What are Spill Containment Pallets and Which Type Do You Need?

Leaks and spills are a fact of life in an industrial setting. And since you’re dealing with hazardous chemicals, you absolutely must make sure you’ll be able to contain any spills. The EPA requires it, and good citizenship and best practices do as well. One key to the solution: Spill Containment Pallets.

No matter how big or small your facility, and what type of liquids or chemicals you’re dealing with, you’ll find spill containment pallets that will provide the essential protection you need.

What are they? They’re containers. And you basically place your drums with chemicals or whatever containers you’re using inside these spill containment pallets so that a spill won’t turn into a disaster. It’s a bit like the saucer that you place underneath your morning cup of coffee — if you spill some coffee, it ends up in the saucer and not on the table cloth.

Which type should you get?

There are many types to choose from, so the decision of which one to get can be a bit confusing. But it’s not really that bad. Read on for a few tips.

1) Go for Quality

Reliable spill containment pallets tend to have been manufactured out of high-density polyethylene or another other high quality polyethylene. They should neither rust nor corrode. And most of them should also have removable poly grates so that they can be cleaned easily.

2) Go for the Best Fit

Make sure they meet your specific requirements. What is the load or spill capacity that you will need? Check to be sure they’re the correct size for your containers. The spill pallets also need to be compatible with the chemicals you plan to use. Here’s a link for a comprehensive compatibility chart.

3) What types of spill pallets are there?

Here are some different types of spill pallets. Just pick the kind that best suits your needs:

a) Pallets that double as modular platforms. Do you have many drums that have to be stored both accessibly and securely? Then these might be for you. Modular platforms can be endlessly expanded to suit any size of facility.

b) Covered spill pallets: If you plan to use them outdoors, these are the correct choice. They provide additional protection, and some can even be locked to protect you from theft.

c) Trays and Basins: Those follow the saucer principle most closely. You simply place your container with the liquid inside the tray or the basin. They’re perfect for smaller containers, and also very economical.

d) Stackable and dispensing work stations. Need to save space or to dispense liquids? Get these. They can be customized with an assortment of accessories, for example with funnels and absorbent drum top pads, which are designed to help prevent drips and spills during dispensing.

e) Portable spill containment pallets: If you need to carry your pallets around from place to place, you’ll want these. They are made out of tough but lighter-weight polyethylene. You can even keep them in the truck or the car, so you’ll have them handy if a spill should occur.