Solutions provided for hazardous oil spills

5th February 2021 By: Khutso Maphatsoe - journalist

Spill response company Spill Tech offers customers an efficient way to manage hazardousspillsand discharges. This includes an oil spill kit to deal with oil spills at fixed facilities, enabling a fast response to deal with small to medium spills.

The kits are designed for quick use to clean up or reduce the impact of a spillage. Often these kits, when used correctly, can make the difference between a minor incident or spill escalating to a major incident with environmental and cost implications.

The oil spill kit comprises a wheely bin, a spark-proof spade and a broom, oil scatter absorbent, oil pads, a 2 m to 4 m oil absorbent boom, universal absorbent pads, heavy duty carry disposal bags with ties and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as anti-mist goggles, gloves and a dust mask, as well as an instruction sheet. All spill kits can be tailor made to any specification.

The oil spill kit can be used at petroleum storage depots and on board when transporting hazardous material.

Spill Tech regional general manager Philani Masango explains that the priority is the first responder’s personal safety – so use of PPE is vital. When using the kit, it is important to identify the direction from which the spill is flowing to establish where to best position the boom. The absorbent polyprop boom must be spread out in a semicircle to contain the spill, with the boom working like a dam wall, explains the hazardous waste management company.

Additionally, the oil absorbent boom can be used to block off drains to ensure that contaminant does not enter into waterways, again this impacts on the cost of clean-up.

He adds that the the absorbent polyprop boom needs to be pressed down firmly onto the ground to eliminate any gaps that may permit seepage. The aim is to contain the spill as quickly as possible before any hazardous liquid or pollutant runs into drains or onto soil surfaces.

The absorbent oil scatter should be sprinkled directly onto the spill to cover the entire surface layer, allowing it to absorb the contaminant. Once the scatter is fully saturated, it has to be swept up using the spark-proof broom and then scooped with the spark-proof shovel into the disposable bags that are sealed with the ties and placed in the hazardous material bin.

“We recommended that Spill Tech’s special water-based Oil Sep biodegradable stain remover is applied to the area to wash and degrease the affected area. The degreaser is poured onto the area, which is worked in using the broom. The degreaser lifts the hydrocarbon or oil residue, after which the affected area can be washed or hosed down,” says Masango.

He adds that companies in the oil and lubricants industry are legally obligated to have spill kits on site and in their vehicles. Companies are also responsible for providing the necessary training for employees on how to use the kit correctly.

Spill Tech offers free training to customers to educate drivers and staff regarding the transport and management of oils or chemicals. The oil, chemical and universal (caters for both oil and chemical) spill kits are available for purchase on the company’s website.

“Spill Tech continues to provide spill kits of the highest quality to customers, coupled with specialised training in various languages to better understand what is required of them in the event of an oil spill,” Masango concludes.