BundsAnd Containers

UK regulations require secondary containment to hold at least 110% of the largest single container's capacity, or 25% of total stored volume if you're storing multiple containers — whichever figure is greater. For sites storing hazardous substances near watercourses or drains, some environmental permits demand even higher percentages, so it's worth checking with the Environment Agency or your local authority before you buy. We can help you match capacity to your actual drum or IBC count.

Generally, no — incompatible substances such as acids and oxidisers should never share a bund, as a leak could cause a dangerous reaction. Best practice is to segregate chemical families into separate bunded areas or use bunds with removable dividers. Always check COSHH data sheets and your site's chemical storage risk assessment before grouping products together.

WRAS approval applies specifically to fittings and materials in contact with potable water supplies, so it's not generally relevant to drip trays or spill containment for oils, fuels and chemicals. What matters more here is chemical compatibility of the tray's construction — polyethylene handles most oils and many chemicals well, while steel trays suit heavier industrial use. Always check the manufacturer's chemical resistance chart against what you're actually storing.

Polyethylene (polyethylene/HDPE) bunds are lightweight, corrosion-proof and cost-effective for most oils, fuels and general chemical storage, making them the standard choice for workshops and yards. GRP (fibreglass) units offer greater rigidity and structural strength, useful for larger fixed installations or where extra impact resistance is needed. Both are UV-stable for outdoor use, though GRP tends to suit heavier-duty or custom-shaped containment better.

There's no blanket legal requirement, but if forklifts, pallet trucks or other wheeled equipment need regular access over a bund wall, a proper safety ramp is strongly recommended for both safety and practicality. Ramps also protect the bund itself from impact damage that could compromise its containment integrity over time. If your site has frequent vehicle movement in and out of a containment area, factor a ramp into your setup from the start.

Under-racking systems consist of low-profile sump sections that fit beneath standard pallet racking, catching any drips or spills from stored drums and IBCs without disrupting racking layout or forklift access. They're typically supplied in modular sections so you can build containment along an entire aisle or just beneath specific bays handling hazardous liquids. This makes them a practical retrofit option for distribution centres that need compliant containment without a full warehouse redesign.