Spill pans give me the ick: why double-walled tanks are key for spill containment

Spill pans produce a lot of extra work throughout the day, but this is often thought to be part of the job. What if we told you there’s a better way of managing spills and drips? 

Time is money, so any way of improving efficiency across your site should be a priority. Get rid of your spill pans and go double-walled instead, and watch productivity on your site skyrocket. We’ll explain why below. 

What is a spill pan?

A spill pan – also known as a drip tray, pan or containment tray – catches any drips or leaks from a fuel tank. Their purpose is to prevent spills on site, reducing risk of injury and protecting your business from hefty fines. You also save on fuel in the long run, as spill pans ensure that not a single drop goes to waste. 

The challenges that come with using fuel tank spill pans

Managing fuel tanks can sometimes be a juggling act, and spill pans can toss a few extra wrenches into the mix. Let’s dive into the common hassles of using fuel tank spill pans and see why they might not always be the best solution.

Maintenance mayhem

Spill pans need regular TLC to stay effective. Think of it like having a high-maintenance pet that needs constant attention. Inspections, cleaning, and ensuring everything is in tip-top shape can be a real time-sink. If you’re already busy, this extra task can quickly lead to increased downtime on your jobsite. 

Fuel maintenance should be a quick and easy job – not one as intensive as looking after your spill pans. We’ve carried this ethos through every design stage of our tanks, ensuring that they’re not a burden and drain precious time and money. Learn more in our tank maintenance guide.  

Rain, rain, go away

Spill pans and berms can turn into mini swimming pools when it rains. And have you heard? They’re also often found with dead birds in them! Managing and disposing of the collected rainwater and other debris can be a hassle, adding to your maintenance burden. This requires added work and extra diligence every time the weather decides to be uncooperative. Read our guide for tips on keeping your tank in top condition throughout all seasons. 

Hidden costs

Installing and maintaining spill pans isn’t cheap. It’s like buying another tool that needs constant upgrades. You’re already investing in fuel and delivery – adding (and maintaining) spill pans is just another recurring line item on your bill.

For example, if you’re working on a month-long project and it rains six times during that month, with an average cost of $150 to clean the secondary containment pan, cleaning costs could amount to $900 or more over the course of the project. Didn’t see that one coming!

Space invaders

Spill pans can be space hogs. They take up valuable real estate around your fuel tanks, making it harder to access for maintenance and refueling. It’s like trying to navigate a crowded garage, where the tool you need is hidden behind stacks and stacks of random parts and equipment– not exactly fun or efficient. Not to mention when your job is moving, it’s one more thing to have to pack up, keep track of and transport.

Regulatory rollercoaster

Keeping up with regulations can be a wild ride. Ensuring your spill pans meet all the necessary requirements can be tricky, especially since regulations can vary by location. 

Make things easier for yourself by choosing a fuel tank with built-in secondary containment. With Western Global, you can feel confident that your fuel storage complies with local regulations, meaning you can confidently get to work.