Spill Cleanup: Assessing Your Needs

Advanced planning and preparation are crucial to successfully managing leaks, drips, sprays or spills. A spill contingency plan is a “game plan” that outlines what is needed to ensure a fast, aggressive and well-coordinated response to leaks, drips, sprays or spills. A spill contingency plan identifies the right tools and supplies that must be readily available in case of an emergency and also to control daily leaks and spills around your plant. Having the right spill control products, personal protective equipment (PPE) and decontamination/cleanup equipment to manage the type and volume of a potential spill is a must. The following questionnaire was created to both assess spill control needs and help develop a spill contingency plan.

Spill Products and Sorbents

Spill-maintenance products are used for everyday industrial situations involving cleanups or leaks. Typical maintenance leaks and spills involve oils, greases, lubricants, petroleum-based solvents, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, water, water-based cleaning solutions, antifreeze or other non-aggressive fluids.

Universal spill control products are items needed for spills involving aggressive liquids such as acids, bases and solvents. Examples of spill control products include berms, booms, dikes, kits, loose sorbents and neutralizers.

Sorbents can absorb and/or contain virtually any liquid found in today's work environment. There are three categories of sorbents: universal, petroleum and maintenance.

Universal sorbents can absorb almost any liquid. They will absorb aggressive liquids, such as acids and bases, as well as non-aggressive liquids and solvents, cleaners, water-based fluids, gasoline and alcohols. Most universal sorbents are made from either surfactant-treated polypropylene or expanded silicates.

Petroleum sorbents absorb oil and/or petroleum-based liquids. These sorbents will not absorb water or water-based liquids and are for use on land or water. Petroleum sorbents are made of polypropylene or treated cellulose.

Maintenance sorbents absorb non-aggressive liquids commonly found in manufacturing and maintenance operations to help maintain a clean and safe work environment. These sorbents are typically made of recycled materials, such as cotton, wool, cellulose or corn cobs. They can also be polypropylene or a combination of the materials listed above.

Sorbent Types

Sorbent pads or rolls may be used to catch leaks, drips and spray as they occur. They are also ideal for use in high-traffic aisles and next to machines. Pads may also be used under machines, conveyors and valves. Rolls offer the versatility of using the exact amount of sorbent needed—cut for use in small areas or use full size.

Sorbent booms or socks may be used around machines to keep the areas clean, safe and dry from leaks, drips and spray. Booms are also used to stop the spread of liquids and are the first line of defense for spill containment. Pads, rolls or pillows can be used to recover the spilled liquids once the booms are in place.

Sorbent pillows with drip pans may be used for nuisance leaks and drips from spigots and pipes. Sorbent pillows may be used for absorbing larger amounts of spilled liquids.

Loose sorbents are formulated to maximize absorption and minimize dust. They may be used to absorb liquids in heavy traffic areas. They may be sprinkled over a spill or broadcast over a large area. Loose sorbents are also used in packaging applications.

The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. No representation is made that the information or references are complete or remain current. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney.