Oil Drum Spill Containment – Requirements and Regulations for Safe Spill Management

If your workplace uses oil drums, there are several important factors to consider. Most importantly, you must comply with the bunding requirements set out in applicable environmental regulations. In the event of a leak, the containment system must be capable of holding the entire volume of the largest container (100%) as well as at least 10% of the volume of all remaining containers.

A damaged drum or even a minor leak can quickly result in significant amounts of oil reaching floors, soil, or stormwater systems. Ensuring proper spill containment is essential for complying with environmental regulations and minimizing the risk of contamination.

If you do not have a dedicated oil storage room or containment area, a mobile oil dispenser with integrated spill containment offers a simple and flexible solution.

These Regulations Apply to Spill Containment for Oil Drums


In workshops and industrial facilities, it is important to prevent oil from entering stormwater drains. Therefore, oil drums should be stored in bunded areas without floor drains, or in dedicated oil storage rooms.

Current requirements state that:
• 100% of the volume of the largest container must be capable of being contained
• In addition, the containment system must hold at least 10% of the volume of the remaining stored containers
• Storage must be arranged so that spills cannot spread to the ground or drainage systems

These are the minimum requirements currently in force. In some areas, local regulations may impose stricter requirements. Therefore, you should always check with your local authority to determine which regulations apply to your business.

Many operations handle multiple drums at the same time, meaning that the spill containment system often needs to accommodate significant volumes.

Environmental Drum Trolley – Mobile Spill Containment for Oil Drums

Our Environmental Drum Trolley (Article No. 28390) is designed for safe and flexible handling of oil drums in workshops and industrial environments. The trolley can, of course, be complemented with a pump, meter, and hose reel.

The Environmental Drum Trolley acts as a mobile spill containment unit that:
• Captures the entire volume of a full oil drum (208 litres)
• Protects against leaks if a drum is damaged
• Can be positioned where the work is being carried out
• Provides added safety even when personnel are not present
Unlike fixed solutions, the Environmental Drum Trolley can easily be relocated if conditions change, for example if the drum needs to be moved from a loading dock to an oil storage room, or if the work area changes.

Reduced Risk in Unforeseen Situations
In practice, many oil spills occur when no active handling is taking place:
• A vehicle collides with a drum
• A drum is dropped
• A minor crack causes a slow leak
• A seal fails

With proper spill containment, the risk of oil spreading uncontrollably is significantly reduced. This helps protect both the environment and your business from costly clean-up operations and production downtime.

Safe Handling and Lifting of Oil Drums

When handling drums, the use of appropriate lifting equipment is recommended, such as drum lifters for upright oil drums. This reduces the risk of damaging the drum and contributes to a safer working environment.

Combining the right lifting solution with an Environmental Drum Trolley provides a well-designed, comprehensive solution for the safe storage and transportation of oil drums.

Responsibility for Environmental Protection and Operational Reliability
Working with proper spill containment and spill management is not only about complying with regulations. It is also about:

• Protecting the environment
• Ensuring a safe workplace
• Minimising operational disruptions
• Protecting your business from financial risks
Would you like to ensure that your oil drum handling meets current requirements? Contact us and we will help you find the right solution for your operation.

For Distributors

Safe drum handling is a common challenge for end users. By raising the topic of spill containment, you can create additional sales opportunities while helping your customers achieve safer handling practices.
Contact us to find out more.






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