|
|
|
|
For some businesses, spill control planning and all the associated equipment that goes with it is only about being compliant, despite a new generation taking the reins of business who are by nature and social conscience invested in solutions for protecting the environment. No matter where you stand, you do not have to explore too deeply to realise potentially the harsh impact on the environment if enforceable compliance measures were not put into place. Collectively the hazardous leaks and spills that go to ground on any given day have so much potential to reach far from the source of the spill negatively impacting many habitats. Being compliant is being part of solutions, often very simple solutions to protect our environmental future.
|
|
In its most basic form, hazardous liquids are those that create environmental pollution or are harmful to human and animal species' health. To break it down further, Liquids and chemicals that:
- Cause physical hazards e.g., flammability
- Health hazards e.g., toxicity and carcinogenicity
- Environmental hazards e.g., liquids and chemicals that are hazardous to land and/or aquatic environments.
|
|
The source of where leaks and spills happen could create a list as far as it is long as it is wide. But if you are a business that works with hazardous liquids you are already a potential risk. Maybe your business or worksite falls into one of these descriptions:
- Depots, farms, fuel stations and airports storing large amounts of fuel
- Farming and businesses using and storing large amounts of pesticides
- Hospitality and commercial kitchen facilities using and storing new and used cooking oils
- Mechanical and machinery workshops use of new and storing of used oils and fuel
- Beverage manufacturing including dairy, alcoholic beverages and juice
- Local government sites and depots storing oil, fuel, paints and pesticides
- Transport, freight forwarders and distribution warehouses storing and transporting a wide range of hazardous liquids
|
|
Both ground and surface water are very vulnerable to liquid pollutants from hazardous leaks and spills. The extent of the contamination will depend on the type of liquid entering the environment and its ability to move through and into the environment. Even clean water from rain can be a vehicle for pollutants to spread and if access is gained via stormwater drains, harmful pollutants may access waterways harming plants and wildlife who depend on these natural resources. Human health can also be impacted by hazardous liquids polluting drinking water and food sources.
|
|
1. Identify and Manage Risks
Assess all activities that have the potential for leaks and spills to occur from the storage, transporting and decanting of hazardous liquids. From what you identified you can then implement reasonably and practicable controls to manage and reduce the site's risks. Always have an emergency plan with trained staff who can manage a spill and review your implemented controls regularly.
|
|
2. Correctly store your liquids and utilise Secondary Containment
Store liquids on sealed surfaces and where possible undercover. Look at your storage surroundings and avoid locations that are higher in risk of leaks and spills reaching stormwater drains or land contamination. Utilise secondary containment solutions for if and when your container or transfer apparatus fails. Envirosmart manufacture and provide a great range of bunding products to prevent liquids from escaping:
- Floor Bunding: Aluminium Bunding, Drive Over Bunding and Flexi Floor Bunding
- Temporary Bunding: Spill Bunds, Collapsible Bunds and Rigid Bunds
- Bunded Spill Pallets: For storing Drums, containers and IBCs. Framed covers are also available for outdoor environments
Spill Kits are also an essential part of a spill control plan and provide the correct components to safely clean up a spill on land and water. SpillSmart Spill Kits are available in a range of sizes for applications including:
General Purpose: Oil & water-based liquids, Non-hazardous liquids, Paints, Ink, Glue, Coolants, Hydrocarbons including Oils, Fuels and Grease.
Hazchem: Class 5 & 8 dangerous goods, most acids, caustics, coolants, solvents, oil and water-based liquids.
Oil & Fuel (Hydrocarbon): Oils, Fuels, Diesel, Solvents, Grease Hydraulic Fluid and Cooking Oils.
Oil & Fuel (Marine): Oils, Fuels, Hydrocarbons, Diesel and Oil-based products.
|
|
3. Provide evidence you are complying with the law on hazardous leaks and spills
This is nothing more than documenting and keeping a record of the great things you have put into place. This may include and is not limited to your risk assessments, controls and emergency procedures
|
|
|
|
|
9 Unley St. Brendale QLD 4500
Customer Hotline: 1300 302 428
International / Direct: +61 7 3889 6677
|
|
|
|
Mailing Address:
PO Box 5235. Brendale DC Qld 4500
Email: sales@envirosmart.com.au
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
