To minimise the risk of chemical attack, businesses need to install adequate protection for floors, walls and linings in any of their corrosive environments which are exposed to harsh, corrosive chemicals, acids, alkalis, solvents and other caustic elements.
Chemical attack can quickly destroy linings, floors and walls which can pose significant health and safety risks to personnel, and which can also negatively impact a business’s productivity and bottom-line.
Secondary containment areas and bunds
Many industries need to store chemical substances which they use in the manufacturing process or for cleaning.
Concrete floors are particularly vulnerable in those areas which are subjected to regular cleaning with harsh chemicals and in chemical storage points, secondary containment areas and bunds.
A bund is basically a large tray or reservoir which holds a chemical container or drum. If any chemical is spilled or leaks from the container, it remains in the bund and is therefore prevented from entering the workplace.
Any spill or leakage can then be cleaned up in a safe and controlled way.
Spills or leaks can happen during loading or unloading operations, they can result from damage to the container, corrosion etc, so it is crucial that the bund is made from a strong chemical-resistant material AND that the floor beneath the bund and in the secondary containment area is equally robust and resistant.
Industries where bunds and secondary containment areas are commonly found include:
- Water and waste water treatment plants
- Pharmaceutical and biotech laboratories
- Food processing facilities
- Mining
- Factories and manufacturing plants
- Service stations
- Tank farms
- Battery and engine rooms
A chemical-resistant floor in any area where chemicals are stored or in secondary containment areas is crucial.
Why epoxy floors are best for bunds and secondary containment areas
The right coating will protect the floor against chemical attack.
Concrete is the most common flooring type in industrial environments and prolonged exposure to corrosive elements can cause the surface to degrade, crack and even disintegrate in parts. A pitted surface is also uneven and unstable, making it dangerous for people to walk on and unsafe for forklift use.
A tough, durable and chemical-resistant epoxy floor coating on a concrete substrate in any chemical containment or storage area is the best way to protect personnel and maximise the performance of your assets.
In the event of any leakage or spill, no contamination will occur as an epoxy floor is non-porous and resistant to chemical attack. Epoxy floors are also installed continuously and this seamless surface and the absence of grout lines or joins offers an impenetrable protective layer.
If necessary, your epoxy floor can also be designed with falls to wastes or sumps.
Advantages of epoxy floors
- Impermeable
- Resistant to chemicals
- Acid resistant
- Non-slip
- Fire-resistant
- Durable
- Long-lasting
- Attractive
- Offer a variety of customisable decorative options, including different colours and patterns
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Cost-effective
How to customise your epoxy floor
Epoxy flooring is a safe, durable and affordable solution for secondary containment areas and bunds and importantly, it meets strict health and safety standards.
Panther Protective will recommend a variety of chemical-resistant concrete coatings depending on your application and requirements. For example, we often install Epoxy Novolac in secondary containment areas because it is a complete protection system for acid proofing and aggressive chemical spillages.
We offer a wide range of chemical-resistant coating services at very competitive rates, and we welcome you to contact us for an obligation-free quote or simply for a chat with our knowledgeable and professional team.
