Chemical bunds are used for handling or storing hazardous liquids as a measure to protect people and the surrounding area from spills, leaks, and contamination. Several considerations have to be taken into account in the selection of the right containment bund, such as the type of chemicals you’ll be storing and the environment in which the containment bund will be used.
What is a Containment Drum Bund?
A containment drum bund, also known as a drum bund, is a specialised safety device designed to contain and capture the accidental leakage and spillage of hazardous or potentially harmful liquids or other substances stored in drums or other containers. They are large trays on which you sit chemical containers or drums to capture and retain spills or leaks from the container which might otherwise go unnoticed.
Drum bunds serve a vital role in any commercial and industrial settings, where handling, storing, and transporting chemicals, oils, and other liquids are commonplace. They are required to be placed under chemical storage tanks or drums in areas where chemicals, hazardous substances, and flammable or toxic liquids are held.
Containment drum bunds are necessary for maintaining workplace safety and are a requirement to comply with environmental regulations to prevent soil and water contamination. They also help in protecting your employees and customers from coming into contact with any hazardous material stored in your containers.
They are typically constructed from durable materials such as steel, polyethylene, or other chemically-resistant substances. The choice of material in constructing a drum bund depends on the compatibility with the stored liquids and the specific requirements of the application. Drum bunds come in different sizes and configurations to accommodate different-sized drums or containers, making them an indispensable and versatile safety measure in various industries.
Types of Containment Drum Bunds.
Working with hazardous liquids in any job site requires spill and leak containment solutions. Containment drum bunds are used across various industries being simple, lightweight and durable.
Containment drum bunds also known as spill containment pallets or drum spill pallets come in various types to meet different requirements for spills, drips, or leak prevention.
Bunds are typically constructed from moulded plastic or steel. Plastic bunds are usually manufactured using low-density polyethylene (LDPE) which is the same material used in manufacturing chemical drums, containers and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs).
Some common types of containment drum bunds are:
1. Polyethylene Drum Bunds.
These bunds are typically made from chemical-resistant polyethylene and are designed to hold one or more containers or drums. They are suitable for use with a wide range of chemicals and are often UV-resistant for outdoor use.
2. Steel Drum Bunds.
They are constructed from heavy-duty steel for more robust and long-lasting containment solutions. Steel drum bunds are suitable for harsh industrial environments especially when working with flammable liquids. They can withstand heavy loads and are strong enough to resist damage from forklifts or other forms of machinery.
AS1940-2004 states that spill containment bunds used for the storage of flammable liquids must be fire-resistant and that their spill bund is more than adequate to contain the quantity of the containers being stored.
3. Spill Pallets.
Spill pallets are a type of bund typically smaller and designed to hold one or a few smaller containers, such as drums or totes. Coming in various sizes and capacities, they are ideal for situations where storing and handling smaller quantities of hazardous liquids is needed.
4. Modular Bunding Systems.
Modular bunding systems provide a versatile and scalable solution for spill containment. They consist of individual components that can be connected to create custom-sized bunds. This flexible option is especially useful for industries with large storage areas or facilities with changing containment needs.
5. Low-Profile Drum Bunds.
These bunds are designed with a lower height to make it easier to load and unload drums. They are extremely useful when you have limited space and need to minimise the height of the containment area. Despite their reduced height, they are still effective in containing spills and leaks.
Wholesale Safety Storage Australia’s (WSSA) low-profile drum bunds let you create a customised floor bunding system by joining low-profile spill pallets together with joining strips. By joining the bunds, you can also increase the overall catch volume of the bund with sump-to-sump bund connectors. Additionally, you can also attach our bund ramp to provide easy access for trolleys to the raised platform.
6. Outdoor IBC and Drum Storage Bunds.
These bunds are designed for outdoor use and can withstand UV exposure and the elements. They are particularly suitable in instances where drums need to be stored outside while still keeping compliant with environmental regulations.
But what type of bund will you need for your specific application needs? First and foremost, you have to know what your specific needs are. If you are unsure which bunds would suit your operations, get in touch and consult with our specialists.
A common misconception with containment bunds is that many think that steel bunds are superior to their polyethylene counterparts, but that is not always the case. The right containment bund will depend on the application and the environment in which you will use it. Reach out to one of our experts to help you out, and also check out our other articles for more tips and guides.
A great indicator of which type of spill bund to choose for your business would be to determine what product you need to store. This is why we at WSSA offer a variety of steel and polyethylene containment bunds, containment pallets, and trays to suit your needs.
Your One-Stop-Shop for Australian Containment Bunds.
When it comes to containment bunds, WSSA is your ultimate destination for a multitude of reasons:
- All our products are 100% manufactured right here in Australia and designed to withstand Australian conditions.
- We are an authorised distributor for one of the largest and most reputable health and safety equipment manufacturers in Australia, ensuring reliability and the highest quality.
- We assure all our products meet Australian standards and we back that up with a 100% guarantee. You can have peace of mind that you’re investing in top-tier safety solutions.
3 Tips to Finding the Right Containment Bund for You.
Workplace safety is a paramount concern for many industries, and your choice of the right containment bund is a vital step in regulation compliance. We present three essential tips to help you make an informed choice in finding the perfect containment bund tailored to your specific needs.
1. Assess Substances Needing to be Contained.
The first step in selecting the appropriate containment bund is to fully understand what hazardous substances you’ll be storing. Different liquids may require specific containment materials to ensure their safety. Your assessment should include:
- Identify the types of liquids or chemicals – Determine if the liquid or substance is flammable, corrosive, toxic, or otherwise hazardous. Chemical compatibility is taken into account when selecting bund materials and designs.
- Understand chemical reactivity – Understand that different chemicals react when they come into contact with different materials or other substances. Ensure that the bund material is compatible with your stored chemicals to prevent damage or leaks.
- Consider long-term compatibility – Some substances do change over time or may become unstable or hazardous. Choose a bunding system that can withstand prolonged exposure to the stored chemicals.
2. Assess the Quantity of Liquid that can be Accidentally Released.
Estimating the potential spill or accidental release volume from your containers is essential. This should involve:
- Calculating the potential spill volume – Determine how much liquid is contained in the containers you’ll be storing within the bund. For multiple containers, add up their volume to identify the worst-case spill scenario.
- Using a bund with sufficient sump capacity – Choose a bund that will be able to contain the entire spill volume from your containers. It matters to have a margin of safety to ensure that the bund can ensure full containment in case of an accident.
- Adherence to regulatory requirements – Some regulations require a minimum containment capacity based on the volume of hazardous materials you handle. Ensure that your bund meets or even exceeds these requirements.
3. Assess the Environment and Storage Area Capacity.
Ensure that the bund you use is compatible with your storage space as well as the environment where you will store your materials including factors such as UV exposure or extreme temperatures. Your assessment should include:
- Determining indoor or outdoor use – Put into careful consideration whether the bund will be placed indoors or outdoors. Be aware of the fact that outdoor bunds should be weather-resistant, capable of withstanding environmental exposure and UV-stable.
- Evaluating your space constraints – Ensure that the bund fits comfortably within your designated area by measuring it. Be aware that there are environments that have size restrictions since it can influence your choice.
- Anticipating potential obstructions – Take note of potential obstructions or access requirements within your storage area. Ensure that the placement of the bund allows for unrestricted and safe access allowing for efficient material handling.
The following three tips will help you make the best choice when choosing a containment bund. You can maintain a safe and compliant storage environment for hazardous substances by properly assessing and considering these factors.
Get the Right Drum Bund Today!
With these insights into containment bunds and why WSSA can be your trusted partner when it comes to safety storage equipment, safeguard your workplace by exploring our range of containment bunds. We can help you choose the right ones that align with your specific needs.
Remember that safety and compliance are your top priorities when choosing safety storage equipment, including containment bunds. Don’t wait; get the right drum bund today and elevate your safety standards with Wholesale Safety Storage Australia.