Spill containment is an essential part of environmental safety and regulatory compliance for businesses handling hazardous substances. In the UK, spill containment requirements are governed by strict regulations to prevent environmental contamination, workplace hazards, and costly legal penalties. Companies that store, transport, or handle oil, chemicals, or other hazardous liquids must have effective containment measures in place.
Failing to comply with these requirements can result in significant fines, operational shutdowns, and environmental damage. This guide breaks down the key regulations, best practises, and solutions to ensure full compliance with UK laws and regulations.
UK Spill Containment Regulations: The Legal Framework
Several regulations outline spill containment requirements in the UK, including:
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002: Requires proper storage and handling of hazardous substances to protect health.
- Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001 – Applies to oil storage in containers over 200 litres, mandating secondary containment (bunding) to prevent oil spills.
- Environmental Protection Act 1990 – Establishes a duty of care to prevent pollution from hazardous substances.
- The Water Resources Act 1991 – Prohibits unauthorised discharges of pollutants into water bodies.
- Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 – Governs the storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous waste.
- SEPA & NRW Regulations – Scotland and Wales have additional spill containment regulations for specific industries.
Who Needs to Comply?
- Industrial facilities – Factories, warehouses, and plants handling hazardous liquids.
- Transport & Logistics – Companies storing or transporting bulk liquids (e.g., oil, chemicals, fuels).
- Construction & infrastructure – Sites with fuel storage tanks, cement additives, or hazardous materials.
- Agriculture & farming – Farms using pesticides, fertilisers, or diesel fuel for machinery.
- Energy & utilities – Power plants, refineries, and sites handling lubricants, transformers, or coolants.
- Retail & commercial operations – Fuel stations, automotive repair shops, and businesses storing over 200 litres of oil or hazardous chemicals.
Spill Containment Requirements for Businesses
Minimum Secondary Containment Capacity Regulations
For multiple containers, the bund must have a capacity of at least 110% of the largest single container or 25% of the total volume stored, whichever is greater, to comply with UK spill containment regulations
Spill Containment Pallet Requirements
Spill pallets must be made from materials that are chemically resistant to the stored substances to prevent degradation, leaks, or dangerous reactions such as corrosion, melting, or structural weakening. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure structural integrity and effectiveness.
Types of Spill Containment Solutions
Secondary Containment Systems
- Bunded Storage Tanks & IBC Bunds – Used for large-scale storage of hazardous liquids.
- Spill Pallets & Drip Trays – Ideal for smaller storage areas and preventing leaks.
- Underground Interceptors & Spill Barriers – Provide additional protection against uncontrolled spills.
Spill Kits for Emergency Response
- Chemical Spill Kits – Designed for aggressive chemical spills.
- Oil Spill Kits – Absorbent materials for oil-based spills.
- General-Purpose Spill Kits – Suitable for non-hazardous liquids.
Having the right spill containment equipment and training ensures businesses can handle spills swiftly and prevent environmental damage.
Compliance Checklist: How to Meet UK Containment Requirements
To ensure full compliance with the requirements, businesses should follow this checklist:
- Identify hazardous substances stored on-site.
- Assess spill risks and required containment capacity.
- Install compliant spill pallets, bunded storage, or drip trays.
- Train employees on spill response and emergency procedures.
- Conduct regular inspections and maintain containment systems.
- Keep spill kits readily available and well-stocked.
- Document compliance measures and keep records of inspections.
Environmental Impact of Poor Spill Containment
Spills of oil, chemicals, and other hazardous substances can have devastating environmental consequences which include:
- Water pollution – Contaminating rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
- Soil degradation – Making land unusable for agriculture or development.
- Wildlife harm – Poisoning animals and destroying ecosystems.
- Increased carbon footprint – Requiring extensive remediation efforts.
Fines for non-compliance vary based on the severity of the breach. For example, in 2024, Thames Water faced a proposed fine of £104 million due to mismanagement of wastewater treatment, leading to environmental pollution
Frequently Asked Questions
When is spill containment required?
If you are a business that stores hazardous substances, which includes oil over 200 litres, are required to have appropriate spill control measures in place.
What are the fines for non-compliance?
Fines may vary based on the severity of the breach. Recent cases have seen fines exceeding £100 million for serious environmental violations.
How do I choose the right spill containment system?
Assess the types and volumes of substances stored, potential spill risks, and ensure that the chosen system meets or exceeds regulatory capacity requirements.
Can I use a regular plastic tray as a spill control measure?
No, spill control systems must be robust, chemical-resistant, and meet specific capacity standards to be compliant.
Stay Compliant & Protect Your Business
Meeting spill containment requirements in the UK is crucial for regulatory compliance, environmental safety, and avoiding costly fines. Businesses must implement secondary containment systems, conduct regular inspections, and train employees on proper spill response measures.
To stay compliant, ensure your business has the right spill containment solutions in place. Explore our full range of spill containment products today at Recontainers Direct to safeguard your operations and the environment.