Zara Campbell: Marketing & Social Media Executive

Straightforward Expertise, Protecting your Reputation.

1. Tell us about your role at Hyde Park Environmental and what a typical day looks like.

"My role mainly focuses on Hyde Park Environmental’s digital marketing and external communications. Typically, my day starts with a marketing team plan, our top priorities for the week and meetings around product imagery, website design and upcoming campaigns."

"In the afternoon (after an intense table tennis match) I’ll usually focus on my bigger tasks, whether that’s editing videos, updating compliance blogs or heading into the warehouse to source new imagery. It’s always busy, but that variety is what makes the role so enjoyable."

2. What do you enjoy most about working at Hyde Park Environmental?

"Definitely the team. I’ve been really lucky to grow, learn and collaborate with such a supportive, engaging group of people."

"Whether I need help with videos, social content, planning or organisation, the wider sales and operations teams are always especially happy to get involved and support my ideas."

3. What is a project or achievement you’re particularly proud of?

"It has to be the Meet the Team video!"

"After a few weeks of planning, filming and editing, it was great to see everything come together. A big thank you to the wider team for getting involved, supporting the idea and providing plenty of laughs along the way... especially Dale on the piano!"

4. What drew you to the world of media, engagement and marketing and what do you enjoy most about it?

“I studied Business, English Literature and Art at A Level, so I’ve always been interested in the creative industry. I truly do enjoy writing and structuring content across different platforms here at Hyde Park and, as quite an organised person, I think my chosen career path suits my personality well!”

"That interest has led me to where I am now, and with my final year of university beginning in September, I’m excited to continue developing both professionally with the Hyde Park team and academically."

Zara Campbell: Marketing & Social Media Executive Straightforward Expertise, Protecting your Reputation. 1. Tell us about your role at Hyde Park Environmental and what a typical day looks like. “My role mainly focuses on Hyde Park Environmental’s digital marketing and external communications. Typically, my day starts with a marketing team plan, our top priorities for […]

A bund is a secondary containment system designed to capture any liquid that escapes from a primary container.

If your business stores oils, fuels, chemicals or other potentially hazardous liquids, bunded storage may not just be good practice, it could be a legal requirement. Across sectors such as construction, manufacturing, utilities, transport and facilities management, businesses have a responsibility to prevent leaks and spills that could harm people, property and the environment.

How Do You Know If You Need Bunded Storage?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, bunded storage should be seriously considered.

What Do Regulations Say?

Several organisations and regulatory bodies provide guidance on managing hazardous substances and pollution prevention:

Benefits?

Bunded storage offers benefits that go far beyond simply meeting regulatory requirements. By providing secondary containment for oils, fuels and chemicals, it significantly reduces the risk of environmental contamination and the costly clean-up operations that can follow a leak or spill.

Effective containment measures also help protect your business reputation, demonstrating to customers, stakeholders and regulators that environmental responsibilities are being taken seriously. In addition, bunded storage contributes to a safer workplace by reducing the potential for hazardous substances to create slip, fire or exposure risks. It also supports ESG objectives, provides peace of mind when storing hazardous substances and helps demonstrate due diligence during audits and inspections.

Don't Wait for a Spill to Highlight a Problem

At Hyde Park Environmental, we supply a comprehensive range of bunded storage solutions, including drum stores, IBC bunds, chemical storage units, spill containment systems and secure hazardous substance storage. Our team can help assess your requirements and recommend practical, compliant solutions tailored to your site.

Need advice on bunded storage? Contact Hyde Park Environmental today.

A bund is a secondary containment system designed to capture any liquid that escapes from a primary container. If your business stores oils, fuels, chemicals or other potentially hazardous liquids, bunded storage may not just be good practice, it could be a legal requirement. Across sectors such as construction, manufacturing, utilities, transport and facilities management, […]

Although UK safety sign legislation hasn't seen any major changes in 2026, keeping your workplace signage up to date should still be a priority. Safety signs play a vital role in protecting employees, contractors and visitors by clearly highlighting hazards, directing people to emergency equipment and reinforcing safe working practices. Over time, signs can become damaged, outdated or simply overlooked, making regular reviews an important part of maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.

In this guide, we'll explain the different types of safety signs, what they mean, and how to ensure your business continues to meet the requirements of the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 while following recognised standards such as BS EN ISO 7010.

Would your employees know exactly what to follow?

What are safety signs?

Safety signs are universally recognised visual symbols designed to communicate essential health and safety information quickly and clearly. They help employers create safer workplaces by alerting people to potential hazards, providing clear instructions, and guiding them during routine tasks or emergency situations.

Safety signs are commonly used to:

Whether in warehouses, construction sites, manufacturing facilities or offices, safety signs play a vital role in reducing risks and helping businesses meet their health and safety obligations.

What do the colours of safety signs mean?

Safety sign colours are standardised to ensure they can be recognised and understood at a glance.

🔴 Red safety signs indicate prohibition, fire safety equipment or emergency stop actions. They are used to tell people what they must not do or to highlight equipment such as fire extinguishers and emergency stop buttons.

🟡 Yellow or amber signs are warning signs. They alert people to potential hazards and encourage them to take extra care or proceed with caution.

🔵 Blue safety signs are mandatory signs. They specify actions that must be followed, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety helmets, eye protection or high-visibility clothing.

🟢 Green safety signs provide safe condition information. They identify emergency exits, escape routes, first aid stations, safety equipment and other facilities designed to keep people safe during an emergency.

Prohibition sign

These are signs that prohibit behaviour that is likely to increase or cause danger (e.g. no smoking). 

Intrinsic features:

Safety warning signs

Warning sign: a sign giving warning of a hazard or danger (e.g. danger: dangerous substances)

Intrinsic features:

Mandatory signs

Mandatory sign: a sign prescribing specific behaviour (e.g. eye protection must be worn)

Intrinsic features:

Emergency signs

Emergency Signs: signals an emergency escape or to label escape routes. 

Intrinsic features:

Spill kit safety signs

Our range of adhesive spill kit signs are designed to be highly visible and easy to understand, featuring bold text and clear messaging. Manufactured with a durable vinyl coating, these signs are suitable for a variety of workplace environments, offering long-lasting performance even in demanding conditions.

Spill kit safety signs are primarily used to identify the exact location of spill response equipment, ensuring employees can act quickly and effectively during an emergency. They are ideal for use in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, laboratories, and pharmaceutical environments where fast access to spill kits is critical.

Do I need safety signs in my workplace?

To determine if safety signs are necessary for your workplace, you firstly need to conduct a thorough risk assessment (made under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999). 

These assessments are designed to identify hazards, the associated risks, and the required measures to be taken. Based on the outcome of the risk assessment, you can determine which types of safety signage must be put up and where.

We’re here to help

If you need more assistance or advice on the type of spill kit safety signs you need? Get in touch with Hyde Park Environmental today.

Straightforward Expertise, Protecting your Reputation.

Although UK safety sign legislation hasn’t seen any major changes in 2026, keeping your workplace signage up to date should still be a priority. Safety signs play a vital role in protecting employees, contractors and visitors by clearly highlighting hazards, directing people to emergency equipment and reinforcing safe working practices. Over time, signs can become […]

Many businesses invest in spill control equipment, simply having a spill kit on site isn't enough. Without the right preparation, training and procedures, even a small spill can quickly become a safety hazard, cause environmental damage and lead to costly clean up operations or regulatory action.

First… What's in a Spill Kit?

A spill kit is designed to help contain, absorb and safely dispose of accidental spills before they spread. The exact contents vary depending on whether it's an oil-only, chemical or general-purpose spill kit, but most include:

Selecting the correct spill kit for the liquids used on your site is the first step towards effective spill response.

Top 5 Spill Control Mistakes Businesses Make

1. Choosing the Wrong Spill Kit

Not all spills are the same. Using an oil-only kit on chemicals, or relying on a general-purpose kit for hazardous substances, can make clean-up ineffective and potentially dangerous.

How to avoid it:

Carry out a site risk assessment and identify every liquid stored or used on-site. Ensure the correct spill kits are available in suitable sizes and quantities for each area.

2. Storing Spill Kits Too Far Away

When a spill occurs, every second counts. If spill kits are locked away or located on the opposite side of the building, valuable time is lost while the spill continues to spread.

How to avoid it:

Position spill kits beside high-risk areas such as chemical storage, fuel tanks, loading bays, maintenance workshops and production lines. They should always be clearly visible and easy to access.

3. Not Training Employees

One of the biggest causes of poor spill response isn't the equipment—it's uncertainty. Employees who don't know how to use a spill kit may hesitate or respond incorrectly.

How to avoid it:

Provide regular spill response training so staff understand how to:

4. Failing to Inspect and Restock Spill Kits

After a spill has been cleaned up, absorbents and PPE are often not replaced, leaving the kit incomplete when it's needed next.

How to avoid it:

Include spill kits in routine workplace inspections. Replace any used or damaged contents immediately and check expiry dates where applicable.

5. Focusing on Clean-Up Instead of Prevention

Many businesses only think about spills after they've happened. In reality, preventing spills is far more effective than cleaning them up.

How to avoid it:

Reduce the risk by investing in preventative solutions such as:

A proactive approach significantly reduces the likelihood of environmental incidents and costly downtime.

What Does the Guidance Say?

In the UK, employers have a legal responsibility to prevent pollution and manage hazardous substances safely. Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency recommends that workplaces handling oils, fuels or chemicals have suitable spill response equipment readily available, ensure employees receive appropriate training, and implement measures to prevent spills wherever possible.

Businesses should also regularly review their spill response procedures, inspect spill control equipment and ensure contaminated waste is disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations. Having the correct spill control products in place is not only good practice but it also helps demonstrate compliance with health, safety and environmental legislation.

How Hyde Park Environmental Can Help

At Hyde Park Environmental, we understand that every workplace has different spill control requirements. That's why we supply a comprehensive range of spill response and spill prevention solutions to suit every industry.

From oil, chemical and general-purpose spill kits to spill pallets, absorbents, drip trays, hazardous storage units and bunded storage, our products are designed to help businesses stay safe, compliant and prepared.

Whether you're reviewing your current spill control strategy or equipping a new site, our experienced team can help you select the right products for your workplace.

Need advice on the best spill control solution for your business? Contact Hyde Park Environmental today or browse our full range of spill control products online.

Many businesses invest in spill control equipment, simply having a spill kit on site isn’t enough. Without the right preparation, training and procedures, even a small spill can quickly become a safety hazard, cause environmental damage and lead to costly clean up operations or regulatory action. First… What’s in a Spill Kit? A spill kit […]

No matter how robust your storage and handling procedures are, workplace spills can still occur. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), every workplace that stores or uses hazardous substances should have suitable emergency procedures in place, along with trained personnel and appropriate spill response equipment.

Having a clear spill response plan in place can make all the difference. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do when a spill happens.

Step-by-Step Spill Response Guide

Step 1: Stop and Assess the Situation

Before taking any action:

Step 2: Secure the Area

Reduce the risk of further harm by:

Step 3: Put on the Correct PPE

Before approaching the spill:

Step 4: Contain the Spill

Prevent the spill from spreading by:

Step 5: Clean Up Safely

Once the spill is contained:

Step 6: Report and Restock

After the clean-up:

What Do UK & Irish Safety Authorities Recommend?

The HSE, HSENI and environmental regulators all promote a proactive approach to spill management. Their guidance recommends that businesses should:

These simple measures can significantly reduce environmental impact while helping businesses meet their legal responsibilities under COSHH and environmental protection legislation.

How Hyde Park Environmental Can Help:

Having the right equipment on-site can make all the difference when a spill occurs.

We supply everything needed for an effective spill response, including spill kits, absorbents, drain protection, spill pallets, bunded storage and COSHH-compliant chemical storage solutions. Our team can also carry out site visits to assess your current storage arrangements, identify potential risks and recommend the most appropriate spill prevention equipment for your workplace.

Whether you're looking to improve compliance, upgrade your spill response capabilities or future-proof your site, our experts are here to help.

No matter how robust your storage and handling procedures are, workplace spills can still occur. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), every workplace that stores or uses hazardous substances should have suitable emergency procedures in place, along with trained personnel and appropriate spill response equipment. Having a clear spill response plan in place […]

Industry: Food Processing & Manufacturing
Location: Botathan Abattoir, South Petherwin, Launceston
Product Supplied: Enclosed Steel Bunded Drum Store (HST407)

When Dunbia identified the need for a more secure and compliant storage solution for oils, lubricants and hazardous liquids, Hyde Park Environmental provided a practical bunded storage system designed to improve environmental protection, site organisation and workplace safety.

Customer Overview

Dunbia is a leading meat processing and food manufacturing company. Operating across the UK and Ireland, the business supplies fresh and packaged meat products to retailers, foodservice providers, manufacturers and export markets.

At its Launceston facility, Dunbia handles a range of oils, lubricants and hazardous liquids as part of its daily operations. To support ongoing environmental compliance and improve storage practices, the company sought a dedicated solution for hazardous liquid containment.

The Challenge

Existing storage arrangements exposed materials to weather conditions and created several operational and environmental challenges.

Dunbia required a solution that would:

The company needed a robust, long-term solution capable of withstanding the demands of a busy industrial environment.

The Solution

Following an assessment of the site requirements, Hyde Park Environmental supplied an Enclosed Steel Bunded Drum Store.

The solution delivered:

The enclosed bunded store provided a practical and compliant approach to hazardous liquid storage while helping improve overall site management.

The Result

The installation of the Enclosed Steel Bunded Drum Store helped Dunbia improve hazardous liquid storage practices across the facility.

Key benefits included:

By implementing the new storage system, Dunbia strengthened its approach to environmental protection while creating a safer and more organised working environment.

Read the full Dunbia Customer Success Story to explore the project in detail and discover how compliant drum storage solutions can support your operations.

Straightforward Expertise, protecting your Reputation.

Industry: Food Processing & ManufacturingLocation: Botathan Abattoir, South Petherwin, LauncestonProduct Supplied: Enclosed Steel Bunded Drum Store (HST407) When Dunbia identified the need for a more secure and compliant storage solution for oils, lubricants and hazardous liquids, Hyde Park Environmental provided a practical bunded storage system designed to improve environmental protection, site organisation and workplace safety. […]

Specifically in the UK, businesses that store hazardous substances must comply with a range of regulations designed to protect people, property and the environment. Whether you store chemicals in manufacturing facilities, warehouses, workshops or laboratories, companies have a legal responsibility to ensure substances are stored safely and managed correctly.

Failure to comply with chemical storage regulations can result in environmental contamination, workplace accidents, enforcement action, substantial fines and reputational damage. Understanding the key requirements is therefore essential for businesses across all sectors.

Key Chemical Storage Regulations in the UK

The main legislation governing chemical storage includes:

COSHH Regulations

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations require employers to assess, control and minimise risks associated with hazardous substances. This includes implementing suitable storage solutions, providing employee training and maintaining safe handling procedures.

DSEAR Regulations

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) apply to substances that present a fire or explosion risk. Businesses must identify hazardous areas, minimise ignition sources and ensure flammable substances are stored appropriately.

Environmental Protection Requirements

Companies storing oils, chemicals and other potentially polluting substances must also comply with environmental regulations designed to prevent spills and contamination. Secondary containment systems, such as bunded storage, are often required to reduce environmental risk.

Essential Chemical Storage Compliance Measures

To remain compliant, businesses should follow these several key principles:

Industries Affected Across the UK

Chemical storage regulations apply to a wide range of industries throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Common sectors include:

Any organisation storing hazardous substances, regardless of size, must ensure suitable controls are in place.

Supporting Compliance with Hyde Park Environmental

At Hyde Park Environmental, we help businesses across the UK meet their chemical storage and hazardous substance management requirements with confidence.

Our range of COSHH cabinets, bunded storage solutions, spill control products and hazardous material storage equipment is designed to support compliance with UK regulations while improving workplace safety. Our team provides straightforward, practical expertise to help customers identify the right storage solutions for their specific requirements.

By combining high-quality products with industry knowledge and responsive customer support, we help organisations create safer working environments and reduce the risks associated with hazardous substance storage.

Specifically in the UK, businesses that store hazardous substances must comply with a range of regulations designed to protect people, property and the environment. Whether you store chemicals in manufacturing facilities, warehouses, workshops or laboratories, companies have a legal responsibility to ensure substances are stored safely and managed correctly. Failure to comply with chemical storage […]

Spills can happen in any workplace, whether it is oil, chemicals, coolants, fuels, or water-based liquids; responding quickly with the correct absorbent products is essential for protecting employees, equipment, and the environment.

Under UK health and safety legislation, businesses have a duty to control substances that could cause harm. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises employers to have suitable spill response procedures and equipment in place to reduce the risk of slips, contamination, fire hazards, and environmental damage. Regulations such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and environmental guidance from the Environment Agency also place responsibilities on businesses to safely contain and dispose of hazardous spills.

Choosing the correct absorbent is one of the most important parts of an effective spill response plan.

Oil Absorbents

Oil absorbents are specifically designed to absorb hydrocarbons such as oils, fuels, diesel, petrol, and lubricants while repelling water. This makes them particularly useful for outdoor environments, marine applications, workshops, and construction sites where oil spills may occur in wet conditions.

Typically recognised by their white colour, oil-only absorbents can be used on waterways, around machinery, fuel storage areas, and loading bays. Because they do not absorb rainwater, they remain effective and economical during outdoor use.

Oil absorbent products commonly include:

These products help businesses quickly contain spills before they spread into drains or surrounding ground, helping support compliance with pollution prevention guidance.

Chemical Absorbents

Chemical absorbents are designed for hazardous or aggressive substances including acids, alkalis, solvents, coolants, and unknown liquids. Usually yellow in colour for easy identification, they are manufactured to withstand corrosive chemicals that could damage standard absorbents.

Using the wrong absorbent on a chemical spill can create additional hazards, including dangerous reactions or ineffective containment. This is why workplaces handling hazardous substances should always carry out a COSHH assessment and ensure the correct spill response materials are available nearby.

Chemical absorbents are commonly used in:

For higher-risk environments, spill kits should also include suitable PPE such as gloves, goggles, and disposal bags.

General Purpose Absorbents

General purpose absorbents are suitable for non-aggressive liquids such as water, coolants, paints, mild chemicals, and oils. Often grey in colour, they are widely used across warehouses, maintenance areas, garages, and factories for day-to-day spill control.

These absorbents provide a versatile and cost-effective solution for businesses that encounter mixed liquid spills but do not regularly handle highly hazardous substances.

Why Spill Preparedness Matters

Spill response is not simply about cleaning up liquid quickly. Poor spill management can lead to workplace injuries, environmental fines, damaged equipment, operational downtime, and reputational harm. Having the correct absorbents readily available helps businesses respond immediately, reduce risks, and maintain safer working environments.

At Hyde Park Environmental, we support businesses across a wide range of industries with spill control solutions tailored to their workplace requirements. Our services include site visits, risk assessments, our spill control and containment supply, and practical spill response training to help ensure staff are prepared to react safely and effectively in the event of a spill.

Spills can happen in any workplace, whether it is oil, chemicals, coolants, fuels, or water-based liquids; responding quickly with the correct absorbent products is essential for protecting employees, equipment, and the environment. Under UK health and safety legislation, businesses have a duty to control substances that could cause harm. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) […]

Why Spill Kits Are Important

Spills can happen in almost any workplace, from warehouses and workshops to factories, laboratories, and construction sites. Without the correct equipment in place, even a small spill can quickly become a serious issue, creating slip hazards, damaging equipment, causing environmental contamination, and leading to costly downtime. Having the correct spill kit available allows businesses to respond quickly and safely while supporting compliance with workplace health, safety, and environmental regulations. In the UK, organisations such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency help enforce workplace safety and environmental protection standards, providing guidance on spill prevention, hazardous substance handling, and emergency response procedures. In Ireland, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) plays a similar role, supporting businesses with health and safety compliance and risk management guidance.

A spill kit is designed to contain, absorb, and clean up spills before they spread further. Most kits include absorbent pads, socks, cushions, disposal bags, gloves, and instructions for safe use. However, choosing the right spill kit is essential, as different liquids require different absorbent materials and response methods.

Understanding the Different Types of Spill Kits

There are several types of spill kits available, each designed for specific environments and substances. Selecting the wrong type can reduce effectiveness and increase risks during an incident.

General Purpose Spill Kits

General purpose spill kits are suitable for everyday liquids such as water, coolants, paints, and mild chemicals. These are commonly used in warehouses, workshops, maintenance areas, and manufacturing facilities where a variety of non-hazardous liquids may be present. They provide a versatile solution for general workplace spills and are often grey in colour for easy identification.

Oil & Fuel Spill Kits

Oil spill kits are specifically designed for hydrocarbons such as diesel, petrol, lubricants, and oils. These absorb oil while repelling water, making them ideal for outdoor environments, garages, loading bays, transport depots, and marine settings. They are particularly important in areas where spills could enter drains or waterways, helping businesses reduce environmental impact and pollution risks.

Chemical Spill Kits

Chemical spill kits are intended for hazardous substances including acids, solvents, and corrosive chemicals. These kits contain specialised absorbents that can safely handle aggressive liquids while helping to protect employees and surrounding areas. Chemical spill kits are commonly used in laboratories, industrial facilities, and chemical storage areas and are usually yellow for clear identification.

Choosing the Right Spill Kit for Your Workplace

Selecting the correct spill kit starts with understanding the specific risks within your workplace. Businesses should assess the liquids stored, transported, or used on site and consider the potential size of a spill. Small portable spill kits may be suitable for low-risk areas, while larger spill kits may be required for industrial facilities or sites handling large quantities of liquid.

It is also important to ensure spill kits are positioned in accessible locations close to identified risk areas. During an emergency, employees should be able to respond immediately without wasting time locating equipment. Regular inspections and restocking are equally important to ensure spill kits remain fully prepared for use at all times.

Alongside having the correct equipment, staff training plays a major role in effective spill response. Employees should understand how to safely contain spills, use absorbent materials correctly, and dispose of contaminated waste in line with regulations. Proper training helps businesses reduce risks, improve response times, and maintain a safer working environment.

Spill Control Solutions from Hyde Park Environmental

At Hyde Park Environmental, we supply a wide range of spill kits and spill control products suitable for workplaces across multiple industries. From general purpose absorbents to specialist oil and chemical spill solutions, our team can help businesses choose the right equipment for their site requirements.

We also provide comprehensive spill response training designed to help employees respond confidently and effectively during spill incidents while supporting compliance with workplace health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Why Spill Kits Are Important Spills can happen in almost any workplace, from warehouses and workshops to factories, laboratories, and construction sites. Without the correct equipment in place, even a small spill can quickly become a serious issue, creating slip hazards, damaging equipment, causing environmental contamination, and leading to costly downtime. Having the correct spill […]

There are strict regulations are in place across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to help prevent leaks, spills and contamination that could damage property, harm the environment and pose serious health and safety risks. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in heavy fines, environmental clean-up costs, operational disruption and long-term reputational damage. So, how do you stay compliant?

What Is Bunded Storage?

A bund is a secondary containment system designed to capture leaks or spills if the primary storage container fails. This may include an outer protective layer around a bunded fuel tank or a constructed containment area surrounding drums, tanks or IBCs. The purpose of bunded storage is to stop hazardous liquids escaping into drains, groundwater, soil or nearby watercourses. Guidance from the UK Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlights bunded storage as a critical part of pollution prevention and workplace safety.

UK Oil Storage Regulations Explained

In England, the primary legislation covering oil storage is the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001. These regulations generally apply to businesses storing more than 200 litres of oil above ground and cover commercial, industrial and institutional sites. The rules apply to a wide range of substances including diesel, petrol, lubricants, vegetable oils and biofuels. Similar regulations are enforced across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Understanding the 110% Secondary Containment Rule

One of the most important compliance requirements for bunded storage is containment capacity. Bunds must usually be capable of holding at least 110% of the volume of the largest container stored within the system. This ensures that if a tank or container fails, the spill can be safely contained without polluting the surrounding environment. Bunds must also be impermeable to oil and water, free from drainage outlets and regularly inspected for cracks, corrosion or structural damage.

Safe Tank Positioning and Environmental Risk

Businesses must also carefully consider where tanks and hazardous liquid storage systems are positioned on-site. Additional environmental protection measures are often required where storage is located near drains, watercourses or environmentally sensitive areas. For example, storage systems positioned within 10 metres of inland or coastal waters, or within 50 metres of a drinking water source, are considered higher risk and may require enhanced containment and monitoring measures.

HSE Guidance on Fuel and Chemical Storage

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides further guidance on the safe storage of flammable liquids and fuels. This includes recommendations around bund design, fire safety, tank maintenance and operational procedures. Businesses are expected to ensure storage tanks are protected from vehicle impact, pipework is secure and fuel delivery fill points are properly supervised during use.

Why Regular Maintenance and Inspections Are Essential

Compliance does not end once a bunded tank or containment system has been installed. Businesses are expected to carry out routine inspections and ongoing maintenance to ensure storage systems remain safe and fit for purpose. Common causes of pollution incidents include damaged tanks, overflowing bunds, blocked drainage systems and poor site housekeeping. The Environment Agency also recommends that businesses have spill response plans, spill kits and trained staff in place to minimise environmental risk and respond quickly to incidents.

Which Industries Need Bunded Storage?

Bunded storage is particularly important across industries such as construction, transport, logistics, agriculture, manufacturing and waste management. Farms and agricultural businesses are also subject to SSAFO regulations, which cover the storage of fuel oil, slurry and silage to help prevent agricultural pollution incidents.

The Financial Risks of Non-Compliance

Poor fuel and chemical storage practices can have serious financial consequences for businesses. Pollution incidents may lead to prosecution, expensive remediation work, insurance claims, downtime and significant reputational damage. In many cases, the long-term costs of non-compliance far outweigh the investment required to implement compliant bunded storage systems from the outset.

How Hyde Park Environmental Can Help

Hyde Park Environmental provides businesses across the UK with expert environmental support and compliant storage solutions tailored to operational requirements. From bunded fuel tanks and spill containment systems to environmental guidance and waste management support, we helps organisations improve site safety, environmental protection and regulatory compliance. As environmental regulations continue to evolve, working with experienced specialists can help businesses remain compliant, protected and operationally efficient.

Partner with us today.

Straightforward Expertise, Protecting your Reputation.

There are strict regulations are in place across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to help prevent leaks, spills and contamination that could damage property, harm the environment and pose serious health and safety risks. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in heavy fines, environmental clean-up costs, operational disruption and long-term reputational damage. […]

Ellen McCurdy, Marketing and Social Media Executive

Straightforward Expertise, Protecting your Reputation.

1. Tell us about your role at Hyde Park Environmental and what a typical day looks like for you.

"No two days are ever the same in marketing... which is exactly why I love it! My mornings usually start with a quick team huddle and checking emails (there’s always a few requests for marketing material waiting). From there, I might be in a team meeting or planning upcoming campaigns."

"In the afternoon, I usually try to get stuck into a project the team are working on. Recently that’s included updating the website and refining email content. The wider team also make time for regular team lunches, which is a great way to catch up and keep that strong team spirit going."

2. What do you enjoy most about working for Hyde Park Environmental?

"It has to be the team, there's a real sense of collaboration between the marketing and wider, it really does help make work easier."

"Everyone's door is always open, the team are supportive and always happy to share ideas. Whether it’s during our daily catch-ups or just chatting through a project, there’s always someone to bounce ideas off. It makes working in marketing even more enjoyable when you’ve got such a great team around you."

3. What’s a project or achievement you are particularly proud of?

"I’d highlight the 2026 catalogue rebrand as a standout project. It involved lots of moving parts, from shaping the design direction to coordinating content and bringing everything together for launch, but that’s what made it so rewarding. Seeing the finished catalogue come to life and knowing the impact it has across the business, from sales to customer engagement, was a great feeling. It’s especially satisfying to work on something so visible that really reflects the brand and supports the wider team."

4. What drew you to a career in marketing?

"I studied business studies at school and really enjoyed it, especially the mix of creative thinking and understanding how businesses operate. That interest naturally led me to study marketing at university, where I was able to build on those foundations and explore the subject in more depth. It quickly confirmed that marketing was the right path for me, as it blends creativity with strategy and allows you to see real, measurable results from your work."

"I love how broad the industry is, there are so many different sectors, roles, and directions you can go in, which means there is always something new to learn and plenty of opportunities to grow and try new things."

"At Hyde Park Environmental, I’ve been supported to develop my skills, grow in my role, and continue learning."

Ellen McCurdy, Marketing and Social Media Executive Straightforward Expertise, Protecting your Reputation. 1. Tell us about your role at Hyde Park Environmental and what a typical day looks like for you. “No two days are ever the same in marketing… which is exactly why I love it! My mornings usually start with a quick team […]

Spill kits are a common sight across industrial sites, warehouses, laboratories, and even smaller commercial premises. But a question we’re often asked is: are spill kits actually a legal requirement in the UK? The answer is a little more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

Are Spill Kits a Legal Requirement?

Strictly speaking, there is no specific UK law that explicitly states businesses must have spill kits on-site. However, that doesn’t mean they’re optional.

Under regulations such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) 2002, businesses are legally required to assess risks and implement suitable control measures when working with hazardous substances.

This includes ensuring that effective spill response procedures and equipment are in place to protect employees, property, and the environment.

In practice, the easiest and most widely accepted way to meet this obligation is by having appropriate spill kits readily available.

What Do UK Regulations Actually Require?

While spill kits themselves aren’t named outright in legislation, UK law is clear on outcomes:

Additionally, environmental regulations, such as the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001, require adequate containment systems, often referred to as secondary containment (e.g. bunding).

Failure to control a spill effectively can lead to enforcement action or prosecution, particularly if it results in pollution.

So, Are Spill Kits Necessary?

Even though they’re not explicitly mandated, spill kits are considered best practice and often essential for compliance. Without them, it would be difficult to demonstrate that your business has taken “reasonable steps” to manage spill risks.

Regulators like the HSE expect that appropriate emergency equipment is readily available and maintained, especially in environments handling oils, fuels, or chemicals.

You may not be legally required to buy a spill kit
But you are legally required to deal with spills safely and effectively

Choosing the Right Spill Kit

If your risk assessment identifies a potential for spills, your equipment should match that risk. For example:

Capacity is key: your kit should be able to handle the largest spill scenario.

While spill kits may not be explicitly written into UK law, they play a critical role in helping businesses meet their legal duties under COSHH and environmental regulations.

For most organisations, having the right spill control equipment in place isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting people, property, and the environment.

At Hyde Park Environmental, we work with businesses across the UK to ensure they have the right spill control solutions in place; from compliant storage systems to fully stocked, site-specific spill kits. If you’re unsure what your site requires, getting expert advice is the best place to start.

Spill kits are a common sight across industrial sites, warehouses, laboratories, and even smaller commercial premises. But a question we’re often asked is: are spill kits actually a legal requirement in the UK? The answer is a little more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Are Spill Kits a Legal Requirement? Strictly speaking, there […]