A Complete Guide to Using Drip Trays to Improve Workplace Safety

In a workplace where hazardous liquids are stored, it can be all too easy to spot a leak after it’s too late. One unnoticed drip, a slow-forming leak and suddenly, a minor oversight turns into a major hazard.

Drip trays serve as an unassuming yet vital line of defence, containing leaks before they escalate. Found in industrial sites, laboratories, warehouses and construction sites, these pieces of equipment help businesses stay compliant, protect employees and maintain a safer working environment. There is more to learn about using them than you may realise. By following this guide on everything you need to know about drip trays, you can ensure a safer, more efficient workplace.

What is a Drip Tray?

A drip tray is a shallow container designed to collect drips, leaks and spills from equipment, machinery or other containers. They are used as secondary containment in industrial settings, laboratories, constructions and any workplace where liquid handling occurs.

According to the Health and Safety Executive, “drip trays are intended to prevent the spread of toxic or flammable substances to other plant areas or to sumps and drains where secondary effects resulting in a major accident could occur by domino effect.” By preventing the spread of unintended releases, drip trays help maintain a safe and clean working environment.

Why Drip Trays are Essential in the Workplace

Implementing drip trays in the workplace, first and foremost, reduces the risk of slip hazards, thereby enhancing employee safety. Drip trays also prevent hazardous substances from contaminating soil, water sources and sewage to aid in environmental conservation, as well as minimising the extent of clean up in the event of a leak or spill. This makes it much easier to adhere to workplace safety guidelines and prevents potential fines associated with environmental breaches.

What are the Different Types of Drip Trays?

Choosing the appropriate drip tray depends on factors such as the nature of the liquid you are handling, the volume of potential spills and specific workplace requirements. At Spill Shop, we stock three types of drip trays.

Standard Drip Trays

For a reliable solution to everyday spill containment, our standard plastic drip trays are an excellent choice thanks to their durable Polypropylene construction. Available in a wide range of sizes – from compact 1-litre trays to large 270-litre capacity units – these trays are built to withstand high impact while maintaining chemical resistance. Within this category, we sort them into two subgroups: small drip trays (ideal for minor spills in laboratories and light industrial settings) and large drip trays (designed for heavy-duty applications, perfect for maintenance workshops and industrial use).

Flexible Drip Trays

For those who need a more adaptable solution, our flexible drip trays provide unmatched versatility. Available in seven different sizes, these can catch leaks from smaller drums and containers and act as a work mat under vehicles, equipment or plants. Their biggest advantage, however, is their resilient design – you can stand on the sidewalls or even drive over them, and they’ll pop straight back up. When not in use, they can be folded away for easy storage, making them perfect for mobile service engineers and workshops.

Drip Pans

For maximum fluid containment, drip pans are an ideal solution. Made from class-A co-polymer polypropylene, these pans offer higher fluid capacity, high-impact resistance and excellent chemical compatibility. This makes them the go-to choice for professionals such as plumbers, mechanics and maintenance engineers who require efficient fluid containment in high-risk spill areas.

Find all our drip trays online, and contact us if you need help choosing the right one for your situation.

How Large Should Your Drip Tray Be?

The size of the drip tray should be adequate to contain the maximum possible spill from the source. A common guideline is to select a tray that can hold at least 110% of the volume of the largest container it will be used with, just to be on the right side of overflooding management.

How to Effectively Use a Drip Tray in a Spillage

As equipment goes, drip trays are as unembellished as they come. However, to maximise their effectiveness, they must still be used correctly and maintained properly. To ensure effective spill management, follow these best practices:

  1. Position drip trays directly under potential leak points, such as valves, joints or dispensing areas.
  2. Inspect drip trays frequently to ensure that they are not overfilled and are functioning correctly.
  3. Remove collected liquids promptly to maintain the tray’s capacity for future spills.
  4. Dispose of collected liquids in accordance with local hazardous waste disposal regulations.

How Often Should You Empty Your Drip Tray?

The frequency of emptying drip trays depends on the rate of accumulation. In high-use areas, daily checks may be necessary, while in lower-risk zones, weekly inspections could suffice. The key is to ensure that trays are emptied before they reach capacity to prevent overflow.

When Should You Replace Your Drip Tray?

Replace drip trays when they show signs of damage, such as cracks, corrosion or warping, which could compromise their ability to contain spills. Regular inspections will help identify when a tray is no longer fit for purpose.

How to Check Your Drip Tray for Faults

When conducting routine inspections, there are three areas you should check for:

  • Structural Integrity: Look for cracks, holes or any deformities.
  • Wear: Check for thinning material, although our plastic drip trays are very resistant to this.
  • Cleanliness: Ensure that the trays are free from residues that could cause contamination or reduce capacity.

Choose SpillShop for Quality Spillage Control

At SpillShop, we are committed to providing top-tier spill containment and response solutions. Our extensive range of drip trays and related products are designed to meet the diverse needs of various industries. For guidance on cleaning and maintaining your spillage equipment or for assistance in selecting the right drip tray for you, turn to SpillShop. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist in enhancing your workplace safety and compliance.

Regular cleaning is a critical component of spillage control and should be part of your routine maintenance schedule. As much as they should be integrity tested, IBC bunds should also be cleaned regularly, as a build-up of hazardous liquids can lead to cross-contamination and a less effective bund.

In this guide, we outline why cleaning IBC bunds is important, how to approach the task safely and how SpillShop can support your spillage control needs. After reading this guide, you’ll be ready to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) bunds, ensuring the safety of your workplace and the longevity of your equipment.

Safety Precautions Before Cleaning

Before starting the cleaning process, it’s crucial to follow these safety guidelines:

  • Wear Appropriate PPE: Use gloves, goggles and chemical-resistant clothing.
  • Ensure Proper Ventilation: If working indoors, make sure the area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling fumes.
  • Check the Tank’s Contents: Be aware of the substances previously stored in the IBC tank and bund to choose appropriate cleaning agents.
  • Dispose of Residual Waste Safely: Make sure any waste generated during cleaning is disposed of according to local regulations.

How to Clean an IBC Bund

Remove the IBC Tank

Start by carefully removing the IBC tank from the bund to allow full access to the bund for a thorough cleaning. Use appropriate lifting equipment – a forklift or pallet jack will safely manoeuvre the tank without causing damage to the bund or surrounding area. Place the tank in a secure location to prevent tipping or leaks during the cleaning process.

Empty the Bund

Next is an essential step to preventing cross-contamination during the cleaning process. Inspect the bund for any residual liquids and dispose of any that may still be there. Use a dedicated spill-recovering pump or absorbent materials designed for chemical containment to collect the liquid. Remove these substances according to hazardous waste disposal regulations.

Apply a Cleaning Agent

Choose a cleaning agent suitable for the type of residue present in the bund. For example, use a degreaser for oily substances or a pH-neutral cleaner for general grime. Industrial-grade cleaning solutions provided by reputable suppliers can be particularly effective. At Spill Shop, our range of degreasers is exactly that: highly effective, environmentally-friendly solutions that are ideal for all types of cleaning and degreasing by hand or machine.

Apply the cleaning agent evenly across all the bund’s surface, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for dilution ratios and application techniques to make the most of the cleaning agent’s power.

Scrub and Rinse

Use a stiff-bristled brush or industrial cleaning tool, to scrub the bund’s interior to remove stubborn stains and grime. Focus on areas in corners and seams, as these places are where contaminants often accumulate. Once finished, rinse the bund thoroughly with clean water, using a high-pressure washer for best results.

Dry the Bund

Allow the bund to dry completely before reintroducing the IBC tank. Use industrial drying equipment if necessary, particularly in cold or damp environments. Ensure no residual moisture remains, as this could lead to corrosion or the bund being less able to contain future spills.

Inspect for Damage

Finally, before putting the bund back in rotation, it’s worth giving it a final inspection for damage, as small defects can escalate into significant issues if not addressed promptly. Look around for any signs of wear, cracks or structural damage, and replace or repair damaged bunds if necessary.

For more information on inspecting your IBC bunds, read our step-by-step guide to IBC bunds integrity testing.

If you require a replacement, browse our range of IBC Bunds, which come in a variety of sizes and designs.

IBC Bund Cleaning Checklist

If you need a quick reminder on the steps and equipment you need to take to clean your IBC bund properly, below is a brief overview of the process.

Here is what you need to clean an IBC bund:

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Cleaning agents appropriate for the stored substances
  • Long-handled brushes or scrubbers
  • Rinsing equipment (e.g., hoses or pressure washers)
  • Absorbent materials or pumps for liquid removal

Here are the steps to performing a quality IBC bund clean:

  1. Remove the IBC Tank: Carefully remove the IBC tank from the bund to access all surfaces. Check for any signs of leaks or damage during this process.
  2. Empty the Bund: To rid the bund of any standing liquids or debris, use a pump or absorbent materials to clean them out.
  3. Apply a Cleaning Agent: Choose a cleaning agent suitable for the substances previously contained. For hazardous chemicals, use neutralising agents where applicable.
  4. Scrub and Rinse: Using a long-handled brush, scrub the interior and exterior surfaces of the bund. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove all residues.
  5. Dry the Bund: Allow the bund to air dry completely, or use industrial drying equipment to prepare it for reuse.
  6. Inspect for Damage: Once clean and dry, inspect the bund for cracks, corrosion or any other signs of wear that could compromise its integrity.

Why Clean Your IBC Bunds?

IBC bunds are designed to contain spills and leaks from IBC tanks, but their effectiveness depends on proper maintenance. Regular cleaning prevents the build-up of hazardous substances and reduces contamination risks. Neglecting this task can compromise the bund’s ability to contain spills, posing risks to employees, facilities and the environment.

When Cleaning Isn’t Enough

If regular cleaning fails to restore your IBC bund to a functional state, it may be time to consider replacement or repair. Compromised bunds cannot guarantee spill containment, putting your workplace at risk. Regular integrity testing and timely repairs are essential to maintaining safety and compliance.

Choose SpillShop for Quality Spillage Control

SpillShop is the UK’s leading provider of spill containment and response solutions, and we understand the importance of maintaining functional IBC bunds for safe and compliant operations. For guidance on cleaning and maintaining your IBC bund or for assistance in selecting the right spill control equipment, turn to SpillShop. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive spill management solutions and how we can help keep your workplace safe and prepared for any situation.