Bund Inspection and Containment Assessment
Bunds are a critical part of site containment, yet they are often the last thing to be inspected. We give operators a clear picture of whether their secondary containment is fit for purpose.
About bund inspection
A bund is only effective if it is in a condition to do its job. Once constructed, secondary containment systems are frequently overlooked, on the assumption that if a bund was built correctly it will always perform as intended. In practice, bunds are exposed to continual environmental deterioration, mechanical damage, chemical attack and general wear over time. Their ability to safely contain product during a loss or a tank failure can become compromised without any obvious warning signs.
Bund condition is also an area of increasing scrutiny from regulators. During HSE and Environment Agency site visits, containment integrity and bund capacity are commonly reviewed, and enforcement notices and failed audits are not uncommon where bunds have been neglected or where capacity requirements are not being met.
At Vertek we carry out detailed bund inspections covering the physical condition of the structure, capacity compliance, product compatibility and the wider containment environment, giving operators a clear, risk-rated assessment of their secondary containment.
Inspection scope
Our bund inspections cover every element of the secondary containment system.
- Visual inspection of bund walls, floors and joints
- Assessment of cracking, spalling and concrete deterioration
- Inspection of coatings and lining systems, including liquid tightness
- Drainage point and penetration assessment
- Identification of weak points and potential leakage paths
- Assessment of proximity to surface drains and watercourses
- Identification of incompatible products in shared containment
- Bund capacity calculations and compliance review
Why bund inspection matters
A legal requirement
Secondary containment is a regulatory requirement, not simply good practice.
Condition deteriorates
Bund condition changes over time and needs periodic, structured assessment.
Capacity must keep pace
Capacity requirements must be maintained as tank configurations change.
Compatibility matters
Incompatible products stored within a shared bund present a significant risk.
Regulators are watching
HSE and Environment Agency inspectors routinely review bund condition and compliance.
Catch it early
Early identification of deficiencies avoids enforcement action and costly remediation.
Reporting and recommendations
Every bund inspection produces a clear, risk-rated report covering the condition of the walls and floor, capacity compliance, product compatibility and the wider containment environment.
Where a deficiency is identified, we set out practical recommendations to address it, whether that is a change to fill heights, extension of the bund or other remediation. Reports are written by the inspector who carried out the work, so the recommendations reflect first-hand knowledge of the site.
Capacity calculations and compatibility checks
As a standard part of every bund inspection, we carry out capacity calculations to confirm whether the bund meets the minimum requirements set out in the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001, CIRIA C736 and applicable Environment Agency guidance.
For a single tank, the bund must hold a minimum of 110 percent of the tank capacity. For multiple tanks within a shared bund, it must hold 110 percent of the largest tank or 25 percent of the total combined capacity, whichever is greater. Where a shortfall is identified, we provide practical recommendations to address it, whether that is a reduction in fill heights, extension of the bund or other remediation measures where practicable.
We also review product compatibility for shared bund arrangements, identifying where incompatible substances are being stored within the same containment area and the risk this presents in the event of a product release.
Related inspection services
Not certain your bund is compliant?
Talk to our team about a detailed bund inspection and containment assessment.