You are probably here to learn in detail about bunding. How and why is it important for your workplace or environment? Here, we will understand a few facts about bunding.
What is bunding?
Bunding is used inside containments handling hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. This is required because chemical spills can take place for many reasons – a human mistake, carelessness, bad weather, or chemical combustion.
These spills can be a threat to the health of the employees working there. It makes the environment toxic and people may find difficulty in breathing and suffer from disorders. Therefore, it is important to know how to store chemicals safely with STOREMASTA, to reduce the risk to employees and site visitors, and prevent damage to property and pollution of the natural environment. There are different types of bunds that are each used for specific purposes.
So, let’s discuss five factors that can prevent this!
1. Spill trays and spill pallets are forms of spill protection barriers
They are also known as bunding trays. Spill trays and spill pallets are forms of spill protection barriers that are needed to protect people and the environment from hazardous chemical leaks. It is the most common type of bund. They are highly used for storing or pouring chemical containers.
For small chemical containers, spill trays act as secondary containment. You can easily find these in laboratories or research facilities. It is portable and allows safe decantation in a laboratory. In case a spill occurs, the tray comes to the rescue unless you remove the chemical from the tray easily.
Spill pallets are made from plastic, composite materials, and metal. It is a larger containment, available in a range of sizes, made to carry heavier loads like drums. These pallets are also easily portable.
2. Keep an Emergency Reaction Plan in case of a spill
The COMAH regulations state that you should have an ‘Emergency Reaction Plan in case of a spill’ ready at the workplace to deal with situations. The plan should include a process to regulate chemical incidents to reduce the effects and threats on the employees working as well as the environment.
To take control of such situations, it is important to keep safety equipment for each action handy. Inform the staff members of the duties to be performed, in case the spillage occurs. The plan should also include details of the relevant authorities or emergency services to be informed in such events.
3. There are various types of Floor bunding
These are available in different sizes, shapes, and materials. Here, we will talk about the three most common types of floor bunds.
The first type is the flexible floor bunding made of rubber or PVC. These are used where heavy foot and vehicle traffic is witnessed. These are extremely durable and can maintain their shape for years. It can be available in any size according to the business need.
The next type is the tribund flexible bunds. It is made of PVC and foam. Unlike the flexible floor bunding, these are used in light traffic areas. It is the most cost-effective one. The added advantage to this type of bunding is that it returns to its original shape almost immediately after a vehicle drives through it.
The third one is the aluminum bund. It is largely used in industrial zones or very high traffic of heavy machinery areas. It is also advisable for class 3 flammable storage areas and warehouses.
4. Preserve the containers in the Bunded Chemical Stores
When a large quantity of chemicals is stored in IBC’s, drums or other containers, it is always advisable to store them in a bunded chemical store. This will prevent the fast-spreading of leaks and restrict damaging the other container units. It will not allow the spills to reach the ground.
5. On-site containment barriers control spills
You should install containment barriers to control a spill to a particular area of the premise. This will prevent the spillage from spreading to other areas.
Both, manual and automatic containment barriers are available. You can choose according to your need. The automatic barriers are better as they get immediately activated when they sense leak or fire and control the spread.
Over to you…
The law has made bunding mandatory for all businesses dealing with harmful chemicals and leading to a negative impact on the environment. However, they are given the choice to select the type of bund as per their business requirement. Failing this, the business is penalized.