Do you take proactive measures to prevent leaks from oil, chemical, or acid-based storage containers? Some of you might be using leak-proof containers and would argue that leaks won’t happen. 

But that is not always the case. 

Storage tanks or drums containing large amounts of chemicals, oil, water-based solutions, or other liquid matter leaks for many reasons. Metal tanks corrode in chemical environments, plastic drums brittle under heavy sunlight, or workers overfill the tank in a hassle. 

This is where spill containment units like bunded pallets prevent leaks from spreading on the ground. In this blog, you will walk through its meaning, types of pallets, benefits, buying guide, and maintenance tips. So, continue reading it till the end. 

What are Bunded Pallets?

Bunded pallets are flat platforms for keeping and transporting liquid or semi-liquid storage containers. As and when these containers leak for any reason, a built-in chamber in a pallet collects the leaking drips. 

Whether you are an industrial manager or a food safety controller handling hazardous chemicals, oils, or fuels, the bunded pallets handle the leaks efficiently. It minimizes wastage, protects the environment, and also the health of the workplace professionals. 

Types of Bunded Pallets

Here are some types of the bunded pallets available all over Australia.

• Plastic Bunded Pallets (Polyethylene):

This is one of the most common but highly praiseworthy pallets for its high-grade low-density polyethylene material. You must use these durable and lightweight pallets for containing acid-based liquids, oil, plant-based, or automobile chemicals. 

The plastic material is great to resist corrosion and cracks while being in an environment with ample chemical exposure. 

• Steel Bunded Pallets:

Steel bunded pallets are another great choice for stacking flammable oils and acids. This involves diesel, paint thinner, kerosene, or other chemicals that ignite sparks. Its steel-made structure is a little heavier but more robust than the plastic pallets. 

• IBC Bunded Pallets:

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) hold large volumes of fuels, oils, or gases. As these units contain the bulk capacity, they are more prone to leakages. Either because of the mishandling issues or due to an over pressurized system. IBC bunded pallets, for this reason, are specifically designed for holding the weight and size of spills without further contamination. 

• Drum Bunded Pallets:

Drum bunded pallets, as the name suggests, are designed to carry the weight of 2 to 4 large-size oil or chemical storage drums. Being highly resistant to temperature changes, these are often an ideal investment for many industries. 

Benefits of Using Bunded Pallets

Here are some great benefits of using the bunded pallets.

• Prevents Leaks and Spills:

Oils or chemicals running out of the storage containers are a common scenario when you are mishandling the storage boxes. Bunded pallets, therefore, are a safe use to put these containers whether you suspect leaks or not. As these pallets have an in-built carrier that collects any spills, it prevents spills from spreading on the ground. 

• Adheres to Environmental Compliance:

Investing in bunded pallets is helpful for businesses who strictly prioritize green practices. Whether it is a firm who adheres to local health safety regulations or needs to be recognized as an environmental protection agency, these pallets help businesses to maintain the environmental compliance. 

• Improves Workplace Safety:

Leaks from flammable or non-flammable liquids contaminate the environment. This can affect the worker’s health, increasing the chances of slips and falls. Bunded pallets minimize the odds of negative health impact for any of these reasons. 

• Reduces Spill Cleanup Costs:

Bunded pallets contain spills at its source, which is again a good reason to invest in them. Cleaning the spills in itself is a costly practice. And so bunded pallets reduce the long-term cleanup costs effectively. 

How to Choose the Right Bunded Pallet?

Consider the following factors when deciding to choose different types of spill containment pallets. 

• Pallet’s Capacity:

You must look for a pallet sump which can carry 110% of the liquid contained in the largest container. Or, you can also measure the sump’s capacity to hold 25% of the total volume in the boxes stored on the pallet. Weigh only the greatest capacity to determine the right bunded pallet. 

• Compatible Material for Specific Liquid Type:

You must always look for a pallet material which is designed to handle the chemical reaction of the liquid content. For example, polyethylene is safe for corrosive chemicals and steel pallets are good for fire-spreading gases or acids. 

• Size and Weight Capacity:

Choosing a pallet requires you to see if it has size and strength to store or transport heavy-duty storage bins. For this reason, you must confirm the size and weight of boxes and match them with the dimensions of the pallet before choosing one. 

• Regulatory Compliance:

Bunded pallets meet the workplace safety and environmental safety protocols. Despite this, you must check if your chosen pallet is safe for every ground. 

How to Use Bunded Pallets?

Here is a step-by-step process to follow when using these pallets. 

1. Place the pallet on a firm ground. Avoid uneven surfaces or placing it near drainage lines.
2. Position the drum or tanks properly over the bunded area. 
3. Ensure grid lines support the containers to prevent them from hanging or tilting to one side.
4. Keep heavier boxes on the bottom when stacking the load on the pallet. 
5. Ensure to close the drain plug of the pallet when you are not dispensing the collected liquid.
6. Use spill kits as an additional precautionary measure to prevent accidental leaks.

Final Words

We hope you found this blog useful. As you see, the bunded pallets are an ultimate proactive solution for major volumes of dangerous liquid spills. 

Besides storing the oil, chemical, or acid-containing bins at warehouses, these stackable pallets contain leaks in any possible situation. Considering its multi-purpose use for construction, agricultural, or food processing industries, you must invest your time and money into buying one. 

Explore the high-quality IBC or drum-based bunded pallets from Akuna Services for their incredible design and low-key maintenance. Enquire now to learn more.