Does your workplace have sufficient protection against chemical spills? The selection and implemtation of the correct spill bunding is a key step in chemical spill and risk management. But how do you get the right bunding for your operations? In this post, we look at chemical spill bunding - how it works, what the options are and how to select the bunds suitable for your workplace.
Chemical spill bunding — also known as bunding, chemical bunds or containment bunding — is a preventive measure used to contain and control accidental spills of hazardous chemicals or liquids.
Bunding involves the construction of barriers or walls around storage tanks, chemical containers or other areas where chemicals are stored or handled. These barriers are designed to prevent the spread of spilled chemicals and to contain them within a designated area, therefore minimising the risks associated with the chemicals and the accidental release.
Bunds are designed to prevent leaks and spills travelling into the workplace or out into the natural environment.
There are some key factors which influence the need for bunding. These include:
REMEMBER: While there are a multitude of risks associated with the accidental release of hazardous substances or dangerous goods, it’s imperative to have conducted an onsite risk assessment to accurately identify hazards at your site and assess the risks that they present.
There are many types of bunds that may be suitable for your site. However, we recommend considering a range of bunds to provide optimum protection against chemical leaks and spills.
Chemical spill bunding may include options such as:
IMPORTANT: While bunding offers containment for any leaks and spills, it’s vital that the accidental release is quickly identified so that the appropriate spill clean up can take place.
Bunding needs to provide the necessary protections to minimise the potential for harm with hazardous liquids.
Your spill bunding must be:
Bunds can be made of various materials such as concrete, steel, or plastics, depending on the specific requirements of the site and the types of chemicals being stored.
The design and capacity of bunds are determined based on factors such as the volume and toxicity of the chemicals involved, as well as regulatory requirements.
Considerations including the volume, type and hazards associated with your chemicals must be taken into account when selecting spill containment bunding.
To determine spill bunding, there are a range of factors to consider.
We recommend walking around your site to see all the ways in which chemicals could leak or spill. This may include identifying a need for bunding for:
IMPORTANT: Chemical spill bunding is typically part of a broader risk management strategy. Risk management for chemicals may also include measures such as spill response plans, training for personnel, and regular inspections and maintenance of storage facilities.
We recommend thinking about these points before you purchase any secondary containment products for your workplace.
REMEMBER: You must choose products that offer excellent chemical resistance as the bunding must be able to contain the liquid, offer easy clean up of the substance, as well as be impervious to attack from the chemicals that you’re using at your worksite.
You can simplify your chemical bund buying experience by following these simple steps.
Consider the following:
REMEMBER: The appropriate spill kit should always be installed in an area where there is a leak or spill risk. Storemasta offers a range of spill kits, including Chemical Spill Kits, Marine Spill Kits and Oil & Fuel Spill Kits, to help your team quickly and safely clean up any accidental releases of hazardous chemicals.
Utilising a range of bunding options in your operations means that you’re adding layers of protection against chemical hazards. From environmental safety to protecting the health of your staff, chemical spill bunding is an important consideration for any area of your business where there is a spill risk.
To learn more about the safe storage, handling and transport of chemical packages in your workplace, why not download a copy of our free eBook? Our easy to understand guide walks you through the essential considerations when choosing spill containment for your site. Get your free copy now to learn more about temporary bunds and permanent bunds to ensure workplace safety.