Secondary Spill Containment

Secondary containment refers to any system designed to capture and contain spills, leaks, or overflows from primary containers holding hazardous substances. It’s a critical component of hazchem safety compliance in New Zealand, preventing environmental contamination and protecting workers from exposure.

Typical secondary containment systems include spill pallets, bunded platforms, drive over bunds, portable containment trays, and portable containment berms (PCBs).

By installing compliant secondary containment, businesses reduce environmental liability, maintain WorkSafe NZ compliance, and demonstrate due diligence under the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017.

pH7 offers a comprehensive range of secondary containment solutions designed for indoor and outdoor use, compatible with most classes of dangerous goods. Our range includes:

• Spill pallets for drums and IBCs, constructed from chemical-resistant polyethylene (PE) or galvanised steel for durability and corrosion protection.
• Portable bunds and containment mats for temporary spill control or mobile work areas.
• Bunding for secure indoor chemical storage.
• Stackable and nestable trays for efficient transport and warehouse space management.
• Outdoor Hardtops for the containment of drums and IBC outside with walls and roofs to protect chemicals from the elements and prevent the bunds filling with rainwater.

Choosing the correct spill pallet or bund capacity depends on your container size, storage configuration, and site compliance requirements.

When selecting a spill pallet or bund, consider:

• Container size and quantity (e.g. 205 L drums or 1,000 L IBCs).
• Chemical compatibility (polyethylene for corrosives; steel for hydrocarbons).
• Indoor vs outdoor placement, ensuring UV resistance and weatherproofing where required.
• Forklift or pallet jack access for mobility and maintenance.
• Total pooling potential of the chemical you are holding.

pH7’s technical team can help calculate compliance bund capacities and recommend the best secondary containment system to meet your obligations under the health and safety at work hazardous substance regulations.

Secondary containment equipment must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness.

Key maintenance steps include:

• Removing rainwater or spilled material promptly.
• Cleaning with mild detergents compatible with the stored chemical type.
• Checking structural supports and load ratings for deformation.
• Replacing damaged sump grates, plugs, or drain fittings immediately.

Secondary containment systems should be installed in areas where hazardous substances are stored, dispensed, or transferred, ensuring any leaks or spills are captured before reaching drains, soil, or waterways.

Spill pallets, bunded platforms, and IBC bunds should be positioned to:

• Sit on a level, impermeable surface (such as sealed concrete) to prevent seepage.
• Remain clear of stormwater drains, exits, and traffic routes.
• Be located within the hazardous substance storage zone, compliant with application segregation and separation distances from incompatible materials and ignition sources.
• Allow unobstructed access for inspection, clean-up, and emergency response.

For outdoor containment, choose UV-stabilised polyethylene units or weather-resistant steel bunds, and consider installing rain covers or sump pumps to manage stormwater accumulation.

Correct placement of secondary containment not only ensures EPA containment volume compliance (110% rule) but also supports your HSWA 2015 environmental protection obligations.