Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 04:59 pm
Workplace safety is no joke, and keeping your workers safe from possible chemical spills is also not a laughing matter. To prevent spills from occurring, a great way is to use secondary containment, also known as bunding.
Chemical bunding is when you put a physical barrier around the spaces where chemicals are stored or handled, to contain a spill in one area if it does happen. This can stop spills from leaking into drains and affecting your worker’s health.
The Types of Bunding
Depending on your workplace’s unique needs, you may want one or more of these bunding types.
Permanent Bunding:
This is when the bunding is permanently placed on the floor and is made to be driven over. Permanent bunding is a good option if your workplace utilizes trucks or forklifts often.
Bunded Pallets or Trays:
These are platforms you place around your containers, drums, or barrels to capture any leaks or spills that may happen.
Bunded Tanks or Containers:
If you’re storing larger quantities of hazardous substances, you will want these. They consist of an inner tank to hold chemicals and a secondary barrier on the outside to prevent spills.
Why Chemical Bunding Is Important
Here are some reasons Australian workplaces put their trust in bunding for chemical safety.
· Better for the environment: as it prevents hazardous substances from contaminating
waterways or nearby ecosystems.
· Better for workers: by containing hazardous materials, you can prevent the risk of
exposure for workers and provide a physical barrier against harm.
· Remain compliant: chemical bundling is a legal requirement If your workplace meets the criteria, by having the bundling correctly in place, you can avoid legal ramifications.
· Prevent damage: property damage is common when a chemical spill occurs, but you can minimize the financial impact that comes with potential downtime, cleaning, and rebuilding by utilizing bunding.
What Are the Legal Requirements?
In Australia, all workplaces have a requirement to maintain workplace and environmental safety at all times. Where chemicals are present, this may also mean using bunding, but it often also includes training your staff about safety procedures. This is all part of the duty of care that employers have towards their workers, and failure to comply can damage your brand’s reputation, not to mention legal ramifications and fines.
Who Can Help You with Your Bunding Needs?
Whether you want to find affordable bunding products or if you need help with auditing your workplace to find out which safety procedures you need, Spill Station Australia can help. For decades they’ve been Australia’s leaders in workplace safety and can help workplaces of all sizes.
For more information about Spill Station, click here.
