Spill Management & Prevention Practices

Spills of hazardous materials can pose a significant risk to the environment, worker safety, and operational efficiency of an organisation.

Understanding proper spill management techniques is crucial for any workplace dealing with potentially harmful substances, in addition to mitigating any future spills.

Spill Prevention: The First Line of Defence

The best way to manage a spill is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Common causes of spills include:

• Refuelling processes
• Splitting or loose hoses
• Poor storage and decanting practices
• Outdated maintenance or servicing
• Damage to the underbody of vehicles or machinery

To mitigate these risks, implement proactive measures such as:

• Specific designated refuelling and filling stations
• Storage and segregation of hydrocarbons and chemicals according to manufacturer requirements
• Conduct thorough pre-start checks on equipment
• Regularly inspect hoses, connections, and drainage plugs for deterioration
• Check for oily residues that might indicate potential leaks frequently
• Properly prepare plant and equipment before parking, such as wrapping hose ends to prevent leaks

The 3 C's of Spill Response

When a spill occurs, follow the 3 C's process:

1. Control: Minimise the quantity released Isolate the source to prevent further contamination Conduct a risk assessment Select appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Source the correct spill kit
2. Contain: Restrict the spill to the smallest area possible Use absorbent pillows or booms to prevent spreading Create soil bunds to redirect or stop run-off to sensitive areas Prevent hydrocarbons from entering drains or waterways
3. Clean-up: Respond immediately to remove contamination Cover the spill with absorbent pads, pillows, or peat Place saturated materials into appropriate disposable bags Begin remediation according to site requirements

Spill Kits: Choosing the Right Tools for the Job

Not all spill kits are created equal. Different types of spills require specific kits:

• General purpose kits
• Hydrocarbon-specific kits
• Chemical/Hazchem-specific kits
• Marine-specific kits

A typical spill kit contains:

• Labeled container (not to be confused with a waste receptacle)
• Plastic gloves for handling materials
• Absorbent pads or mats
• Absorbent granules or peat
• Absorbent booms or socks
• Contaminated waste bags for disposal

When selecting items from a spill kit, consider the nature of the spill:

• Mats/Pads: Use white for water-based spills, blue/grey for general purpose, and pink for harsh chemicals.
• Booms/Socks: White or yellow/orange for floating on water, pink/grey for chemicals.
• Pillows: White for hydrocarbons, pink/grey for chemicals.
• Granules: Ideal for hard surfaces and windy conditions.
• Global Peat: Highly absorbent, organic, and contains oil-eating bacteria. Suitable for land and water use.

By implementing these spill management practices, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of environmental damage, ensure worker safety, and maintain operational efficiency.

Is it time you updated your operating procedures and policies but struggling to find the time on top of everything else? Reach out to the SHEQ Team today to find out how we can work with your business to create a safer workplace🌏