Oil spills are dangerous for both humans and the environment. They can cause fires, poisoning of the soil and pollution of waterways. In case of an accidental oil spill, by taking immediate measures, you can help to minimize and prevent damage by using oil spill pads and other types of absorbents.
One can get confused during an emergency. Remember the three most important things to do - control, contain and clean-up. By control you control the source of the spill and stop the the source of the leak to slow it down. Containing the oil spill simply means preventing it from spreading over a large area. Clean up means you clean up the oil from the site. After the clean up it is important that the used absorbents used are properly disposed of.
You will need to properly clean up the oil spill in order to prevent environmental damage, prevent fines from regulators and to protect you employees doing the clean up. You will need to have on site absorbent oil spill pads and socks for containment and the clean up of the spill. For the protection of those doing the clean up you will need safety goggles and gloves. If you purchase a good spill kit all of these items should be included in the kit. Fire extinguishers are also a must have item.
Here is a step by step action plan that you or your employees should have been trained to follow:
- Control
1) Take immediate actions to counter the situation.
2) Stop the flow of the oil by any means. Turn off the valve, turn the container upright, plug up the hole do anything that stops the flow.
3) Stop fires from starting or spreading. Put out small fires and turn of all machines operating nearby.
4) Safety comes first; wear proper safety gear and avoid inhaling any fumes.
5) Inform superiors and/or management at once.
2) Stop the flow of the oil by any means. Turn off the valve, turn the container upright, plug up the hole do anything that stops the flow.
3) Stop fires from starting or spreading. Put out small fires and turn of all machines operating nearby.
4) Safety comes first; wear proper safety gear and avoid inhaling any fumes.
5) Inform superiors and/or management at once.
- Containing
1) Immediately check for drainage areas and run offs near the spill. If found, seal them immediately with drain covers.
2) Cordon off the oil spill area with spill booms or socks to stop it from spreading. You can also use oil spill pads for this.
3) Make sure that the spill has no way of escaping from the captured area.
2) Cordon off the oil spill area with spill booms or socks to stop it from spreading. You can also use oil spill pads for this.
3) Make sure that the spill has no way of escaping from the captured area.
- Clean up
1) Place oil spill pads or absorbent pillows directly on the spilled liquid.
2) Distribute the absorbents to different spots of the spill to make the clean up better and faster.
3) Keep on using the absorbent pads until every last drop has been wiped up.
4) Have plastic bags ready to collect the soiled material.
5) Double bag used items to avoid further leaking.
6) When there is no longer a threat of the spill spreading put the absorbent booms or absorbent socks into plastic bags.
7) Once everything is bagged, put the bags themselves into a single container. Properly label the container so the contents is disposed of according to local, State and Federal regulations.
2) Distribute the absorbents to different spots of the spill to make the clean up better and faster.
3) Keep on using the absorbent pads until every last drop has been wiped up.
4) Have plastic bags ready to collect the soiled material.
5) Double bag used items to avoid further leaking.
6) When there is no longer a threat of the spill spreading put the absorbent booms or absorbent socks into plastic bags.
7) Once everything is bagged, put the bags themselves into a single container. Properly label the container so the contents is disposed of according to local, State and Federal regulations.
After completing the above steps, contact your local waste disposal service for guidance on proper disposal. For large spills, you should contact your local fire department to be sure you are in compliance with any reporting obligations. In certain locations and for larger spills, you may be required to contact and inform the State and/or the federal EPA officials.
=============================================================== Travis Zdrazil is a successful businessman who has been part of a successful partnership since 1985. With over 10 years of business experience Travis uses his business expertise to select and supply businesses with products to aid in meeting EPA and OSHA requirements. Sign up for his free newsletter at http://www.absorbentsonline.com or feel free to contact him if you have any questions on oil spill pads through the site. You may publish this article, but must keep the resource box ©2009 PCI Products Company. All rights reserved. |
