Firewater Containment

Firewater is the water used to extinguish a fire (non-routine) that may run off site and cause damage to the surrounding environment.

If firewater gets into surface drains it can have a devastating effect on aquatic life. The fire service carry environmental containment equipment including drain covers to stop firewater getting into drains. But if an adequate containment area has not been designated for firewater, it must go somewhere. This will be the lowest part of your site.

Once the fire has been extinguished the fire service is not responsible for removing the firewater, you the business owner are. And you can’t just let it go down the nearest surface drain as you could end up polluting a local waterway and be hit with a huge fine.

Pollution Containment

Pollution containment is the process of preventing contaminated materials from entering the environment. 

Industrial sites that handle chemical spills, oil spills and food & drink spills can cause major damage to people, the environment and property as well as disrupting site operations. 

These spills could escape through the nearest surface drain and end up polluting a local waterway and be charged with a large fine.

Liquids include Fuel Oils (diesel, petrol, kerosene), Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), Sulphuric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Highly oxidising/explosive chemicals, foodstuffs e.g. milk, beer, glucose and cream.