In safety and environmental management, some controls look simple but save millions in losses. Bunding is one of those controls.
It is not complex, not expensive, yet it plays a critical role in preventing disasters.
This article explains what bunding is, why it is important, where it is used, and how it controls major losses, with practical examples.
What Is Bunding?
Bunding is a secondary containment system.
It is usually a raised barrier, wall, or enclosure built around tanks, drums, or storage areas that contain liquids.
The main purpose of bunding is very simple:
To stop hazardous liquids from spreading if a leak, spill, or tank failure occurs.
In safety terms, bunding is a last line of defense when the primary container fails.
Why Is Bunding an Important Safety Term?
Bunding is interesting because it works silently.
Most of the time, no one notices it—until something goes wrong.
When spills happen:
Fires are prevented
Environmental damage is reduced
Cleanup costs are controlled
Legal penalties are avoided
Many major industrial accidents became disasters only because bunding was missing or poorly designed.
Where Is Bunding Mainly Used?
Bunding is widely used in industries where liquids pose a risk.
Common Areas Where Bunding Is Required
Oil and fuel storage tanks
Chemical warehouses
Diesel generators and fuel stations
Transformer oil areas
Paint, solvent, and acid storage rooms
Pharmaceutical and manufacturing plants
Environmental regulators and safety authorities strongly recommend bunding in these locations.
How Bunding Controls Major Losses
Bunding works on a loss-prevention principle.
Without Bunding
Liquid spreads quickly
Fire risk increases
Soil and groundwater get contaminated
Production stops
Heavy fines and legal action follow
With Bunding
Spill remains confined
Fire load is controlled
Environment is protected
Cleanup is faster and cheaper
Business continuity is maintained
This is why bunding is considered a major loss control barrier in safety management systems.
Real-Life Example of Bunding Effectiveness
Imagine a diesel storage tank develops a crack at night.
Without bunding:
Diesel spreads across the site, enters drains, and creates fire and pollution hazards.
With bunding:
Diesel stays inside the bund wall.
The spill is contained, reported, cleaned, and operations resume safely.
Same incident. Very different outcome.
Common Bunding Techniques
Different situations require different bunding solutions.
- Concrete Bund Walls
Permanent and strong
Used for large tanks and fixed installations - Steel Bunds
Used in industrial plants
Durable and space-efficient - Portable Bunds
Used for drums and temporary storage
Flexible and cost-effective - Earth Bunds
Used in oil fields and outdoor tank farms
Must be properly compacted and lined
Basic Bunding Design Rule (Easy to Remember)
A common safety rule is:
Bunding capacity should be at least 110% of the largest container stored.
This ensures that even if the largest tank fails completely, the spill remains contained.
Bunding and Environmental Responsibility
Bunding is not only about safety—it is about environmental protection.
Regulatory bodies emphasize secondary containment to prevent pollution and long-term environmental damage.
Companies that ignore bunding often face:
Regulatory penalties
Reputation damage
Loss of public trust
Key Lessons from Bunding
Accidents are not always preventable, but losses are
Simple controls can stop major disasters
Bunding protects people, property, and the environment
Prevention is always cheaper than recovery
Final Thoughts
Bunding may look like just a wall, but in safety terms, it is a powerful protection system.
In a world where industries aim for zero incidents and sustainability, bunding is not optional—it is essential.
Strong safety systems are built on simple, well-designed controls. Bunding is one of them.