Managing hazardous chemicals necessitates stringent safety measures to prevent spills, leaks, or other incidents that could pose environmental and health risks. In the UK, bunding is a crucial safety feature for hazardous chemical storage, forming a secondary containment structure around storage tanks and containers to contain any potential leaks.

Bunding requirements in the UK

The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2002 (COP10) outline the specific bund requirements for hazardous chemical storage in the UK. These regulations stipulate that any storage facility holding more than 3 cubic metres of hazardous flammable liquids or 6 cubic metres of hazardous non-flammable liquids must be equipped with a bund.

The bund's size must be at least 100% of the capacity of the largest storage tank or container within it, with a minimum freeboard of 0.3 metres to prevent overtopping. The bund's base must be impermeable to prevent the escape of hazardous substances into the surrounding environment.

How Kovobel adheres to bunding standards

Kovobel, a leading manufacturer of custom-built storage solutions, understands the importance of complying with bunding regulations to ensure the safe storage of hazardous chemicals. Their range of hazardous chemical storage solutions incorporates bunding features that meet or exceed the requirements set by COP10.

Kovobel's bunded storage containers are designed to provide secondary containment for a wide range of hazardous substances, including flammable liquids, corrosives, and oxidizers. The bunds are constructed from durable and impermeable materials, such as reinforced concrete or high-density polyethylene, ensuring their ability to contain spills and leaks effectively.

Kovobel also offers bunded storage systems for larger volumes of hazardous chemicals, such as above-ground bunded storage tanks and bunds integrated into fixed structures. These systems offer comprehensive protection and comply with the most stringent bunding requirements.

Additional safety measures

Beyond bunding, Kovobel's hazardous chemical storage solutions incorporate additional safety features to enhance protection and minimise potential risks. It’s important to point out however, that these extra safety measures can added but are not supplied as standard. They are available from a 3^rd party and are fitted after assembly. These measures include:

• Overfill prevention systems: These systems automatically shut off the flow of hazardous substances to the storage container when it reaches its maximum capacity, preventing overflow and spillages.
• Vapour detection and monitoring systems: These systems continuously monitor the vapour concentration around the storage container, alerting operators to potential leaks or gas releases.
• Leak detection and alarm systems: These systems trigger alarms and automatically shut down the storage system if leaks are detected, preventing further spillage and contamination.
• Fire suppression systems: Fire suppression systems are incorporated in flammable liquid storage containers, automatically activating to extinguish any fires that may occur.

By incorporating these additional safety measures, Kovobel's hazardous chemical storage solutions provide the highest level of protection for both the environment and human safety.

In conclusion

Bunding is a fundamental safety requirement for storing hazardous chemicals in the UK. Kovobel's custom-built storage solutions, with their robust bunding features and comprehensive safety measures, ensure that hazardous chemicals are stored safely and securely. By adhering to these stringent standards, Kovobel contributes to a safer and more environmentally conscious approach to hazardous chemical handling.