Many customers ask us what a “Bund” is or what “bunded” means.
Well, in the shipping container industry the term “bunded” is commonly used to mean an area that is self-contained. In a chemical storage container, this means that any chemical spillage is contained and does not affect the environment.
This guide will expand on what ‘bunded’ means with regards to shipping containers and chemical or pesticide storage.
What does “bunded” mean?
Wikipedia’s definition:
Bunding also called a bund wall, is a constructed retaining wall around storage “where potentially polluting substances are handled, processed or stored, for the purposes of containing any unintended escape of material from that area until such time as a remedial action can be taken.”
Bunded, bunding or bund wall refers to an area where any hazardous spillage can be held to avoid a chemical or pollution disaster.
The bund, bunding or bund wall is a safety feature that prevents chemical leaks affecting our environment.
How does bunding work?
We convert shipping containers into chemical or pesticide storage containers. We offer 2 sorts of “bunded” floors.
- We fit a steel checker plate tray of approximately 6” high on top of the wooden floor of the shipping container. When there is a spillage, this bunded area will hold the spill and the user will need to mop up the spill. The side of the checker plate tray needs to be stepped over by the user and the yellow and black tape highlights the trip hazard.
- We remove the shipping container’s wooden floor and fit a steel subfloor and a raised mesh floor, with a removable section, drainage hole and drainage sump. So when there is a spillage it is a hose-out job. The mesh floor is slightly higher for the user to step onto and again the yellow and black tape highlights the trip hazard.
See photos below.
Checker plate tray bunded floor. The black and yellow tape highlights the trip hazard and bund size
Steel raised mesh floor. The yellow and black tape highlights the trip hazard and the height of the mesh floor, along with the drainage sump.
Why is “bunding” important?
Our environment must be protected from hazardous chemical spills and pollution to avoid damaging our beautiful countryside, rivers and wildlife.
Chemical stores must meet with the HSE specifications in order to avoid unnecessary leaks.
If chemicals and pesticides are not stored correctly, there could be massive fines imposed.
Users of these chemicals and pesticides have a responsibility to our countryside.
Applications of Bunded Containers
Many industries all over the UK find bunded containers to be essential to their requirements.
Some of these industries include:
- Farming/Agriculture
- Schools/Colleges/Universities
- Printing firms
- Manufacturers
- Vineyards
- Garden Nurseries
- Horticulture & Forestry commissions
- Environment agency
- Sports clubs including Golf clubs, rugby clubs, cricket clubs, football clubs (the list goes on)
- Public sector, eg. councils and recreational grounds
- NHS, eg. Hospitals
Choosing the right “bunded” container
Here is a checklist for your bunded storage container.
- What type of bund suits your requirements? As mentioned above, the checker plate tray is a ‘step over’, but the mesh floor is a ‘step onto’.
- What size shipping container suits your needs?
- What size bund will you require? Please click here for bund sizes.
- Do you need shelving and if so, what height?
- What ventilation do you require?
- Do you need lighting?
- Do you need insulation?
- How many doors do you require?
- What is the locking system?
- What building materials do you need for the “bunded” container?
- Is the chemical store flameproof?
- Do you have sufficient space for a “bunded” container?
- Can your site take a 40ft rigid HIAB vehicle for delivery and offload?
- Are you in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or other protected area?
This list is not exhaustive.
Many farmers convert a farm building into a chemical storage facility.
We, on the other hand, offer converted shipping containers. Containers can hold a fire for at least 30 minutes, which is why we recommend them.
For more information about the HSE guidance please click here.
We at Billie Box supply “bunded” containers converted from 10ft and 20ft shipping containers, perfect for the groundsman and farming community of the UK.
Key Points of “Bunded” containers
Understanding the concept of “bunded” is crucial for anyone involved in the purchasing or of shipping containers. Bunded containers offer significant environmental and safety benefits by preventing spills and containing hazardous materials effectively. They ensure compliance with regulations and can save businesses from potential financial and legal repercussions.
Whether you are in the farming industry or you are a groundsman for a school, hospital, garden nursery, or any sector that handles potentially harmful substances, bunded containers are an essential investment. Our expertise in the field and our wide range of bunded containers mean we can provide the perfect solution for your specific needs.
If you have any further questions about bunded containers or need assistance in selecting the right container for your requirements, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experienced team is ready to help you make the best choice for your business, ensuring safety, compliance, and peace of mind.
Call us on 0800 121 7388 or GET a Quote here to discuss your needs and find out more about our top-quality bunded containers.
