Choosing the right storage setup is not just about the main drum, tank, or IBC. This guide explains what secondary containers for chemicals are, why they matter for safety and compliance, and how to choose practical options that help protect people, sites, and everyday operations in the UK.
What secondary containers for chemicals actually do
Secondary containment is the backup system that catches leaks, spills, or overfilling from the main container. HSE describes secondary containment as a second line of defence, and says it can take several forms, including bunds, drip trays, interceptors, and double-skinned systems.
In simple terms, the primary container is the drum, tank, or IBC that holds the chemical directly. The secondary container sits around or underneath it, ready to contain escaped liquid before it spreads across the floor, reaches a drain, or creates a wider site problem. Recontainers Direct’s own guidance makes the same distinction, describing bunds as a backup layer beneath primary storage such as drums, tanks, and IBCs.
That is why secondary containers for chemicals are so important. They do not replace the main storage vessel, but they give you an extra layer of control when things go wrong. For businesses handling hazardous liquids, that extra layer can make the difference between a contained incident and a much bigger operational problem.
Common types of secondary containment
The most familiar option is a bund. Bunds are designed to hold liquid if the main container leaks or fails, and they are commonly used with IBCs, tanks, and drums. NetRegs explains that secondary containment systems such as bunds and drip trays are used to catch leaks, overfilling, and spills from a primary container and its pipework.
For smaller containers or lower-volume use, drip trays and spill pallets can be a practical choice. Recontainers Direct highlights spill pallets and drip trays as suitable secondary containment systems for smaller storage areas, while bunded storage tanks and IBC bunds are more suited to larger-scale hazardous liquid storage.
This matters because not every site needs the same setup. Some businesses need compact containment under a few drums. Others need larger bunded units for IBCs or bulk liquid storage. The right answer depends on the volume stored, the type of chemical, and the level of risk around the storage area. That is an inference supported by HSE’s description of multiple secondary-containment forms and Recontainers Direct’s product ranges.
How much capacity is usually needed
Capacity is one of the most important checks. NetRegs says a bund should be able to contain 110% of the volume of the largest container stored within it. For drum storage, it adds that 25% of the total stored volume may apply where relevant.
Recontainers Direct’s own chemical bunding guide uses the same benchmark, stating that bunds must hold at least 110% of the capacity of the largest container. That consistency is useful because it gives buyers a clear starting point when comparing secondary containers for chemicals.
In practice, this means you should not choose a bund or spill pallet by footprint alone. You need to check what it is actually designed to contain. A neat fit is not enough if the containment volume falls short when a leak or failure happens. That is an inference drawn from the capacity rules in NetRegs and the compliance-focused guidance on chemical storage.
Choosing the right setup for your site
Start with the substance and the storage pattern. If you are storing chemicals in IBCs, an IBC bund may be the better fit. If you are storing smaller containers or need localised protection around transfer points, drip trays or spill pallets may make more sense. Recontainers Direct’s bunded chemical storage guidance points buyers towards IBC bunds, spill pallets, and drum bunding options depending on the application.
Then look at the wider area. GOV.UK’s guidance for chemical waste facilities says storage locations should minimise unnecessary handling and be managed by competent staff using appropriate equipment. That tells us storage is not only about the container itself. It is also about layout, access, handling, and how easily leaks can be spotted and controlled.
You should also think about maintenance and visibility. Secondary containment works best when it is easy to inspect and not overloaded, blocked, or treated as dead space. NetRegs says notices should show the maximum number of barrels and containers that can be stored at one time, which underlines the need to manage containment properly rather than guessing as you go.
For most businesses, the practical takeaway is simple. Good secondary containers for chemicals support safer storage, clearer compliance, and better control when accidents happen. They help protect your site, your staff, and your daily operations without adding unnecessary complexity. That is a practical inference from HSE’s “second line of defence” description and the storage guidance from NetRegs and GOV.UK.
If you are reviewing your current setup, now is a good time to check whether your backup containment really matches the chemicals and volumes on site. Explore the Recontainers Direct range for bunded storage, spill pallets, drip trays, and other practical solutions that help make chemical storage safer and easier to manage.
