Many sites still store their hazardous chemicals in areas which are not bunded, that is, there is no spillage retention if there is a leak or spillage of chemicals.  This may be because that is how they have always stored their chemicals and there hasn’t been a spillage to date….touch wood! So why should you install Bunded  Chemical Storage? Here are 5 great reasons to do so:

1.       To reduce the risk of personnel injury.

If your chemicals are not stored on a bund or in a bunded chemical store, and they leak, you cannot control the flow of chemicals. The chemicals will flow to the lowest point on site and may come into contact with personnel causing injury through direct contact or through inhalation of vapours.

 2.       To reduce the risk of environmental pollution.

If your chemicals are not stored on a bund or in a bunded chemical store, and they leak, they will flow to the nearest low point, which will be a drain or manhole. They will then make their way to a river course and cause environmental pollution, possibly killing fish stocks and damaging drinking water sources.

3.       To reduce the costs of spillage clean up.

Cleaning up spilled hazardous chemicals is an expensive business, often requiring outside contractors, consultants and soil remediation contractors. Production may also need to be shut down and staff evacuated for safety reasons if a chemical spill occurs further driving up costs.

4.       To capture and recover expensive chemicals.

Many chemicals are very expensive and if they are not stored in a bunded area and they leak, you will loose the chemical. However, if your chemicals are stored on a bund or in a bunded chemical store, the spilled chemical will be captured and contained in the bund and can be recovered by pumping back from the bund into a container (chemical drum or IBC container).

 5.       To prevent negative publicity and possible court proceedings  which will result from a chemical spill.

If your chemicals are not stored on a bund or in a bunded chemical store, and they leak and cause environmental pollution and/or personnel injury, you will most likely be faced with court proceedings, possible fines, or compensation payments and negative publicity for your business, which may result in a loss of customers.