Roll Tops – An Overview

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Storing hazardous substances outside

Across many industries, there is often the requirement to store the hazardous substances that they use, outdoors. This might be due to a lack of space indoors, the need to segregate non-compatible substances, or because the regulations determine that larger containers, e.g. 200L drums or 1,000L IBC’s, cannot be stored within a building.

Depending on the hazard class of the substance(s), in many situations these products will need to be on or within some form of secondary containment, or what is referred to sometimes as ‘bunding’. This is to contain any hazardous substances in the event of a leak or spill, and to prevent them from entering the stormwater system and causing major harm to the environment.  Solutions take the form of concrete block walls, lined berms or most commonly, relocatable spill containment pallets – see our range here.

The level of secondary containment necessary will vary depending on the class and quantity in question – contact our team for more information.

For more information on weather proofing your secondary containment systems, read our editorial here.

The challenges faced when storing outdoors

One of the key challenges faced when storing hazardous substances on secondary containment systems, is how to keep the rainwater out.  Allowing rainwater to enter the bund causes a number of problems:

  1. It takes up the secondary containment space, reducing the capacity of the system to hold the hazardous substance, therefore impacting site compliance
  2. Also, if chemicals have got into the bund, there is now the challenge of draining the rainwater without accidentally releasing a hazardous substance into the environment

What are Roll Tops?

In simple terms, a Roll Top is a covered spill containment pallet. Its walls and roof surround the spill pallet and the liquids stored on it, preventing not only the weather from getting in, but also unauthorised personnel from accessing the costly and/or dangerous chemicals held within.

Why do I need a Roll Top?

If you are storing hazardous chemicals outdoors, which need to be kept contained to comply with environmental legislation, then a Roll Top can be a fast and effective solution. Additionally, they help keep non-compatible substances segregated from other chemicals or secured from unauthorised access.

Is it safe to store hazardous substances in a Roll Top?

Yes, in almost every case your Roll Top is perfectly suitable for storing your hazardous substances. The rugged polyethylene construction ensures it will stand up to some of the strongest acids. To double check, please refer to our compatibility guide to make sure this applies to the liquids you have in your situation.

Will Roll Tops rust? 

No, for the same reason as outlined in the previous point, Roll Tops are completely resistant to rust and corrosion. For more information on the benefits of polyethylene, click here

If there is a spill, how can I empty/clean a Roll Top?

Should one or more of the containers stored inside your Roll Top leak, the grating these sit on can be easily removed, and the containment area wiped out with dedicated sorbent pads, or pumped out in the case of larger volumes.

What are the different sizes of Roll Tops?

There are 4 different sizes of Roll Tops.

For 200L drums:

For 1,000L IBC’s:

Controlco Warranty

Storing hazardous liquids is a demanding task but the strength and reliability of the Controlco products, mean they are right up to it. To prove our confidence in them, they are backed up with an industry-leading 5-year Warranty, which will give you the peace of mind that you are purchasing a solution that rises to the storage challenge, like none other. Find out more here.  

Creating safer working environments

At Hazero our mission is zero hazards. Our extensive range of quality products will help you store, contain and control and clean-up dangerous goods and hazardous substances.

View our full range of Roll Tops here.

Need help creating a safer working environment? Contact our team today on 0800 688 844 or email us at info@hazero.co.nz. Our team are also available for on-site assessments across New Zealand, click here to request a site visit.

Content above falls under the Hazero Disclaimer, for more information click here.


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