Spill containment berms
A spill containment berm is a portable, flexible tray that catches leaks and spills from drums, IBCs, generators, vehicles and equipment before they reach the ground or a drain. In the UK the same product is called a portable spill bund.
How a flexible berm is built
The floor and walls are cut from PVC-coated polyester fabric and joined with heat-welded seams, so the berm holds liquid without stitching holes. The walls are held up by foam, by brackets, or by the liquid itself.
Empty, the berm folds for storage and transport, and it can be moved from one job to the next.
Sizing in one line
Capacity (US gallons) ≈ inner length (ft) × inner width (ft) × wall height (ft) × 7.48. For a wall height in inches, divide it by 12 first. In metric: length (m) × width (m) × wall height (m) × 1,000 = litres.
Usable capacity is lower, because equipment inside the berm takes up volume and walls flex. How much capacity you need depends on the regulations that apply to your site.
Common wall types
| Wall type | How the wall stands | Best for | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foam wall | Foam sealed inside the wall cover keeps the wall upright. | Vehicles, carts and maintenance areas with frequent access; low to moderate volumes. | Drive, push or walk over the wall. It compresses and recovers. |
| Bracket wall (collapsible) | Removable brackets outside the wall hold it vertical. | Drums, IBCs, tanks and generators where more volume and higher walls are needed. | Lower one wall or remove brackets to load, then raise it again. |
| Self-rising | The wall lies flat and floats up as liquid enters. | Vehicle wash and fuelling areas that must stay open for traffic. | Drive in and out while the berm is empty. |
See foam wall spill berms. Wall types in production: TBC: which wall types the factory makes
Fabric weights
North American specifications give fabric weight in ounces per square yard; European ones use grams per square metre. Heavier fabric resists abrasion and punctures better and suits berms that vehicles cross. The fabric itself is a polyester scrim between two PVC coatings — how PVC-coated polyester is built.
| Specified as | g/m² | oz/yd² |
|---|---|---|
| 18 oz/yd² | ≈ 610 | ≈ 18 |
| 22 oz/yd² | ≈ 746 | ≈ 22 |
| 680 g/m² | ≈ 680 | ≈ 20.1 |
| 28 oz/yd² | ≈ 949 | ≈ 28 |
| 900 g/m² | ≈ 900 | ≈ 26.5 |
Weights we offer: TBC: fabric weights and colours available
Accessories buyers ask for
- Ground mat: goes under the berm on gravel or rough concrete to prevent punctures.
- Track mat: a wear layer where wheels cross the floor.
- Drain valve: empties rainwater or collected liquid through a hose.
- Replacement foam and repair kit: keep a berm in service after damage.
Available from us: TBC: accessories the factory supplies
Questions about spill berms
What is the difference between a spill berm and a spill bund?
They do the same job. "Spill berm" and "containment berm" are the usual terms in the US and Canada; "spill bund" and "portable bund" are used in the UK, Ireland and Australia.
Can vehicles drive over a spill containment berm?
Foam wall berms are designed for it: the wall compresses under the wheel and recovers. Bracket wall berms are loaded by lowering a wall or removing brackets. Where vehicles cross often, a track mat or ground mat protects the floor from wear.
Are spill berms "EPA certified"?
No. The US EPA does not certify spill containment products. Under the SPCC rule the facility must provide adequate secondary containment, and a portable berm is one way to do that when it is sized for the containers it serves.
Which liquids can a PVC berm hold?
PVC-coated fabric is commonly used for diesel, lubricating oils and hydraulic fluids. Some fuels, solvents and aromatic chemicals attack PVC. Send the Safety Data Sheet so the material can be checked before you order.
Tell us what the berm has to contain
Send the inner size or equipment footprint, the liquid, the quantity and the destination. We reply with a quote by email.