RT - Tank - Bunds

April 2011
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Fire Safety – Tank Bunds

Introduction
Tank bunds (also known as catchpits) are mainly used for containing spillages of flammable liquids stored within
external holding tanks. Whilst applicable to the entire range of flammable solutions, bund walls are most
commonly employed in connection with the storage of oils, heating fuels and diesel.
Tank bunds have traditionally been erected as a fire protection measure with the objective of achieving
containment of the flammable liquid concerned which otherwise may discharge into a building where, if they
become involved in a fire, may intensify or promote fire spread from one building to another via the flow of
burning liquid.
Although this Risktopic focuses on the fire safety benefits of having a tank bund, bunds also have a major role to
play within the realms of pollution control as containment of spillages or leaks will help to prevent ground or
water pollution which could lead to prosecution by the Environment Agency.
Recommendations for a Tank Bund
Zurich recommends that tank bunds or catchpits for above ground storage tanks should be designed, constructed
and maintained as follows:
 Above-ground storage tanks should be surrounded by a bund wall or catchpit capable of containing
110% capacity of the largest tank within the bund or 25% of their aggregate storage capacities,
whichever is the greater.
 Bund walls should be constructed of brick, concrete or reinforced concrete or any other material which is
impervious to the contents of the storage tank.
 The walls should not be higher than 1.5m and should be located at least 1m from the nearest tank
within the bunded area. This ensures adequate stability, natural ventilation of the bunded area and
avoids hindering fire fighting or means of escape from the bund.
 Where there is more than one tank in a single bunded area, intermediate walls up to half the height of
the main bund, but less than 0.6m high, can be provided to contain any small spillages.
 Service pipes should be taken over the bund. Where this is not possible, all pipe penetrations in the
bund structure should be effectively sealed against leakage using materials which provide at least 120
minutes of fire resistance.
 The ground beneath storage tanks should be concrete or otherwise made impervious to the contents of
the storage tank.
 Arrangements should be made for accumulated rainwater and liquid spillages to be removed from the
bund. For environmental reasons, traditional drain-off valves at the base of the bund are no longer
acceptable and pumping arrangements are now required.
 A program of routine inspection should be adopted to ensure that the bunded area is kept clear.
 Tanks may be provided with an integral bund. The integral bund is generally not considered to be as
effective as a separate bund, as a fracture of the outlet pipe, where it joins the tank, or the isolation
valve, will result in an uncontained loss of the tank contents.
 To prevent unauthorised use or vandalism any pumps, taps or valves should be locked shut when not in
use.
Summary
Tank bunds are an important feature as a fire protection measure as they are designed to contain spillages and
prevent running liquid fires which can allow a fire to spread rapidly, making it more difficult for the Fire Brigade
to extinguish. Protecting storage tanks with bunds also can also help with pollution control if they are built and
maintained to the above recommendations.
Useful references
1. The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001 and Water Environment (Oil Storage)
(Scotland) Regulations 2006.
2. Environmental Agency (general enquiry line 08708 506 506 website www.environment-agency.gov.uk),
the Scottish Protection Environment Agency - SEPA enquiry line 01738 448414 website www.sepa.org.)
2
All information contained in this document has been compiled and obtained from sources believed to be reliable and credible
but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by Zurich Financial Services Ltd or any of its subsidiaries (the
‘Group’) as to their accuracy or completeness. Some of the information contained herein may be time sensitive. Thus, you
should consult the most recent referenced material.
Information relating to risk engineering is intended as a general description of certain types of risk engineering services
available to qualified customers. The Group and its employees do not assume any liability of any kind whatsoever, resulting
from the use, or reliance upon any information, material or procedure contained herein. The Group and its employees do not
guarantee particular outcomes and there may be conditions on your premises or within your organization which may not be
apparent to us. You are in the best position to understand your business and your organization and to take steps to minimize
risk, and we wish to assist you by providing the information and tools to assess your changing risk environment.
In the U.S., risk engineering services are available to qualified customers through Zurich Services Corporation.
CONTACT
Risk Engineering
Risk Support Services
126 Hagley Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B16 9PF
Phone +44 (0) 121 697 9131

www.zurich.com
For more information please visit:

www.zurich.com/riskengineering
Zurich Management Services Limited, Registered in England and Wales no. 2741053, Registered Office:
The Zurich Centre, 3000 Parkway, Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire PO15 7JZ

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April 2011

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Fire Safety – Tank Bunds

Recommendations for a Tank Bund

Phone +44 (0) 121 697 9131

For more information please visit:

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