When storing hazardous chemicals, adhering to chemical bunding regulations is crucial—not just for compliance, but for safeguarding your employees, the environment, and your reputation. Whether you manage a factory, warehouse, or laboratory, proper chemical bunding is essential to prevent accidental spills from turning into dangerous incidents.
These regulations ensure that businesses storing chemicals implement effective containment measures to protect people and the environment. Beyond legal compliance, using bunds can reduce operational risks, minimise clean-up costs, and enhance workplace safety.
Want to learn how to stay compliant and protect your business? Keep reading for a detailed guide on chemical bunding regulations, best practices, and key legal requirements.
What is Chemical Bunding?
Chemical bunding refers to using specially designed containment systems, known as bunds, to prevent hazardous liquids from spilling onto floors, drains, or the environment. Bunded storage serves as a secondary line of defence in case the primary container fails.
Purpose of Bunding
The primary purpose of bunding is to prevent chemical leaks and spills from causing harm. In industrial settings, a single spill can lead to severe health risks, environmental damage, and financial penalties.
Primary vs. Secondary Containment
- Primary Containment: This includes drums, tanks, and IBCs where the chemicals are directly stored.
- Secondary Containment: Bunds provide a backup layer, ensuring that leaked liquids are safely collected.
Did you know? According to the HSE, bunds should have a capacity of at least 110% of the largest container or 25% of the total volume of all containers, whichever is greater, to prevent overflows in case of a spill.
Why Are Chemical Bunding Regulations Important?
Adhering to chemical bunding regulations helps businesses reduce risks while ensuring they meet legal and environmental obligations.
Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Guidelines
HSE guidelines provide detailed instructions on how to safely store and handle hazardous chemicals. They require businesses to use bunds in facilities where harmful substances are stored in significant quantities.
Environmental Impact Prevention
Spilt chemicals can seep into the soil or nearby water sources, causing long-term environmental damage. Bunding prevents these accidents, ensuring the surrounding environment remains uncontaminated.
Reducing Liability and Fines
Non-compliance with chemical storage regulations can lead to hefty fines and legal action. Proper bunding reduces liability and helps maintain a positive business reputation.
Legal Requirements for Chemical Bunding in the UK
In the UK, several regulations govern chemical storage, ensuring businesses take adequate steps to prevent spills.
Key Guidelines
- HSE’s Bunding Guidelines: Bunds must hold at least 110% of the capacity of the largest container.
- HS(G)51: Covers the storage of flammable liquids in containers.
- HS(G)176: Focuses on flammable liquid storage in tanks.
Chemical Storage Bunding Requirements
When storing incompatible chemicals, separate bunds should be used to prevent dangerous reactions in case of leaks. Bunds must also be made from materials compatible with the stored chemicals to prevent corrosion.
How to Choose the Right Chemical Bund
Selecting the right bund depends on several factors:
- Type of Chemicals Being Stored: Corrosive chemicals require bunds made from resistant materials like LDPE.
- Volume of Chemicals: Ensure the bund can hold at least 110% of the largest container’s capacity.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Storage: The distinction between indoor and outdoor bunds is important because outdoor bunds are exposed to environmental elements, such as rainwater.
- Segregation of Incompatible Substances: Always store incompatible substances in separate bunds to avoid chemical reactions.
Extra Tip: Looking for more information on choosing the right IBC and bunding solutions for your business? Visit our IBC Product Guide for expert insights and detailed product recommendations.
Maintenance and Testing of Chemical Bunds
Proper maintenance ensures that bunds remain effective and compliant with regulations.
Routine Inspections
Regular inspections should be carried out to check for cracks, corrosion, or structural damage. If any issues are found, they must be addressed immediately.
Bund Integrity Tests
While there is no universal legal mandate across all sectors, many industries follow best practices that recommend conducting bund integrity tests every three years. This typically involves filling the bund with water and monitoring for leaks to ensure it can still contain spills.
Regular testing helps maintain compliance with safety standards and ensures the bund remains effective in preventing environmental contamination.
Managing Rainwater in Outdoor Bunds
Rainwater can quickly fill outdoor bunds, reducing their ability to contain spills. To keep them effective, it’s important to drain any excess water regularly or use covers to prevent rainwater buildup in the first place.
Final Thoughts
Understanding and adhering to chemical bunding regulations is vital for ensuring safety, environmental protection, and legal compliance. By implementing proper bunding systems and maintaining them regularly, businesses can minimise risks and create a safer work environment.
If you need expert advice or high-quality bunding solutions, contact our team at Recontainers Direct. You can also visit our website to explore a full range of spill kits and chemical storage bunds designed to meet UK regulations.