Are you putting together a spill containment solution for your workplace? Two experts in the industry have advice for you.
“Spill kits, berms, pallets and building sumps all need to be right-sized, have compatible chemistry and have specific detection features,” said Mandy Marxen, commercial marketing manager at U.S. Chemical Storage. “A damaged liquid level sensor or a faulty drain plug can turn a small leak into something that requires agency involvement and business interruption.”
Questions such as, “Do my sumps actually hold worst-case volume?” and “Are we compliant with local fire code and stormwater rules?” may arise, Marxen noted.
She says to “verify 10%/110% sump capacity against your largest container, especially during rapid growth or higher inventory.”
And once the solution is complete, Jennifer Weyant, technical services and training manager at New Pig, said, “one of the most important things to understand is the need for a consistent and scheduled inspection of spill kits and clean up supplies.”
Marxen seconded that thought.
“Make sure chemical drums are inspected weekly or even daily, depending on the chemical,” she said. “Keep rows short, with space around drums to avoid hidden failures. Just because you can fit 400 drums in the building doesn’t mean you should. If you use sump liners or portable containment, confirm the material is compatible with the chemical you’re storing.”
When there isn’t a solid inspection and supply reordering system in place, workers run the risk of finding spill kits empty when they need them most.
“It’s important to routinely inspect and refill spill supplies to make sure you’re always prepared,” Weyant said.
Added Marxen, “Spill containment is an engineered system, not a commodity.”
Compiled with the assistance of the International Safety Equipment Association.
