Oil spills are dangerous for people’s health and for the environment. Hazards include fumes, ignition, suffocation, burns, water contamination, soil contamination, and fire. In the event of an oil spill, make sure you know what to do. Immediate measures can help prevent the oil spill from spreading. Make sure you have the presence of mind and follow this simple and effective oil spill cleanup procedure.
Emergencies can be a confusing time. So to make it easier for you, just remember the 3 C’s for handling any accidental spills. These are control, contain and clean up. To control the situation is to stop the cause or source of oil or to slow down the rate of oil release. To contain the oil spill is to minimize the oil damage by preventing the spill from spreading to other areas. Cleaning is the removal of contaminants or the oil itself from the affected area. Proper disposal of materials used in contamination removal is the final step in any cleanup.
Objective: To deal effectively with accidents due to spills to prevent adverse effects on the environment and on the people who clean up the contents of the spill.
Materials needed include:
-Stand by fire extinguishers
-Protective glasses
-Security continues
-Safety mask
-Closed footwear
-Oil spill containment bars or sleeves.
-Absorbent pads or rolls
The procedures are as follows:
I. Control of Oil Spills
1) Immediately take control of the situation.
2) If possible, stop the source of the leak. It can be done by closing a valve immediately or by standing the container upright.
3) Search for causes of ignition. Put out flames or turn off machines that are running.
4) Wear the proper safety gear. Vapors can be inhaled so make sure your entire body is well protected.
5) Report to management immediately. If possible, see your supervisor. Ask for help.
II. oil spill containment
1) If the oil or chemicals are near any type of drain, be sure to seal it off first.
2) Surround the oil spill with oil spill booms or booms. Enclose the area of ​​contamination.
3) Make sure you have secured all spill exit points.
3rd Oil Spill Cleanup
1) Place absorbent pads, pads or rolls directly over liquid.
2) Distribute the absorbent pads or rolls in the different areas to aid in cleaning.
3) Continue to apply and replace the absorbent pads until the last drop of liquid is absorbed.
4) Get ready with your plastic bags for dirty absorbents.
5) Place all soiled absorbent pads inside the plastic bag.
6) Rebag soiled absorbents to prevent leakage.
7) Then, once you have collected all the absorbent pads, place the absorbent barriers or socks inside the plastic bags.
8) Once you are done bagging everything, place the bags inside a drum or single container.
9) Label or label the container.
10) Immediately contact your waste manager for proper disposal.
Do not hesitate to contact your local Fire Department if you have a large spill. Almost all fire departments are trained to help control and clean up all types of spills. Depending on the location and size of the spill, you may be required by law to report it to state or federal EPA officials.