Many customers ask us what is a “Bund” or what does “bunded” mean.
Well in the shipping container industry the term “bunded” is commonly used and means an area that is self contained. It works, in particular with a chemical storage container, whereby 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 is:
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 are referred 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 leaks affecting our environment.
How does bunding work?
With shipping containers we convert them 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 checker plate tray is a ‘step over’ for the user and the yellow and black tape highlights the trip hazard.
- Or we remove the shipping container wooden floor, fit a steel subfloor and a raised mesh floor, with a removable section of mesh floor, drainage hole and drainage sump. So when there is a spillage it is a hose out job. The mesh floor is a ‘step onto’ for the user 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 kept from hazardous chemical spills and river pollution to avoid damaging our beautiful countryside and wildlife.
Chemical stores must meet with the HSE specifications in order to avoid unnecessary leaks.
If chemicals and pesticides are not stored correctly, then there could be massive fines to the user.
Users of these chemicals and pesticides have a responsibility to our countryside.
Applications of Bunded Containers
Many industries find bunded containers to be essential to their requirements, all over the UK.
Some of the industries include:
- Farming/Agriculture
- Schools/Colleges/Universities
- Printing firms
- Manufacturers
- Vineyards
- Garden Nurseries
- Horticulture & Forestry commissions
- Environment agency
- Sports clubs to include: Golf clubs, rugby clubs, cricket clubs, football clubs (the list goes on)
- Public sector eg. councils and recreational grounds
- NHS eg. Hospitals
There a longer list here
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 what height do you need?
- 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 Hi ab vehicle for delivery and offload?
- Are you in an area of ‘Outstanding natural beauty’ for example?
This list is not exhaustive
Many farmers as an example convert a farm building into a chemical storage facility.
We, on the other hand, offer converted shipping containers. With containers they can hold a fire for at least 30 minutes, this 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 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.
