Sunday 27 February 2011

How to Properly Use Oil Spill Booms


Oil spills can happen to anyone. Whether you are a large company who owns ships or you are just fishing with your boat there are economical products you can have on hand in case of a spill. Most people have no idea what environmental damage an oil spill on water can actually do.
There is always a chance for accidents to happen. You can only control things if you have a plan set up and have the necessary material such as oil spill booms available for use.. Oil spills have detrimental effects to the environment and to the people around it.
It is best to know what to do when accidents do happen. No one can predict it but your chance of controlling an oil spill relies on your ability to effectively deal with the situation immediately. Consider having spill cleanup products on hand as a first aid solution you use when needed. You need to prevent the problem from progressing while waiting for help to come.
The importance of providing trainings for your employees is a must. Don't be bothered with the training cost. Equally important are the materials you need in controlling the oil spills. Examples are oil spill booms and oil only absorbent pads. Consider these as an investment on your part. Invest in your people and your safety procedures. Once a spill happens you can be charged with large fines and pay for the damages resulting from the oil spill.
Oil spill booms are one of the best investments you can make. On water, oil spills can spread instantly. Use them to surround and prevent the oil spill from spreading. The most important thing is to control and contain the accidental discharge to a specific area. The booms repel water which means they will float even if saturated. Not only will they contain the oil spill, they also absorb the hydrocarbons.
Oil spill booms are made up of a tough outer mesh that covers the casing that holds absorbent polypropylene. The booms will stay together even on rough water. Oil spill booms come in segments. You can choose from 5" or 8" diameters and they come in 10 foot or 20 foot lengths. A nylon rope reaches through each boom with carbon steel connectors on each end so they can be connected together. These connectors will allow you to use only the number of absorbent booms needed.
Here are some general guidelines in using oil spill booms in containing the oil spill:
Step 1: Wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles.
Step 2: Assess the size of the spill and the amount of oil.
Step 3: Connect the number of boom segments necessary to surround the spill.
Step 4: Place the oil spill booms around the spill
Step 5: Secure any possible exit points for the oil spill.
Step 6: Use oil only absorbent pads to absorb the oil that is surrounded.
Step 7: Once the oil is cleanup, bag and dispose of the soiled pads and oil spill booms according to local, Federal and State regulations.
You can purchase oil spill booms at discounted prices.  For additional information, free newsletter and toll free help visit http://www.absorbentsonline.com