IBC bunds

An IBC bund is a form of secondary containment designed to catch leaks and minor spills from Intermediate Bulk Containers (typically 1,000 litres) before they reach floors, doorways, drains, soil, or watercourses. In UK guidance for single containers such as IBCs, secondary containment is commonly expected to hold at least 110% of the container’s capacity, with different approaches referenced where multiple containers share the same containment.

The aim is simple: keep any loss of liquid contained at source, making clean-up safer, quicker, and easier to manage during audits and inspections, and reducing the likelihood of environmental harm. For broader bunding principles and design considerations, see our Bund design guidelines and Bunding best practices.

Where IBC bunds are used

IBC bunds are commonly used in yards, compounds, workshops, washout areas, chemical stores, and anywhere liquids are decanted, mixed, or stored near drainage interfaces. Typical contents include oils, fuels, coolants, cutting fluids, detergents, chemicals, and many site-maintenance liquids. If drains are nearby, bunding should be paired with suitable protection and a clear response plan. See Drain protection and our Spill response plan.

IBC bund sizing

For fixed tanks, mobile bowsers, IBCs and other single containers, UK government guidance states that secondary containment must have capacity to hold 110% of the capacity of the container. Wider UK guidance also commonly references 110% of the largest container and, where multiple containers share one containment area, 25% of total stored volume (whichever is greater).

Practical point: when you calculate capacity, use the effective (usable) capacity. Pallets, supports, racking, sumps, and uneven bases can reduce what the bund can actually hold. Our bunding pages cover this in more detail: Bund design guidelines.

Choosing the right type of IBC bund

IBC spill pallets and bunded bases for day-to-day storage and dispensing where you want quick set-up and simple inspection control.
Covered IBC stores for outdoor use where you need weather protection and controlled access (helping to preserve bund capacity).
Portable or flexible bunding for temporary projects, maintenance shutdowns, or short-term storage layouts.

Browse options here: IBC containment.

Installation and day-to-day controls

Siting: Keep IBCs stable, protected from vehicle strike, and away from unprotected drains where possible.
Drain interfaces: Identify what drains are present and have appropriate protection ready to deploy. See Drain protection.
Rainwater management: Outdoor bunds can lose capacity if they fill with rainwater. Use covered stores where appropriate and follow a controlled approach to any pump-out/emptying so you do not release contamination.
Compatibility: Ensure the bund material and any liners are suitable for the liquids stored.
Inspections: Routine inspection and maintenance should be documented with owners and close-out dates. See Regular inspections.

Template-style compliance checklist

Use the checklist below as a practical “site walk” prompt. Adapt it to your activities and substances.

Spill risks reviewed by area (refuelling, workshops, compounds, washout, drainage interfaces).
Spill response plan briefed at induction and reinforced via toolbox talks.
Spill kit locations shown on site plans; signage installed.
Drain protection identified for each drainage type on site.
Secondary containment in place for fuels/chemicals (bunds, IBC bunds).
Routine inspections logged; defects closed out with dates and owners.
Waste route confirmed for used absorbents and contaminated materials; storage area identified.
Spill drills or short practical “show me” checks scheduled and recorded.

Useful external references

GOV.UK guidance on storing oil (secondary containment for single containers including IBCs).
NetRegs guidance on secondary containment systems (bunding), including capacity approaches for multiple containers.
HSE guidance on secondary containment and bund sizing considerations.
Legal wording in The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001 (secondary containment capacity).

If you want help selecting an IBC bund set-up for your site layout and liquids stored, start with IBC containment and match it with drain protection and a clear spill response plan.