What You Need to Know About Secondary Spill Containment

A secondary spill containment is a protective system designed to capture leaks or spills if the primary container fails. In practice, this means spill pallets beneath drums, drip trays, and bunded solutions such as IBC spill pallets and bunds that provide an extra layer of protection. These systems are critical in industries handling liquids such as oils and fuels, as well as other substances where leaks could cause safety or environmental risks.

In this article, we’ll explore why secondary containment is essential, the regulations that govern its use in the UK, when it’s required, and where you can find them.

What is Secondary Containment?

Secondary containment is a safety measure designed to act as a backup system if the primary container fails. In simple terms, it’s an additional barrier, such as spill pallets or bunds that captures leaks and prevents hazardous liquids from spreading into the environment. Unlike the main container, which is meant for storage, secondary containment is specifically intended to control accidents and unexpected releases of possibly hazardous materials or liquids. 

What is the Purpose of Secondary Containment?

The concept is simple but incredibly important. The purpose of secondary containment is both preventive and protective. If and when your main container leaks, the secondary containment ensures the spill doesn’t reach soil, drains, or waterways. This reduces the risk of environmental damage, protects workers from hazards, and keeps businesses compliant with regulations.  Secondary containment is part of the spill management objective of spill prevention and control, ensuring that even unexpected leaks are managed safely and effectively.

Environmental Protection

Containment systems stop pollutants from entering rivers, groundwater, or soil. Even the smallest leaks can cause long‑term damage to the environment; thus, secondary spill containment can protect you or your business from legal, financial and reputational risks. 

Workplace Safety

In certain industries, working with hazardous chemicals or liquids is unavoidable. That’s why secondary containment plays such a vital role. Capturing spills reduces the risk of fire, limits dangerous chemical exposure, and helps prevent slips or accidents in the workplace. 

Secondary Containment Regulations for Oil Storage

For oil storage, the current guidance on GOV.UK sets out specific thresholds for secondary containment based on the type of container and storage setup. Note that older Pollution Prevention Guidance PDFs are archived and no longer reflect current requirements, so it’s best to rely on up-to-date guidance.

For other substances (for example, chemicals), the right level of secondary containment depends on your site risk assessment and any applicable controls such as COSHH/DSEAR requirements, environmental permits, and local regulator guidance.

These specify the minimum capacity containment systems should provide to help manage oils safely and reduce the risk of pollution. Where oil storage rules apply, meeting the required secondary containment capacity is an important part of staying compliant and protecting workers and the environment.

Drums

Drums must be placed on drip trays or spill pallets that can hold at least 25% of the drum’s volume. This ensures that even if a partial leak occurs, the tray can capture enough liquid to prevent contamination or workplace hazards.

Single IBC Containers

Individual IBCs must be stored within bunds or secondary containment systems capable of holding at least 110% of the container’s volume. This requirement reflects the higher risk associated with bulk storage. Drip trays are often impractical for IBC volumes, so bunding is commonly used. Whatever secondary containment you choose, it must meet the required capacity for the substance and storage setup.

Multiple IBC Containers

When several IBCs are stored together, the containment system must hold either 25% of the combined total volume or 110% of the largest container—whichever figure is greater. This dual calculation ensures that the bund is adequate whether the risk comes from a single catastrophic failure or multiple smaller leaks occurring simultaneously.

There are a number of factors to consider beyond the basic capacity thresholds. Site‑specific conditions such as the environmental sensitivity of the location, the toxicity of the materials being stored, and the potential consequences of a release all influence what level of containment is appropriate. Because of these variables, businesses should seek guidance from the relevant regulator, such as the Environment Agency in England, Natural Resources Wales, SEPA in Scotland, or NIEA in Northern Ireland, for tailored advice on secondary containment.

When Is Secondary Containment Required?

Secondary spill containment is commonly required where liquids could cause pollution or safety risks – especially for oil storage where specific thresholds apply. For other substances, requirements depend on your site risk assessment and any relevant controls (such as COSHH/DSEAR or permits). Multiple industries, such as the following, rely on it:

• Oil & Fuel Storage
• Chemical Manufacturing 
• Agriculture 
• Food & Beverage Processing
• Construction & Transport

What To Do if a Spill Does Happen

When a spill occurs despite your primary and secondary containment measures, immediate response becomes critical. This is where spill kits provide essential support. Stocked with absorbents, PPE, and disposal items, they allow workers to quickly contain and clean up hazardous liquids before they spread into drains, soil, or work areas. 

If you would like to explore this topic further, you can read more about spill kits here.

Where Can I Buy Secondary Spill Containments?

Prevention is always better than a cure. At Recontainers Direct, we provide practical solutions for businesses needing spill control. Alongside our services for selling and buying used IBC totes, we also offer spill pallets, bunds, and containment products in varying sizes and purposes designed to meet UK standards.

Our Popular Spill Bunds

By choosing us, you get competitive pricing, eco‑friendly solutions, and spill containment products manufactured from chemical‑resistant polyethylene. This material is designed to withstand exposure to oils, fuels, and a wide range of hazardous chemicals, ensuring durability and long‑lasting protection for your site.

Final Thoughts

Effective spill management requires both prevention and response. Bunds, drip trays, and secondary containment systems provide the structural safeguard, while spill kits ensure that any incident can be addressed quickly and safely. Together, they form a complete framework for protecting your site, your workers, and the environment. If you have any questions about our spill containment products, you can contact us here.