In industries handling hazardous substances, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance is paramount. One essential procedure for achieving this is IBC bund integrity testing. The Water Pollution Act 1990 states that all bunds require this test at least every three years, so it is vital you know the details of it.

In this blog, we explore what bund integrity testing is, the legislative requirements, the types of bunds that require testing and the proper steps to conduct these crucial tests.

What is IBC Bund Integrity Testing?

An Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) bund is a containment barrier designed to capture leaks or spills from an IBC, ensuring they do not spread into the environment or workplace. IBC bund integrity testing assesses the containment systems used to store and transport potentially hazardous liquids. This bund integrity testing procedure evaluates the bund’s structural soundness and liquid-tightness to ensure it functions as intended in the event of a spill. Regular testing not only ensures compliance but protection for your workers in the event of an accident.

The Legislation that Requires Integrity Testing

UK regulations mandate bund integrity testing as part of environmental protection and workplace safety compliance. Key legislation that this impacts include:

Water Pollution Act 1990: All bunds must pass an integrity test at least every 3 years, else you will be issued a Bund Failure Report with recommended corrective action.
The Control of Major Accidents Hazards (COMAH): According to the Health and Safety Executive website, these government regulations ensure that businesses, “take all necessary measures to prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances. Limit the consequences on people and the environment of any major accidents which do occur.”
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: This legislation highlights the employer’s duty to ensure a safe workplace, including the proper storage and containment of dangerous substances.

Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in severe penalties and fines, environmental damage and harm to employees.

Types of Bunds that Require Testing

Several bund types necessitate regular testing to ensure integrity:

IBC Bunds: Designed to hold IBCs used for transporting and storing hazardous substances.
Oil and Fuel Bunds: Often used in industrial or agricultural settings to store oil and fuel securely.
Chemical Bunds: Utilised for storing hazardous chemicals in industrial facilities.
Permanent Concrete Bunds: Built into facilities for long-term containment.
Portable Bunds: Temporary solutions often used for on-site spill containment.

All these bund types must undergo periodic testing to ensure they can handle spills effectively and remain compliant with safety standards.

At Spill Shop, we have leading quality IBC bunds at our store available in multiple sizes, as well as chemical bunds for handling more hazardous substances safely. For a full breakdown of which IBC bund is best suited for you, read our guide on choosing the correct IBC bund.

How to Perform an IBC Bund Integrity Test

Conducting an Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) bund integrity test encompasses several critical steps.

Visual Inspection

Firstly, begin with a thorough visual inspection of the bund. Examine all surfaces for any signs of damage, such as cracks, corrosion or deformations. Pay particular attention to joints, corners and areas around any penetrations, as these are common points of failure. Identifying and addressing visible defects is crucial to maintaining the bund’s integrity.

Cleaning

Following the inspection, clean the bund meticulously, removing all debris, liquids and residues to ensure that the subsequent testing yields accurate results. A clean bund allows for a more precise assessment of its condition and prevents contaminants from interfering with the test.

Water Testing

Proceed to the water testing phase by filling the bund with water up to its designed capacity. Monitor the water level over a predetermined period to detect any leaks or seepage. This step verifies the bund’s ability to contain liquids effectively under normal operating conditions.

Structural Assessment

Conduct a structural assessment to evaluate the bund’s components against design specifications. Ensure that the materials and construction can withstand the pressures exerted during a spill. This assessment confirms that the bund will perform as intended in the event of a containment breach.

Documentation

Finally, document all your findings comprehensively, including the results of the visual inspection, cleaning procedures, water test outcomes and structural assessment. Include details of any maintenance performed and schedule the next testing date.

Maintaining this record is vital for regulatory compliance and for tracking the bund’s condition over time, and adhering to this systematic approach ensures that IBC bunds remain effective in containing spills, thereby safeguarding the environment and meeting legal obligations.

IBC Bund Integrity Test Checklist

For a more concise breakdown of how you should conduct a correct IBC Bund integrity test, here is a checklist:

Visual Inspection: Examine the bund for visible signs of damage, including cracks, corrosion, or deformations.
Cleaning: Remove any debris, liquids, or residues within the bund to ensure accurate testing results.
Water Testing: Fill the bund with water up to its capacity and monitor for leaks over a defined period.
Structural Assessment: Inspect the bund’s structural components to ensure they meet design specifications and can withstand the pressure of a spill.
Documentation: Record all findings, including test results, maintenance performed, and next testing schedules, to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.

Choose SpillShop for Quality Spillage Control

SpillShop is the UK’s leading provider of spill containment and response solutions. With a commitment to safety and compliance, we offer a wide range of oil and fuel spill kits that are all designed to ensure your workplace is prepared for any spillage incident. Our products and expertise guarantee:

Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring your workplace meets all legal requirements for bund integrity and spill containment.
Enhanced Safety: Protecting your employees, facilities, and the environment from hazardous spill risks.
Customised Solutions: Tailored spill kits and bund systems to meet the specific needs of your workplace.

Whether you require guidance on IBC bund integrity testing or are seeking reliable spill control equipment, SpillShop has the expertise and products to support you. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive range of spill management solutions and ensure your workplace remains safe, prepared and compliant.

IBC Bund Integrity Testing: What You Need To Know