When you’re working with hazardous liquids on a jobsite, spill containment needs to be a top priority. And while you may be using a range of containment measures – from drip trays to bunded storage containers and handling equipment – there are many operations that also require a temporary containment solution. Collapsible spill bunds are used across a broad range of industries and are recognised for their simple, lightweight and durable design. But how do you choose the correct bunding for your operations and how easy is it to setup? In this post, we’ll be giving you all the essential details on portable collapsible spill containment so you can protect people, property and environment from hazardous leaks and spills.
If you’re looking for temporary bunding, there are a few different options available. But first, you’ll have to consider the following questions:
Answering these questions will help you determine your portable collapsible bunding requirements, so you have the correct material, adequate capacity and suitable accessories for your containment system.
Consider the type and quantity of chemicals that will need containment, as well as the environment in which you’re using the temporary spill bund.
From flammable liquids to toxic substances, temporary bunding may be used with a vast range of hazardous chemicals.
The compatibility of your bunding with your chemical products is a key safety issue that you must consider before you purchase and deploy your containment system.
Portable collapsible bunding is made for specific situations where permanent bunding is not suitable. These applications can include drive in wash bays, temporary bunded storage for chemical packages, decanting applications and vehicle re-fueling areas.
Temporary bunding is particularly useful when re-fueling, washing down, servicing or repairing equipment and vehicles.
As the bunding is designed to withstand chemical attack — and not create further chemical hazards in the event of a leak or spill — you must make sure that your chemicals are suitable for the bunding that you choose.
Our collapsible bunding is made with two types of materials: heavy duty PVC or XR-5® geomembrane. While these materials offer flexibility, strength and durability, you must select the material that is chemically compatible with the substances that you’re wanting to contain.
IMPORTANT: XR-5® Geomembrane is an innovative material which is suitable for many harsher chemicals. This synthetic woven geomembrane is compatible with a wide range of harsh substances including highly flammable or corrosive chemicals.
While confirmation about the suitability of the chemical for the bund material should be sought upon purchase, there are some general guidelines which may assist in your selection of bund material.
Heavy Duty PVC may be suitable for milder chemical substances such as:
XR-5® Geomembrane may be suitable for some harsher chemical substances such as:
Some harsher substances are suitable for use with a XR-5® Geomembrane temporary bund, but you should always check with your chemical supplier, and the manufacturer’s recommendations, before purchasing the bund.
Collapsible spill bunds, just like all types of secondary spill containment, are designed to suit a wide range of applications.
As this type of bund can be used with tanks, IBCs, equipment and vehicles, you’ll need to carefully assess your spill containment requirements before purchasing a suitable bund.
The capacity of your portable bunding varies with the specific bund models, with options ranging from smaller applications that have the capacity for several hundred litres of chemicals to large portable spill containment systems that can hold over 1000 litres of chemicals.
Select the bunding that suits not only the capacity of your chemicals, but the size of the equipment, chemical packages or vehicles that will be used with the temporary spill containment system.
The footprint of the bund will be 1 metre wider and longer than the internal measurement, so make sure that you’re allowing enough space for the bund (and the ground mat that is placed underneath it).
You’ll also have to be aware of gaining access to the site, for both staff, vehicles and any forklifts or cranes which are loading into the bund.
If you are pumping out from the temporary bunding, you must also make sure it’s large enough for your operations and the pumping equipment.
STOREMASTA’s range of collapsible bunds include:
Deploying the portable bunding should only take a matter of minutes. If you have a larger collapsible bund, you may require extra staff for assistance with the setup and pulldown of the equipment.
However, smaller bunds can be easily erected by a single staff member, in a short period of time.
Consider these steps for setup of the portable bund:
It's now time to erect the temporary bunding:
Do you require a drive-in bund or portable wash bay?
REMEMBER: Accessories including a ground mat, liner and carry bag are available as an optional extra upon purchase of your collapsible bunding product.
After your work tasks have been completed, you can then clean, decontaminate, dry and fold up the bund — and liner, if applicable.
REMEMBER: Hazardous chemicals can pose risk if there is a substance or residue left on the bund. Make sure that your staff are following the necessary procedures to clean up and decontaminate the bunding after it’s been used.
Follow these steps to fold up the portable containment bund:
IMPORTANT: Make sure your temporary spill containment bund is clean and dry before it’s folded up and placed back in its carry bag. If your bund has suffered any damage during the process, it may be able to be repaired by utilising the bund repair kit. However, if the temporary bund does suffer extensive damage during use, make sure that it’s replaced immediately. Any issues with the bund will decrease its effectiveness as a spill containment system.
When selecting portable bunding for your operations, always consider the application, the size of the equipment or chemical packages, the required bund capacity, and the chemical compatibility with the bunding material. Portable bunds are a convenient and cost-effective spill containment solution that are used across a range of industries.
To find out more about the containment of hazardous chemical spills, you can download our latest eBook. How To Protect Your Business From Chemical Spills offers expert advice on secondary containment measures and details the requirements for spill capacity. By understanding your bunding and secondary containment options, you can better protect the people, property and environment of your organisation from hazardous chemical leaks and spills. Access your free copy today by clicking on the image below.