Spillages and Bunds

Spillages of fuel, oil, chemicals, and cement are among the most common environmental incidents on construction sites.
A bund is a secondary containment structure designed to capture spills and prevent them reaching the environment.
The Oil Storage Regulations 2001 require bunds to hold at least 110% of the largest container stored within them.
The Environmental Damage Regulations 2009 make the polluter liable for the full cost of environmental remediation.
A single litre of diesel can pollute up to one million litres of water, making even small spills significant.
Spill kits must be readily available at every fuel store, chemical store, and refuelling point on site.
Common causes of spillages include overfilling, damaged containers, failed connections, and unsupervised deliveries.
Drip trays must be placed under all static plant, generators, and equipment with hydraulic systems.
All spills must be reported immediately regardless of size — even small drips can accumulate into serious pollution.
Contaminated absorbent materials and booms must be disposed of as hazardous waste, not general site waste.

Pollution prevention	Even minor spills can contaminate groundwater, watercourses, and soil causing lasting environmental damage.
Unlimited fines	Environmental pollution incidents can result in unlimited fines and criminal prosecution of individuals.
Remediation costs	Cleaning up contaminated land costs tens of thousands of pounds and the polluter pays the full amount.
Moral duty	Construction workers have a responsibility to protect the rivers, wildlife, and communities around the site.

Do

Don't

Store all fuels and oils in properly constructed bunds with 110% capacity.
Check bund integrity regularly for cracks, leaks, and accumulated rainwater.
Place drip trays under all static plant, generators, and hydraulic connections.
Keep spill kits stocked and within easy reach of all storage and fuelling areas.
Supervise fuel and chemical deliveries from start to finish without leaving.
Drain accumulated rainwater from bunds regularly using a hand pump and filter.
Report all spillages immediately to the site manager, no matter how small.
Contain a spill using absorbent pads, booms, or granules before it spreads.
Dispose of contaminated absorbents as hazardous waste with correct documentation.
Practise using the spill kit so you can respond quickly in an emergency.

DON'T store fuel or chemical containers outside a bund or without drip trays.
DON'T leave bund drain valves open — they must be closed at all times.
DON'T allow rainwater to overflow from a bund without checking it for contamination.
DON'T overfill tanks — stop at 95% capacity to allow for expansion.
DON'T wash spills away with water — this spreads contamination into drains.
DON'T walk away from a fuelling operation to do another task while it runs.
DON'T place fuel or chemical stores within 10 metres of any watercourse.
DON'T put contaminated absorbents in general waste skips or bins.
DON'T delay reporting a spill hoping it will dry out or soak away naturally.
DON'T use a bund that has visible cracks, holes, or damaged containment lining.

See also: Spill Kit Use and Deployment | Fuel and Oil Spill Prevention

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