Drip trays and secondary containment
Drip trays and secondary containment solve the problem before a spill becomes a clean-up job. Use them under drums, containers, machinery, generators, batteries, pumps, dosing points and areas where small leaks could reach floors, drains or soil.
What problem are you trying to solve?
- When is a drip tray enough?
A drip tray is useful for minor drips, small containers and predictable leak points where the tray capacity is suitable for the risk. - When is a bund or spill pallet better?
Use bunded storage where drums, IBCs or larger containers could lose enough liquid to overwhelm a simple tray. - How do we choose capacity?
For oil and many stored liquids, secondary containment guidance commonly refers to 110% of the largest container or 25% of total storage volume, whichever is greater.
How to choose the right spill control approach
| Site problem | Best practical response | SERPRO link |
|---|---|---|
| Generator, pump or plant drip risk | Use a drip tray sized to the footprint and likely leak volume. | Drip and Spill Trays |
| Drum or IBC storage | Use bunded pallets or spill containment products. | Spill Containment |
| Bund planning and capacity decisions | Use spill containment and bunding guidance before buying. | Spill containment and bunding guide |
| Repeat small leaks in workshops | Use trays plus absorbents to keep floors safer and cleaner. | General Purpose Absorbents |
Practical next steps
- Measure the container footprint and likely release volume before selecting a tray.
- Check whether the storage is temporary, mobile, indoor, outdoor or near a drain.
- Keep containment clean, empty and inspected; a full tray cannot contain the next spill.
- Use absorbents only as a secondary clean-up measure, not as the main containment method.
- Record inspections so leaks, overfills and blocked trays are corrected promptly.
Useful references
- NetRegs secondary containment systems
- NetRegs chemical secondary containment
- GOV.UK oil storage regulations for businesses
Need help selecting spill kits, absorbents, drip trays or containment? SERPRO supplies drip trays, bunded drum trays, spill pallets and containment products for routine leak prevention and higher-volume storage risks.