The Complete Guide To Drum Spill Pallets
Everything you need to know about choosing, using and maintaining drum spill pallets for safe liquid storage.
Drum spill pallets provide secondary containment for drums containing oils, fuels, chemicals and other potentially polluting liquids. They help capture leaks, drips and spills before they spread across floors, enter drains or cause environmental contamination.
Choosing the right drum spill pallet is important for workplace safety, environmental protection and compliance. This guide explains how drum spill pallets work, what size you may need and the key differences between standard, forkliftable, recycled and covered options.
Looking for a drum spill pallet? Browse our full range of Drum Spill Pallets, including 1, 2 and 4 drum options, covered models, forkliftable designs and recycled spill pallets.
What Is A Drum Spill Pallet?
A drum spill pallet is a secondary containment unit designed to safely store drums and capture any leaks, spills or drips from the containers.
Most drum spill pallets feature an integrated sump beneath a removable grid. Drums sit on top of the grid, while any leaked liquid is contained within the sump below.
Drum spill pallets are commonly used in workshops, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, chemical stores, maintenance areas and industrial sites where liquids are stored or handled in drums.
Why Are Drum Spill Pallets Important?
Drums can contain large volumes of oils, fuels, chemicals or hazardous liquids. If a drum leaks or fails, the liquid can quickly spread across the floor, create slip risks, contaminate drains or cause environmental damage.
Drum spill pallets help businesses:
- Contain leaks and spills from drums
- Reduce the risk of environmental contamination
- Protect floors, drains and working areas
- Improve hazardous liquid storage safety
- Support compliance with pollution prevention and oil storage requirements
They provide a practical and reliable way to manage the risks associated with storing liquids in drums.
What Size Drum Spill Pallet Do I Need?
The correct drum spill pallet depends on the number of drums being stored, the volume of liquid involved and the available storage space.
1 Drum Spill Pallets
1 drum spill pallets are suitable for storing a single drum safely and are ideal for smaller work areas, maintenance points or locations where only one drum is required.
They are compact, easy to position and useful where liquids are stored close to the point of use.
2 Drum Spill Pallets
2 drum spill pallets are a common choice for workshops, warehouses and production areas where multiple liquids are stored or used regularly.
They provide more storage capacity while remaining compact enough for many industrial workspaces.
4 Drum Spill Pallets
4 drum spill pallets are suitable for larger storage areas and higher-volume liquid handling operations.
They are commonly used in manufacturing facilities, chemical stores, warehouses and maintenance departments where several drums need to be stored together.
What Is Sump Capacity?
Sump capacity is the volume of liquid the spill pallet can contain in the event of a leak or spill.
When choosing a drum spill pallet, always check that the stated sump capacity is suitable for the liquids and container volumes being stored. The sump is what provides the secondary containment, so it is one of the most important product specifications.
Businesses storing oils or other potentially polluting liquids should ensure their containment arrangements are suitable for their site requirements and any relevant environmental procedures.
Covered Drum Spill Pallets
Covered drum spill pallets provide additional protection for drums stored outdoors or in exposed environments.
The integrated cover helps protect drums from rainwater, debris and weather exposure, reducing the risk of the sump filling with rainwater and helping to keep stored liquids protected.
Covered units are particularly suitable for:
- Outdoor storage areas
- Construction sites
- Vehicle depots
- Industrial yards
- Locations without covered storage facilities
Forkliftable Drum Spill Pallets
Forkliftable drum spill pallets are designed to allow easier positioning and handling when empty.
They are particularly useful in warehouses and industrial facilities where spill pallets need to be relocated periodically.
Always follow the manufacturer's guidance regarding movement and use, particularly once drums have been loaded onto the pallet.
Recycled Drum Spill Pallets
Recycled drum spill pallets are manufactured using recycled polyethylene, offering a more environmentally conscious alternative to standard models.
They provide the same secondary containment function while helping organisations support sustainability objectives and reduce the demand for virgin materials.
Common Mistakes When Choosing A Drum Spill Pallet
Choosing The Wrong Size
One of the most common mistakes is selecting a spill pallet that does not provide sufficient space for the number of drums being stored. Future storage requirements should also be considered.
Ignoring Sump Capacity
The sump capacity is one of the most important specifications. Businesses should ensure that the containment volume is appropriate for the liquids and drum sizes being stored.
Using Indoor Pallets Outdoors
When drums are stored outdoors, uncovered spill pallets can collect rainwater. Covered models may provide a more suitable long-term solution for exposed environments.
Choosing The Wrong Material
Polyethylene spill pallets offer excellent resistance to many oils and chemicals, but compatibility should always be checked for specific applications.
Failing To Inspect Containment Equipment
Spill pallets should be inspected regularly to ensure they remain in good condition and continue to provide effective secondary containment.
Drum Spill Pallets By Industry
Manufacturing
Manufacturing facilities commonly use drum spill pallets for storing oils, lubricants, chemicals and production materials safely.
Engineering & Maintenance
Engineering workshops frequently use drum spill pallets to store hydraulic oils, coolants, cleaning fluids and maintenance chemicals.
Chemical Storage
Chemical manufacturers and distributors often rely on drum spill pallets as part of their wider liquid storage and spill control procedures.
Transport & Logistics
Distribution centres and transport operators commonly store oils, fuels and maintenance fluids in drums, making spill containment an important safety measure.
Waste Management
Waste handling facilities frequently use drum spill pallets to store recovered liquids, treatment chemicals and waste oils safely.
Drum Spill Pallet FAQs
Do I need a drum spill pallet?
If you store oils, fuels, chemicals or other potentially polluting liquids in drums, secondary containment is generally considered best practice and may form part of your site's environmental management procedures.
What size drum spill pallet do I need?
The correct size depends on the number of drums being stored and the required containment capacity. 1, 2 and 4 drum spill pallets are the most common options.
Can drum spill pallets be used outdoors?
Yes. However, covered drum spill pallets are often recommended for outdoor storage to help prevent rainwater entering the containment sump.
What is sump capacity?
Sump capacity is the volume of liquid that the spill pallet can contain in the event of a leak or spill.
Are recycled drum spill pallets as effective as standard models?
Yes. Recycled drum spill pallets provide the same containment function while offering a more sustainable storage solution.
Can forkliftable spill pallets be moved when loaded?
Always follow the manufacturer's guidance regarding movement and use. Forklift access is often intended to assist positioning and handling, particularly when the unit is empty.
Need Help Choosing The Right Drum Spill Pallet?
Spill Containment UK supplies a wide range of drum spill pallets including 1 drum, 2 drum and 4 drum models, as well as covered, forkliftable and recycled options.
If you are unsure which drum spill pallet is most suitable for your application, our team can provide practical advice and guidance to help you select the right solution.
Contact us today for help choosing the right drum spill pallet for your workplace.
Last updated: June 2026
Further Reading
- Spill Control Knowledge Centre
- The Complete Guide To Spill Kits
- The Complete Guide To IBC Spill Pallets
Last updated: June 2026