What is IBC Bunding
Bunding is a critical aspect of safe chemical storage in industrial and commercial environments. In Australia, the transportation, storage and handling of dangerous goods are regulated by the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code, which is a set of guidelines that outlines the requirements for the safe transport and handling of hazardous materials. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of bunding intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) to meet Australian regulatory requirements. Standards such as AS1940-2017 specify bunding guidelines based on the types of chemicals being stored. For more, explore our dangerous goods storage solutions.
What is Bunding?
Bunding is a containment system designed to prevent spills and leaks of hazardous materials. Bunding involves creating a secondary containment system around a primary storage vessel, such as an IBC bund. The bund can be made from a variety of materials, including concrete, steel or plastic.
The purpose of bunding is to contain any spills or leaks that may occur, preventing the hazardous material from contaminating the environment. In addition to environmental protection, bunding also helps protect the health and safety of workers by reducing the risk of exposure to hazardous materials.
Why is Bunding Important for IBCs?
Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) are commonly used in industrial and commercial environments for the storage and transportation of hazardous materials. What is an IBC? It is a container that can hold up to 1,000 litres of liquid, making it a convenient and efficient option for the storage and transport of chemicals.
However, IBCs can also be a significant hazard if they are not properly contained. In the event of a spill or leak, hazardous materials can contaminate the environment, putting workers and the public at risk.
This is why it is essential to bund IBCs in accordance with Australian regulations. The ADG Code requires that hazardous materials be stored in a way that prevents spills and leaks. This includes the use of appropriate containment systems, such as bunds. It is important that all appropriate IBC bunding requirements are reviewed to ensure IBC bunds are suitable for your circumstances. You can explore IBC bunding options designed for these needs.
In addition to regulatory compliance, there are many other reasons why bunding IBCs is important. Here are just a few:
Prevents Environmental Contamination
The primary purpose of bunding is to prevent spills and leaks of hazardous materials, which can have a significant impact on the environment. Spills and leaks can contaminate soil, water and air, which can have long-lasting effects on the environment and local ecosystems.
By bunding IBCs, you can prevent spills and leaks from reaching the environment, protecting local ecosystems and wildlife.
Protects the Health and Safety of Workers
Hazardous materials can pose a significant risk to the health and safety of workers. Exposure to hazardous materials can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, skin irritation and even cancer.
By bunding IBCs, you can reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous materials, protecting the health and safety of workers.
Reduces the Risk of Accidents and Incidents
Spills and leaks can also increase the risk of accidents and incidents in the workplace. Slippery floors, for example, can increase the risk of slips, trips and falls, while hazardous vapours can increase the risk of fires and explosions.
By bunding IBCs, you can reduce the risk of spills and leaks, preventing accidents and incidents in the workplace.
Minimises the Risk of Regulatory Non-Compliance
As mentioned earlier, bunding IBCs is a requirement under Australian regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and penalties, as well as reputational damage.
By bunding IBCs in accordance with Australian regulations, you can minimise fines and penalties linked to non-compliance with chemical bunding requirements.
Improves Overall Efficiency
Finally, bunding IBCs can also improve the overall efficiency of your operations. By preventing spills and leaks, you can reduce the need for clean-up and downtime, minimising the impact on your operations.
What Are IBC Bunding’s Requirements?
IBC bunding should meet certain standards to allow safe storage and protection of the environment. These are laid out in Australian standards and regulations like AS1940. They serve to reduce the risk of spillage, leaks and contamination during the use of IBC bunds for hazardous substances.
Containment Volume:
An IBC bund should be capable of holding a minimum 110% volume of the largest IBC stored in the bunded area, or 25% of the total volume of all stored containers on the bund— whichever is greater. This containment volume is essential to fulfil IBC bunding requirements and provide sufficient space to hold spills without hazard to the environment or workplace safety.
Construction Materials:
Bunds should be built from durable, impermeable materials that are resistant to the chemicals stored. Suitable options for meeting chemical bunding requirements include polyethylene, steel or concrete coated with chemical-resistant finishes. The right material choice depends on the specific liquids being stored in the IBC bund.
Isolation:
An IBC bunding system has to be separated from stormwater drains, sewers and other drainage systems to prevent hazardous materials from leaking out. This separation avoids pollution of nearby waterways and safeguards against environmental protection requirements.
Drainage & Maintenance:
Bunds should be checked regularly for cracks, damage or wear. Any collected liquid, including rainwater or chemical spills, must be promptly removed and disposed of as per environmental guidelines. Drain valves, if present, must be lockable and kept shut unless draining under supervision to prevent accidental releases.
The Cost of IBC Bunding Non Compliance
Non-compliance with IBC bunding standards can have severe implications for companies. Heavy fines can be imposed for non-compliance with Australian standards, increasing with the severity of the event and the environmental damage it has caused. Inadequate bunding can result in toxic spills that pollute soil, waterways or air with long-lasting consequences to the environment and expensive clean-up procedures.
In addition to financial sanctions, non-compliance can damage your business's reputation and relationship with regulators, customers and the broader community. It also increases the likelihood of work-related accidents that put employees and the public at risk, presenting additional legal and operational challenges.
Other Bunding Measures
In addition to IBC bunding systems, there are several other bunding and spill containment options that can safely store chemicals and liquids. These options help businesses meet compliance and improve site safety and efficiency.
Drive Over Bunding:
Flexible and drive over bunding provides secondary containment that vehicles can cross without compromising the seal. It is ideal for areas where bunding is needed but forklift or vehicle access is also essential for operational efficiency.
Bunded Shelves:
Our bunded shelving integrates spill containment into your shelving system, providing a safe solution for small containers or drums. This system is perfect for workshops, warehouses and sites handling multiple hazardous substances.
IBC Racking Frames:
IBC pallet racking frames and heavy-duty IBC pallet racking frames allow secure, elevated storage of IBCs while working with bunding solutions. They help maximise storage space and improve safety when storing bulk liquids.
Spill Kits:
A spill kit is a vital companion to any bunding system. These kits ensure a fast, compliant response to leaks or spills, helping contain hazards before they can spread and cause harm. For added safety and spill control during liquid transfer, you can also pair your IBC bund with IBC dispensing trays to capture drips and minor leaks at the source.
Get Expert Support for Your IBC Bunding Needs
Containit is your trusted partner for industrial storage solutions, including IBC bunding. Contact us today for expert advice on meeting IBC bunding and chemical bunding requirements for your site.