In Australia, workplace safety and compliance are crucial. There’s no playing with stringent Australian rules and regulations when it comes to safety measures and containment solutions.
One such safety solution is the intermediate bulk container (IBC), which is a vital piece of safety equipment that helps manage hazardous liquids and materials. Just what is a polyethylene IBC containment bund, and why is it important to have one when handling hazardous liquids?
What is a Polyethylene IBC Containment Bund?
What is a Polyethylene IBC Containment Bund?An intermediate bulk container (IBC) is a large reusable container used to capture hazardous or non-hazardous liquids. Polyethylene IBC Containment Bunds are industrial-strength containers also known as spill pallets designed to contain leaks, drips, and spills.
They are a popular choice across a wide range of sectors and are favoured for the safety they provide, as well as their durability, and their cost-effectiveness. The bund serves as a protective solution that prevents any leaked substance from contaminating the environment and ensures compliance with Australian safety regulations.
Being made of polyethylene, a versatile and durable type of plastic known for its exceptional chemical resistance, makes it an ideal choice for liquid leaks and spill containment applications. Polyethylene is a tough material that can withstand a wide range of chemicals and substances without causing a reaction, corroding, or degrading. This material is so robust that it can withstand long-term use and provide reliability as with any WSSA spill containment system.
Why is a Polyethylene IBC Containment Bund Important?
The significance of an IBC containment bund lies in its ability to ensure compliance with strict safety and environmental regulations. Many regions in Australia mandate the use of these containment systems to mitigate the potential impact of hazardous leaks and spills on the environment.
A polyethylene IBC containment bund is of prime importance for several reasons. Understanding this containment solution is vital for businesses dealing with hazardous materials and substances. Here are some reasons why it is important:
1. Catching Leaks and Spills to Protect the Environment.
The primary function of IBC containment bunds is to catch spills and leaks from IBCs. Working with hazardous chemicals or liquids can have severe consequences when not checked or secured such as environmental contamination, harm to people including your employees, and costly clean-up efforts. A polyethylene IBC containment bund acts as a protective barrier to ensure that leaks or spills are contained within the bund.
2. Compliance with Safety Regulations.
The government and other regulatory bodies have established strict safety and environmental regulations to safeguard health, workplace safety, and the surrounding areas. The use of IBC containment bunds is often a legal requirement for companies handling dangerous chemicals or liquids to keep them on-site and ensures the business complies with safety regulations. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and legal issues, which can tarnish your company’s reputation.
3. Protection of Your Assets and Infrastructure.
Using IBC containment bunds can also protect your assets and infrastructure. Spills or leaks can damage equipment, floors, and other materials the spills come in contact with. The cost of repairs or replacement of these damaged assets can be significantly higher than investing in proper containment units from the start.
4. Mitigates Risk.
You get to minimise if not prevent risks associated with hazardous chemical spills and leaks. The use of polyethylene IBC containment bunds contains accidental spills or leaks preventing potential accidents, injuries, and health hazards. It is a proactive measure that safeguards both your workers and maintains your business’s reputation.
5. Cost Effectiveness.
Polyethylene IBC containment bunds are cost-effective in the sense that your investment can help protect you from potential liabilities and cleanup costs associated with leaks and spills. Minimal maintenance is required and they are relatively easy to install.
Additionally, they are resistant to corrosion and can withstand exposure to a wide range of chemicals and substances. Their durability ensures that they remain effective over time, making them a cost-effective solution for containment needs.
To summarise, polyethylene IBC containment bunds are crucial components in maintaining safety, compliance, and environmental protection in the workplace. Investing in them is not only a guarantee of providing safety and compliance but it’s a sound business decision that protects your assets, people, and reputation.
Your Safety Experts.
When it comes to workplace safety, Wholesale Safety Storage Australia (WSSA) is your trusted expert due to our extensive experience, commitment to compliance, focus on quality and innovation, customer-centric approach, and in-depth industry knowledge. With years of providing safety storage equipment and spill kits, we also offer a range of polyethylene IBC containment bunds that meet top-tier industry, WHS, and Australian safety standards. All our products are made for Australian conditions.
The Breakdown of Australian Requirements on IBC Containment Bunds.
We can’t reiterate enough that spills or leaks of large volumes of hazardous substances can place your team, property, and the environment at risk. In Australia, there are strict regulations in place to ensure that businesses comply with laws to protect the environment to ensure workplace safety.
Here’s a list of some relevant Australian Standards that you should be aware of for IBS containment bunds:
- Class 3 Flammable Liquids – AS 1940:2017 – provides guidelines for handling and the storing of flammable liquids. This covers the design, construction, and installation of handling and storage facilities for combustible and flammable liquids, including Class 3 flammable liquids.
- Class 4 Flammable Solids – AS/NZS 5026:2021 – provides the guidelines for specific design, construction, and installation of handling and storage facilities for Class 4 dangerous goods, including flammable solids.
- Class 5.1 Oxidising Agent – AS 4326:2008 – guidelines for handling and storing of oxidising agents. This also covers the design, construction, and installation of indoor and outdoor storage facilities, including guidelines for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Class 5.2 Organic Peroxide – AS 2714:2008 – provides recommendations on how to store and handle organic peroxides.
- Class 6 Toxic Substances – AS/NZS 4452-1997 – provides guidelines for the handling and storing of toxic substances.
- Class 8 Corrosives – AS 3780:2008 – provides specific requirements for handling and storing corrosive substances including the segregation of incompatible substances, requirements for ventilation, and emergency procedures in case of accidents. AS 3780:2008 also provides guidelines on spill control and proper disposal of corrosive substances.
- Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods – AS/NZS 4681-2000 – outlines guidelines for the safe handling and storing of Class 9 Dangerous Goods and items. This includes items or articles that present a low risk of danger during transport but can cause potential hazards if not stored or handled properly.
To ensure the safe storage of hazardous materials, it is vital to have an IBC bunding system that is designed and maintained under the following guidelines:
1. Volume Capacity Standards.
Australian regulations specify that the amount of liquid that can be contained in a bunding system can accommodate the contents of the largest IBC used on-site to ensure the bund can effectively contain any leaks or spills.
2. Leakage Overfill Prevention and Material Compatibility.
IBC containment bunds must be designed and constructed to prevent seepage and leaks and that no hazardous liquids or materials escape from the bund. Additionally, regulations also require IBC containment bunds to be equipped with overfill mechanisms to ensure spilled or leaked contents remain safely contained.
The material used in the construction of IBC containment bunds must be impermeable to the stored substances to ensure the bund remains effective and does not deteriorate when it comes into contact with the stored substance.
5. Ease of Access and Maintenance.
Ease of access is an important factor to consider when designing and manufacturing the bunding system to be accessible for inspection and maintenance. This requirement is necessary to ensure that bunds are thoroughly inspected for damage, wear, or any issue that arises compromising their integrity.
6. Drainage Control.
IBC containment bunds must have drainage control measures to manage any collected liquids and ways to safely remove and dispose of captured materials.
These are just some requirements Australian businesses must be aware of to ensure their containment bunds meet or exceed these requirements. Maintaining compliance keeps your business in good standing with Australian laws. Properly designed and maintained IBC containment bunds are a key element in achieving these objectives.
Don’t Compromise on Safety and Compliance.
It’s imperative to invest in high-quality IBC containment bunds to ensure workplace safety and comply with Australian standards. We are your trusted partner in this endeavour at Wholesale Safety Storage Australia (WSSA).
Take action and protect your business, employees, and the environment. Contact WSSA today for the best polyethylene IBC containment bunds for your specific needs. Your workplace’s safety is our top priority!