Many Styles Of Spill Containment Berms

By Christa Jarvis


Businesses of many types, especially those where potentially dangerous materials are present, have a high priority placed on their safety protocols. These steps are in place to protect their equipment and investments, to minimize any harm that may be done to the environment, and to keep their employees healthy. There are a lot of different types of spill containment berms that can be used to help them complete this mission.

In this context, a berm is a term used to describe an item that creates a barrier between an undesired material and an uncontaminated area until such time as it can be abated. There are a wide variety in the styling of these products including both static and inflatable tubing, shelves, tarps, boxes and triangular sections just to name a few. Some situations may call for more specialized designs.

There are a great many situations that might call for use of these products. Some circumstances may simply be precautionary ones put in place to control the risk on the off chance that a leak may occur. Quite often they are deployed in emergencies such as unexpected spills or acts of nature that threaten harm to people or property.

One of the simplest styles to use is that known as a Throw-N-Go berm, which is basically exactly as its name implies. They are tubular forms that can be laid out flat in the desired shape and will inflate as they come in contact with the fluid that needs to be contained. These are often used in conjunction with track mats and ground tarps when utilized in the precautionary way.

In many warehouses or at job locations that store boxes, barrels or bags that contain materials with the potential to be hazardous, uniquely designed pallets are commonly utilized. Resembling raised platforms, these products have top sides that are grated or have cups to capture any substance that might leak. This precautionary method is quite effective at preventing costly or dangerous clean up situations.

Barriers that are triangular in shape and of varied thicknesses, lengths and heights are available to be used as retaining walls. These are versatile in that they may be utilized on their own, or as conjoined units that create a blockade. Keeping substances such as rock and gravel from escaping its confines, holding back flood waters, or stopping granulated materials or fluids from flowing beyond their designated zone are just a few of the common purposes of these products.

Sectional pieces that are L-shaped are also quite commonly used to create flow stopping barriers. They are of rigid construction and can be joined together to form an enclosure, and since they are hinged, they fold down flat for easier transportation and storage. Standing just a couple of inches high, these products are generally reserved low rising spills.

To help protect the soil or flooring in spaces where leaks may occur, tarps are commonly used beneath the barriers to prevent contamination. The types of products mentioned here are only a small example of the many different designs available to handle a huge variety of situations, both general and specialized. What the items are constructed from will vary depending on which types of substances are meant to restrained.




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