Million Dollar Fines for Ignoring Bunding
Bunding probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about safety, but skipping it could lead to costly and damaging consequences. Designed as a secondary container or perimeter around stored liquids, bunding acts as a vital spill containment system that captures leaks and escapes before they become costly environmental disasters. If you’re overlooking this crucial step in your spill management plan, you may be putting your facility—and the environment—at serious risk.
What is Bunding?
Bunding, or a bund, is essentially a barrier that surrounds liquid containers. It’s designed to capture any leaks or spills, keeping hazardous liquids from escaping into stormwater drains and the surrounding environment. Whether it’s a large chemical tank or a smaller drum of oil, bunding ensures that any accidental spills are caught before they become damaging and costly.
Why Bunding is Essential
- Environmental Protection
If your facility stores liquids that are toxic or hazardous, especially near bodies of water or sensitive environmental areas, bunding is an absolute must. Without it, even a small leak could cause significant environmental harm, which could lead to legal penalties and cleanup costs. - Spill Prevention for Large Containers
Storing large quantities of liquids in containers such as steel drums or an Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC), without proper bunding is a recipe for disaster. Without the appropriate containment, a leak could turn into a dangerous spill, damaging property and the environment. - EPA Compliance and Peace of Mind
Environmental legislation states that any business conducting an activity with a risk of a spill must have sufficient and appropriate spill control and response equipment in place. Investing in appropriate storage such as bunded spill pallets helps to ensure you’re meeting legislative and EPA requirements, while reducing the risk of a catastrophic spill in your facility. - Minimising Long-Term Risks
Even if your storage containers appear to be secure, time and external factors like weather can weaken them. Older storage units are especially susceptible to failure. Bunding offers a crucial layer of protection in case of unexpected leaks, saving you from emergency cleanup and repairs.
Real World Consequences
The risks of failing to properly contain chemicals are all too real as demonstrated by a recent incident in Melbourne, where a chemical spill made its way into a local creek and lead to the death of thousands of fish. The EPA allege that the company failed to take reasonable measures to contain the chemicals and prevent them from escaping the facility. The company faces fines of up to $1.8 million and is the first case where criminal charges have been laid under reformed Victorian environmental duty laws.
Types of Bunding
- Bunded Spill Pallets
For facilities that store liquid drums or large containers such as IBCs, a bunded spill pallet is a safe and effective solution. These pallets are designed to prevent leaks, are compatible with forklifts, and are available in durable and chemical resistant polyethylene. - Floor Bunding
Floor bunding provides a versatile solution for containing spills in areas with heavy foot or vehicle traffic. Installed directly onto the floor, it creates a raised barrier that helps prevent liquid spills from spreading. Floor bunding is made from materials including rubber, polyurethane and aluminium. - Portable Containment Bunding
Portable containment bunding is a versatile spill containment solution that’s lightweight, foldable, and easy to transport. This makes them ideal for temporary work sites, outdoor events, or emergency spill responses. Portable bunding is often made from materials like PVC or polyurethane, to ensure it can handle hazardous substances such as oils and chemicals. Portable bunds can be deployed quickly to create an instant containment area around equipment, vehicles and storage containers. - Bund Walls
Bund walls are permanent structures, often made of concrete, and are constructed around large volumes of stored liquids. These are especially useful in high-risk areas where the potential for large spills is greater.
Aluminium Floor Bunding – 30mmH x 185mmW x 1200mmL (w/ Dynabolts)Aluminium Floor Bunding is a unique product ideal for hazardous liquid containment in accordance with Australian safety legislation AS 1940-2004. It can be used to contain and divert liquids such as acids, coolants, corrosives, fuels and water, to prevent the environment becoming polluted. It is also non-magnetic and non-sparking, making it ideal as a spill containment method where explosive vapor mixtures are present. This robust floor bunding is made from marine grade 6005-T65 extruded aluminium, withstanding frequent and heavy traffic over a long period of time. The aluminium bunding is suitable for vehicles such as Class 2 RAV B-Doubles and heavy duty container forklifts. The standard aluminium bund lengths are 1200mm. With a longer life span, this is a great alternative to concrete bund at a fraction of the cost. It won’t crack, chip or degrade over time so you can avoid expensive replacement costs.
The installation kit includes pre-drilled bund sections, DynaBolts, and Fulaprene sealant. The 30mm height provides bunding capacity while the profile maximises clearance and allows easy vehicle passage with minimal driver discomfort. The grooved surface provides traction as the vehicle passes over the low profile bund. Aluminium Floor Bunding is perfect for use in applications such as: Wash bays, Fuel depots, Liquid storage areas, Parking facilities, Warehouses.
Single IBC Bunded Spill Pallet, 1100L Sump (1600W x 1600L x 700H mm)The Stratex Single IBC Bunded Spill Pallet provides a safe and efficient storage solution for hazardous liquids. A low 700mm working height helps to reduce risks during loading and unloading. It also features handy fork pockets for manoeuvrability. Stratex bunded spill pallets are constructed from high quality, durable and lightweight polyethylene. This bund offers superior chemical resistance and has a safe working load rating of 1350kg.
- This bund features a low height for ease of use (700mm)
- Stackable, space saving, innovative, protected design guarantees ultra-low delivery costs for multiple bunding units
- Generous working area (2.5m2) for one IBC or multiple small containers
- Fork pockets for easy movement (Remove IBC and empty spill pallet before moving)
- Optional clip-on dispensing units direct any spills while decanting into the sump, meaning liquids can be retrieved and reused saving time and money.
- All-weather covers for outdoor storage and sump plugs for drainage and spilled liquid recovery available.
- Dimensions: 700H x 1600W x 1600L mm. 1100L Sump.
Double IBC Bunded Spill Pallet – 1250L SumpDouble Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) bunded spill pallets can safely contain liquid spills. These high strength bunds have a 1250L sump capacity and can be forklifted for portability. If you store IBCs, these are an ideal containment solution to support environmental protection compliance.- Stackable for reduced freight costs on multiple items
- Manufactured in Australia ensuring a tough, heavy duty product
- 100% Virgin Polyethylene for chemical and corrosion resistance
- 1250L sump capacity meets and exceeds EPA requirements
- 3000Kg load rating makes this one of the strongest bunds on the market
- Provision for additional internal supports provides increased strength and load rating
- All-weather covers for outdoor storage and sump plugs for drainage and spilled liquid recovery available
- Optional Clip-on dispensing units direct any spills while decanting into the sump, meaning liquids can be retrieved and reused saving time and money.
- Dimensions: 600H x 2322W x 1356L mm
- Weight 110kg
4 Drum Bunded Spill Pallet, 240L SumpDrum bunded spill pallets are designed to fit four 205 litre drums for safe and practical storage of hazardous liquids, oils, chemicals, batteries and more.
Features:
- 240 litre sump capacity complies with Australian regulations
- Forklift spaces compatible with most fork lifts and pallet trucks for easy manoeuvring.
- Lightweight, tough and durable polyethylene construction
- Superior chemical resistance
- Low bund working height provides ease of access
- Dimensions: 1300 x 1300 x 300mm
- 1250kg safe working load
Single IBC Hard Cover Unit (2265H x 1775W x 1770Dmm) – 1260L SumpHard Cover Units provide outdoor weather resistant storage for IBC tanks. Features double swing doors with three-point locking mechanism, integrated 2 litre platform spill tray and ample head space for IBC mixers, funnels and pumps.. Available to be moved with a forklift, this 100% polyethylene design will not rust or corrode, providing years of service under rigorous conditions.
- Size: 2265H x 1775W x 1770Dmm
- Sump Capacity: 1260L
- Integrated venting panels
- Roof designed for quick rainwater run-off to the rear
- Flat pack shipping
Megabund Floor Bunding, Per Metre (w/ Dynabolts) 25mmH x 150mmWMegaBund Floor Bunding is a premium polyurethane extruded floor bunding for the safe containment of hazardous liquids. With excellent chemical resistance, MegaBund is a versatile chemical storage solution which can be used in a range of different applications.
Flexible and low profile, this highly visible floor bunding is designed to reduce trip hazards and improve workplace safety, while being easily traversible by vehicles and forklifts. Stay compliant with Australian Standards such as AS/NZS 3833:2007 and avoid EPA fines. The floor bunding can be cut into desired lengths to create a custom sized storage area, reducing cost and wastage.
MegaBund is easy and stress free to install; it is manufactured with pre-moulded points for dynabolts and only basic tools are required. 10 Dynabolts are included in the purchase of each floor bunding length. When purchasing tubes of Fulaprene Adhesive, we recommend using approximately 1 tube of adhesive to 3 lengths of Megabund. Watch the video for a step-by-step guide.
- Premium polyurethane extruded floor bunding with excellent resistance against acids, alkalis, fuels and oils.
- Heavy duty rigid floor bunding, suitable for high traffic areas including heavy vehicles and machinery.
- Low profile design is easily traversable by forklifts and vehicles.
- Available with corner units to complete the bunded area.
- Size: 25mmH x 150mmW x 1mL
Collapsible Sidewall Portable Bunding – 1260LStratex Collapsible or Drive-over Portable Bunds are ideal for the safe and compliant storage of drums, plant and equipment while containing any hazardous liquid leaks and spills. The bund wall supports are extremely strong and lightweight to ensure it can contain large volumes of spilled liquid. The compact design and flexible use means it is easy to store and transport, making it perfect for mobile or permanent operations. The collapsible sidewall is quick and easy to access for vehicles, forklifts and trolleys. It is engineered to withstand tough conditions and made from long lasting heavy duty 900gsm PVC material. Available to upgrade to extra tough 1020gsm XR5 geomembrane, with resistance to punctures, tears, abrasions, UV radiation, temperature extremes, hydrocarbons, oils, methane & alkalis. Increase bunding longevity by adding ground mats and vehicle track mats to prevent punctures and tears from rough surfaces. Available in both 300mm and 500mm wall heights to help meet sump capacity compliance with AS1940-2004. Portable Collapsible Sidewall Bunding is perfect for applications such as: Servicing heavy vehicles & machinery, Storage of drums and IBCs, Spill containment for plant & equipment, Wash bays
2 Drum Bund Work Floor – 120L SumpStratex Drum Bund Work Floor is a flexible decking solution for creating liquid handling workstations and storage areas to fit your workplace. Low profile design gives easy access to drum tops and requires less effort to load and unload drums.
All work floors and ramps have a slip resistant texture that provides traction to prevent slips and falls. Joint connector strips can be added for superior safety and finish. Two different lengths of connectors and a cross connector is available
Key features
- Supports safe and compliant liquid drum storage.
- Can be customised to suit various requirements.
- Heavy duty polyethylene construction.
- Slip resistant surface finish.
A Disaster Waiting to Happen
Failing to implement proper bunding in your facility isn’t just risky; it’s a disaster waiting to happen. In the event of a major spill, the costs associated with cleanup, environmental damage, regulatory fines and reputational loss far outweigh the investment in bunding.
Bunding is one of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure your facility is protected and compliant with environmental legislation. To learn more about which type of bunding would best suit your workplace, contact us today.