In the UK, environmental protection is a top priority, with stringent regulations in place to prevent pollution and safeguard natural resources. One critical component of these efforts, especially in industries handling hazardous materials, is secondary spill containment.
What is Secondary Spill Containment?
Secondary spill containment refers to a system or barrier that acts as a backup measure in case the primary container—such as a drum, or an IBC—fails. Its purpose is to catch and contain any accidental leaks or spills, preventing dangerous substances from reaching the surrounding environment, such as soil, groundwater, or surface water systems.
In simple terms, if a drum of chemicals springs a leak, the secondary containment system will stop it from spreading beyond a controlled area, allowing time for clean up without further contamination.
Why is Secondary Containment Important in the UK?
The UK has strict environmental regulations, such as the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001, designed to prevent harmful substances from contaminating the environment. Industries that store hazardous materials are legally required to have secondary containment in place to mitigate the risk of pollution.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines, legal action, and significant reputational damage. Secondary containment systems not only help businesses comply with the law but also demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Key Aspects of Secondary Spill Containment:
- Design and Capacity: UK regulations typically require secondary containment systems to hold at least 110% of the capacity of the largest primary container. This ensures the system can handle any potential spillage without overflow.
- Materials: The materials used for secondary containment must be resistant to the stored substances, ensuring they don’t degrade or react with the chemicals.
- Types of Systems:
- Permanent Containment: Common in industrial sites where hazardous materials are regularly stored. This includes bunds or spill flooring that can hold spilled materials.
- Portable Containment: Often used on construction sites or during transport, these are mobile barriers or trays designed to temporarily contain spills.
- Environmental Impact: Proper secondary containment can prevent costly environmental damage, such as soil and water contamination, which can take years to remediate.
Applications Across Sectors
Industries that handle fuels, oils, chemicals, and hazardous waste must implement secondary spill containment systems. This includes:
- Manufacturing and Chemical Plants: To prevent spills from large storage tanks or containers.
- Construction Sites: For fuel or chemical storage during projects.
- Agriculture: Where pesticides or fertilisers are stored.
- Transport and Logistics: Portable containment solutions can prevent spills during the transport of hazardous goods.
Secondary spill containment is not just a legal requirement in the UK; it is an essential practice for any business handling hazardous materials. By having the right containment systems in place, companies can avoid environmental harm, comply with regulations, and protect their reputation.
Investing in robust spill containment solutions is a proactive way to ensure that accidental leaks don’t become costly environmental disasters.
Contact us today to learn more about how secondary spill containment can safeguard your business and the environment.