Accidental spills of hazardous liquids, oil, fuel and chemicals can cause serious health and safety and environmental problems.
If spillages are not controlled and damaging consequences occur, severe penalties can be issued to businesses. Having the correct products and procedures in readiness will reduce the negative impact that a spill would cause, not only to people and the environment, but also to your business.
Granules are a loose absorbent and a cost effective measure for dealing with oil, fuel, chemical and general spills. Ideal for small areas, they are simply applied around the spill to control it. They gradually mix with the spill, absorb all the excess liquid, and can then be easily swept away, leaving the surface perfectly dry with no residue.
You should:
- Know where all spill kits are and how to use them.
- Practice spill response drills to ensure knowledge of plans and how to use clean-up equipment.
- Stop work immediately if a spill occurs.
- Contain the spill in accordance with the spill plan if possible and safe to do so.
- Extinguish all possible ignitions if spillage is flammable.
- Contain the spillage – on land use earth/sand to construct a bund around the spill to stop it spreading.
- Protect sensitive areas (e.g. watercourses or surface water drains), and use drain covers or use earth/sand to construct a bund.
- Ensure you have the correct spill clean-up equipment, e.g. oil booms, chemical absorbent mats.
- Dispose of all contaminated materials (soil/absorbent materials) correctly – those containing substances such as oil, diesel or paint will be hazardous waste.
- Ensure any contaminated water is taken to an appropriately licensed disposal site.
- Notify a line manager of actions taken.
- DO NOT ignore it! STOP WORK and ACT immediately.
- DO NOT hide the incident – ensure it is reported to the line manager and controls implemented.
- DO NOT tackle spills if it is not safe.
- DO NOT hose down spills of concrete or cement into surface water drains.
If in doubt refer to the manufacturer guidance.
