallet trucks or forklifts.

Where incompatible liquids are stored on site, separate them into dedicated containment zones and clearly label storage areas to avoid cross-contamination and simplify response.

Inspection, housekeeping, and response readiness

Even the best containment fails if it is not maintained. Keep containment areas clear of clutter so leaks are visible and access is not restricted. Schedule inspections to check for cracks, damaged seams, blocked channels, or standing liquid that reduces capacity.

Containment works best when paired with a response plan. Make sure spill control products are close to the risk, and train staff on immediate actions: stop the source if safe, protect drains, and use appropriate absorbents and PPE.

You can support your containment strategy with appropriate products such as Spill Kits, Drip Trays and Spill Pallets.

Where containment is most valuable

Containment delivers the biggest benefit in predictable risk areas, such as drum stores, IBC bays, chemical cupboards, decanting points, pump sets, maintenance benches, and vehicle servicing areas. Mapping these points across your site helps you prioritise improvements and keep controls proportionate to the risk.

If you need to reduce the chance of liquids reaching drains, consider adding controls at the drainage interface.