Secondary Containment Systems & Storage FAQs

By Natalie Lundie on 25th April, 2014

Secondary Containment Systems & Storage FAQs

Safe Storage Of Drum & IBCs Using Secondary Containment

Secondary containment systems are designed to catch leaks or spills from primary containers (drum and IBCs) while it’s in use.

What Secondary Containment System Should I Use?

The secondary containment system chosen will be dependent on factors such as site sensitivity, existing on-site facilities and operational needs, the quantities and nature of materials, and their location within the site.

Please click here to see a list of secondary containment system options.

Where Should I Place My Secondary Containment & Storage?

Careful consideration should be taken when deciding where to put the store of each material you have on site. Unless Health & Safety is compromised it is advisable to store all drum and IBCs indoors.

Storing indoors reduces the risk of vandalism, prevents the build-up of rain in the containment would could become contaminated by any spillages, drips or leaks and reduces the risks from extreme temperatures to the storage containers.

Please note that it is advised that secondary containment and storage should not be with 10 meters of surface water or 50 metres of a borehole, well or spring.

What Size Should My Secondary Containment Be?

The amount of liquid your secondary containment facility can hold should be take into account of the maximum volume of product you maybe storing at any one time.

Container Type	Minimum Secondary Containment Volume
Single Drum	Secondary containment for drum storage can be provided by a drip tray with at least 25% of the volume of the drum. In Scotland, if you don’t use a drip tray as secondary containment, you must have secondary containment with a minimum of 110% of the container volume.
Multiple Drums	Secondary containment for drum storage can be provided by a drip tray with at least 25% of the total drum storage. In Scotland, if you don’t use a drip tray as secondary containment, you must have secondary containment with a minimum of either 25% of the total volume of the containers or 110% of the largest container, whichever is the greater volume.
Single IBC	You can’t use a drip tray with only 25% storage capacity if you’re storing oils in an IBC. Secondary containment with at least 110% of the container volume.
Multiple IBCs	Secondary containment with a minimum of either 25% of the total volume of the containers or 110% of the largest container, whichever is the greater volume.

What should my Secondary Containment System Be Made Of?

Secondary containment systems can be made prefabricated from steel, plastic or fibre glass or you can build an in-situ concrete or masonry bund.

There isn’t necessarily a preference to the type of system you use but it is important that all walls and floors of the secondary containment system are impermeable.

Empteezy Products - Drum & IBC Storage & Spill Containment

T&D are an authorised distributor and stockist of Empteezy's range of spill containment and storage units for drums, IBC's, gas cylinders, chemical and oil containers.