What is an IBC spill pallet bund and why do I need to use one?

What is an IBC bund?

An IBC bund, or spill pallet, is a storage stand designed to be placed under an IBC (intermediate bulk container) to prevent potential chemical, oil or any other liquid leaks, drips or spillages contaminating surrounding areas. This is often referred to as secondary spill containment. 

IBC Bunds can support either 1 or 2 containers in single or double width configurations depending on the model.

Should an IBC fail a bund safely captures a minimum of 1100 Litres of liquid (110% of a single IBC contents regardless of whether it's a single or double IBC bund) in their sump ensuring you comply with UK health and safety chemical storage regulations in the workplace. 

An IBC containing any liquid other than water must be stored in a bunded area or sit on a dedicated bund stand to contain any leaks or spills.


What is a grid deck on an IBC bund?

Removable grid decks, or platforms, are a heavy-duty plastic or metal mesh support that sits on top of the bund which you then place an IBC on. Grid decks are required if the IBC pallet base is metal or a combie material as without a bund may be damaged. 

Grid decks can ease centralising an IBC on a bund regardless of the pallet base type. They also provide a neat and tidy appearance and recommended to aid cleaning of the spill sump.

mage souce: Roadware Ltd / Romold Ltd

Should I use a plastic or metal bund?

Are steel IBC bunds superior to plastic ones? The short answer is no and a popular misconception with both having broadband chemical compatibility. 

Metal and plastic bunds have their own merits depending on the specific application, environment they’re to be used in and type of chemicals or liquids you're storing. 

As example, plastic bunds are recommended where corrosive chemicals are being stored and are perfect for most use cases. Steel IBC bunds have greater fire resistance than plastic bunds so should be used for IBCs containing highly flammable chemicals. 

If IBCs are being transported, where chemicals are being lifted and moved via a forklift truck or other type of vehicle, it is recommended that steel IBC bunds or Mobile IBC Bunds are used. 

Image source: Roadware Ltd / Romold Ltd

Do I need an IBC bund? 

An IBC bund is more than likely required for anywhere that stores, transfers, processes, or disposes of chemicals or oils. Bunds are also recommended for use where non-hazardous liquids are stored. 

It is essential that your business follows local UK guidelines on the use of IBCs, whether you’re storing flammable materials, caustic chemicals, petroleum or pesticides. 


How long does a bund last? Will I need to replace it? 

Chemical IBC bunds have a long lifespan with proper care, cleaning, and maintenance so should last for many years. 

It is recommended monthly visual integrity inspections are carried out to ensure longevity. This is also good practice to help spot and reduce the risk of IBC leaks and spillages. 

Regular assessment of your IBC bunds also guarantees workplace compliance with U.K. chemical safety legislation laws which require that all bunds must pass a “Bund Integrity Test” at least every 3 years. 

In summary to prolong the lifespan of your bund you must be confident in a bunds integrity and ability to contain any potential chemical spill due to many IBCs contain high-risk material.


What is the workplace benefit for using IBC bunds? 

Chemical bunds protect the environment, workplace, your employees, and customers. 

Maintaining the proper use of IBC bunds significantly reduces risk and lost productivity in the workplace.

If a major uncontrolled leak from a non-protected IBC should occur chemicals could potentially damage the environment, equipment, machinery, and personnel. This has the potential of being expensive due to possible facility evacuation, lost production, fines, and any clean-up costs which often involve external contractors. 


Where can I buy IBC bunds? 

Roadware are the largest independent UK distributor of both plastic and metal single and double IBC bunds with some also featuring tarpaulin or solid covers for safe use outdoors. 

Click here to explore our range of IBC bunds. 

Click here to explore our range of covered IBC bunds. 

Image source: Roadware Ltd / Romold Ltd