Innovative absorbent and spill control products for control of spilled liquids
For greater safety of employees and working environment
May 05, 2021
Leaks, drips and spills in industry can pose major safety risks, both for employees and for machinery, equipment and the environment. The risks are effectively reduced by using absorbents, liquid retainers, granular absorbents, chemical absorbents and other solutions. Spills most commonly occur in exterior and interior storage areas, around machinery and equipment, at loading bays, during maintenance, etc.
Why is spill control so important?
Beyond the obvious need to protect our environment and to reuse or recycle as often as we can, a proper spill control programme can create a safe and productive work environment for your employees. By complying with safety regulations around spill control we provide our people with the conditions that allow for the greatest productivity and the least amount of down time for our facilities.
SPC absorbents and other spill control products protect against unexpected spills, leaks and drips. With SPC absorbents we can control different spills (oil, water, acids, various chemicals and other industrial fluids).
For successful containment of spilled liquids, it is important to choose the right absorbent. Following these 3 steps will help you find the right absorbent for your needs:
1. step
Know what you are absorbing: you need to use different absorbents for different types of spills. Universal absorbents are suitable for water or oil-based fluids. Oil-only absorbents are used for oil and other petroleum-based spills. For hazardous chemical fluids you need to use chemical absorbents, which will not react with aggressive fluids.
2. step
Identify your application:
General purpose absorbents wiping, to contain slow leaks we use pads, pillows, SOCs, liquid retainers under containers and pallets, etc.
Heavy foot and forklift traffic: mats and rugs, which prevent liquid from penetrating the absorbent and reaching the floor underneath.
Emergency spill response: Spill Kits bundle all the necessary products to clean up an unexpected spill.
Specialty absorbents (marine environments): boom, sweep and drag nets, granular absorbents when acid/base neutralization is required prior to spill clean-up.
3. step
Select absorbent features: coverstock, absorbency weight, mechanical resistance, type of removal of absorbent material, size options of absorbent.
What to do when a spill occurs?
Identify spilled product. If you are not familiar with the liquid and its chemical properties, evacuate the area and contact proper authorities.
Risk assessment: evaluate the type of material spilled and identify the source.
Protective clothing: wear the appropriate protective gear for the situation. If the source or the material are not identifiable assume the worst.
Containment: contain the liquid and seal drains.
Stop the source: close valves, rotate punctured drums and plug leaks where it is possible and safe to do so.
Begin clean-up: use SPC sorbents to absorb spilled liquids.
Contact authorities: report the spill to the proper legal authorities in your community. Be sure to fill out all necessary reports in accordance with local laws.
Disposal of used material: absorbent materials take on the characteristics of whatever they absorb. Be sure to dispose of used absorbents and spilled liquids in accordance with local laws.
Decontaminate: clean all tools and reusable materials properly before reuse.
Restock materials: replace absorbent materials and safety equipment used in any clean-up operation.
Review contingency plans and procedures!
Our specialists for Safety at work in industry advise you on choosing the right solutions for controlling possible liquid spills. We offer a wide range of high-quality products for the prevention and containment of spills from the manufacturer Brady SPC. We offer spill control products for various areas (industry, laboratories, hospitals, schools…) and different purposes. Contact our specialist for more information.
CONTACT
Jurij Žvab Cable Management | Industrial Identification | Safety at Work T: +386 40 755 559 |