SpillControl
Contain, absorb and clean up.
Spill Control Sub-Categories
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Sizing, regulations, installation. Our team has been answering these questions for over 25 years.
We have a comprehensive selection of Spill control products. Consisting of spill containment, spill pallets, IBC bunds, pallet bunds, drum storage bunds, IBC pallet bund, work floor bunds, double IBC bunds, drum racks, and drum storage.
Our Spill solutions will allow you to adhere to storage Regulations
Our range of polyethylene and galvanised steel spill containment products will:
For Multiple purchases or Quotations please contact our Materials Handling sales team on 01643703358 or sales@tanks-direct.co.uk
Spill Control FAQs
How much containment capacity do I actually need?
Under UK guidance (and the Control of Pollution Regulations), a bund should hold at least 110% of the largest single container stored within it, or 25% of total stored volume if you're storing multiple containers — whichever is greater. For an IBC that means a bund rated for at least 1,100 litres. If you store several drums or IBCs together, check the sump capacity against the higher of these two figures rather than just sizing for one container.
What's the difference between a spill pallet and an IBC bund?
A spill pallet is typically designed to sit two or four drums on, with a built-in sump beneath a raised grid to catch leaks or overfills. An IBC bund is purpose-built to house a single IBC (usually 1,000 litres) with a sump sized to meet the 110% rule for that container. If you're storing IBCs rather than drums, always go for a dedicated IBC bund rather than adapting a drum pallet.
Should I choose polyethylene or galvanised steel bunding?
Polyethylene bunds are lightweight, corrosion-proof and well suited to most oils, chemicals and general liquids — they're also easier to move and clean. Galvanised steel bunds offer greater load-bearing strength and are often preferred for forklift traffic, heavier drums, or where fire resistance and durability in demanding industrial settings matter more than weight. Check chemical compatibility with whatever you're storing before deciding, as some substances react differently with each material.
Do spill pallets and bunds need to be inspected or maintained?
Yes — sumps should be checked regularly for any accumulated spillage, rainwater (if stored outdoors) or debris, and emptied via the drain plug where fitted. Inspect the grid, walls and drain fittings periodically for cracks, UV degradation or corrosion, particularly with polyethylene units left outside long-term. Keeping a simple inspection log helps demonstrate compliance if you're ever audited by the Environment Agency.
Can spill bunds be used outdoors, and do they need a cover?
Most polyethylene and galvanised bunds are suitable for outdoor use, but an open sump will collect rainwater, reducing the spare capacity available for an actual spill. Fitting a lid, cover or roof over the bund keeps rainwater out and preserves full containment capacity, and it also protects stored drums or IBCs from UV degradation. If a cover isn't practical, factor rainwater ingress into your capacity calculations and drain the sump regularly.
What's the benefit of a drum rack over standard pallet bunds?
Drum racks let you store drums horizontally in tiers, making far better use of floor space than standard pallets while keeping bunged ends accessible for dispensing. They're particularly useful where you're storing larger numbers of drums and need efficient stock rotation. Look for racks with an integral bunded sump base so you're not relying on a separate containment tray underneath.