How To Analyze Your Spill Containment Needs
Do you need spill containment? If your business handles materials that have the potential to damage the environment, you must have containment measures in place. Australian environmental and labor laws mandate businesses to implement spill prevention precautions and be equipped to handle spills of hazardous chemicals.
If your methods are insufficient, you risk:
- exposing staff and/or the public to danger
- causing environmental damage
- losing money from lost materials
- incurring large fines for both businesses and individuals
- damaging your reputation
How to analyse your needs
The first step to effectively analyse your needs is to review your worksite. Answering the following questions can help you assess your specific needs:
- What fluids do you handle? Some spill containment products are for use with specific substances. It’s important to ensure that your spill containment solution is suitable for the contents of your containers.
- How much do you store? Your needs are unique and might vary over time. Your solution must be able to handle spills from the volumes of liquids you keep on site.
- How big is your worksite? This is particularly important for permanent solutions. However, you still need to consider the size of your work area when assessing the spill containment products you need to cope with emergency spills.
- What are the legal requirements? You need to abide by the legal requirements for your industry. Australian law requires companies to take measures to prevent spills and have adequate solutions in place.
Now that you have an idea of your needs, you can look for suitable spill solutions.
Active vs passive solutions
Passive methods are pre existing systems that are in place to collect spills and leaks before they occur. Their purpose is to contain fluids and prevent them from spreading and contaminating the wider environment.
Active solutions are products that contain spills once they have occurred. Worksites need both active and passive spill control solutions in place.
Passive solutions
Passive spill containment solutions include:
Drum spill containment pallets
Drum spill pallets are a type of pallet that collects and contains fluids within its structure.
Use for: Temporary and long-term storage of liquids in drums and similar containers.
Features: Drain plug for recovering fluids, forklift pockets for easy maneuverability. EPA compliant.
IBC pallets
Ecospill IBC pallets come in galvanised steel and tough polymer construction.
Use for: Temporary and long-term storage of liquids in IBCs, drums and similar containers.
Features: Drain plug for recovering fluids, forklift pockets for easy maneuverability. EPA compliant.
Spill decks
Spill decks are low-profile spill containment pallets. They are suitable for use in a variety of areas, including on the ground and within vehicles.
Use for: Loading and unloading drums and similar containers.
Features: Drain plug for recovering fluids, and they can be combined to make a platform.
Floor bunding
Floor bunding creates a semi-permanent or permanent barrier to prevent spilled liquids from spreading where they should not.
Use for: Containing spills in medium-large areas.
Features: Strong enough to drive over and UV stable.
Drain filters
Drain filters trap hazardous materials such as oil, fuel, and debris but allow water to pass through.
Use for: Preventing contaminants from entering stormwater drains.
Features: Replaceable bilge sock.
Portable bunds
Portable bunds are a versatile containment solution that you can move and reconfigure as needed.
Use for: Temporary storage of containers, machinery, and vehicles.
Features: Portable and folds for easy storage.
Active solutions
Active spill containment solutions include:
Spill containment booms
A containment boom or land sock is a containment device that creates an impermeable perimeter around spills and leaks.
Use for: Containing spills in small to large areas.
Features: Various lengths available, some for use on water.
Absorbent powders
Absorbent powders help clean up spills and leaks by absorbing a range of liquids.
Use for: Containing spills and enabling efficient clean-ups.
Features: Quick absorption, non-toxic.
Absorbent Mats
Absorbent mats or pads are easy-to-use and are suitable for a variety of liquids and purposes. Rolls are also available, and you can use Ecospill Fuel and Oil mats on land and water.
Use for: Containing spills and enabling efficient clean-ups.
Features: Quick absorption, easy disposal.
Spill mats
UV Stable PVC hydrocarbon spill mats provide an easy way to contain low-volume spills and leaks.
Use for: A range of uses such as working on vehicles.
Features: Lightweight, portable, reusable, versatile.
Roll out mats
Roll out mats are a hybrid of absorbent mats and reusable spill mats. You can remove the internal mat when it’s completely saturated and replace it for reuse. The ends are weighted with chains for use in windy conditions.
Use for: A range of uses.
Features: Portable, reusable, easy to store, versatile.
Drain seals
Drain seals form a tight seal around drains preventing spills from entering the drain system. Our polyurethane seals are compatible for use with a wide range of chemicals and fluids.
Use for: Preventing harmful substances from entering waterways.
Features: Quick to deploy, portable, reusable.
Analysing your spill containment needs shouldn’t be a chore. To get expert advice and assistance choosing the right solutions for your business, contact us on 1300 736 116 or click here.