In industries and warehouses, one should expect to come across an oil and fuel spill. In the UK, there are 3,000 oil spills in marine areas alone annually, and the likelihood is just as high on land. Oil and fuel spills present a particularly challenging scenario, not only due to their potential environmental impact but also because of the immediate danger they pose to safety and operations. Implementing proper oil spill solutions is essential to managing these incidents effectively.

The ability to respond swiftly to oil and fuel spills is about more than just having the right tools, but also about understanding how to mitigate oil spills by acting quickly and safely. By equipping oneself with the knowledge and resources provided by leaders in spill response like SpillShop, businesses and individuals can significantly limit the risks associated with such spills, ensuring environmental protection and workplace safety through effective oil spill containment techniques.

In this blog, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to mitigate oil spills, and how specialised spill kits can benefit your response.

Why Is Oil A Hazard in the Workplace?

Also known as petroleum, oil is a volatile petrochemical that carries a high-risk factor. It is a highly flammable substance whose vapours are heavier than air at room temperature, meaning even when very low concentrations are mixed into the air, the atmosphere becomes explosive. In both fuel and lubrication forms, it is designated as a dangerous substance in the UK, and legislation demands a high standard of oil spill containment and, in case of a spill, a quality spill kit on workplace premises.

Additionally, oil spills emit vapours that can affect the respiratory system and cause damage to the environment, from polluting soil and groundwater supplies, as well as causing blockages in sewage systems. Effective oil spill containment is paramount to safeguarding the health and safety of your workplace.

The Benefits of Oil & Fuel Spill Kits

Even if the liquid spilt is not hazardous itself, spills can result in serious injury to workers if not taken care of quickly. An industrial workplace is a haven for spills to happen, and with workplace compliance legislation in mind, having appropriate oil spill solutions is essential.

At SpillShop, our oil and fuel spill kits are designed for comprehensive oil spill containment and response, encompassing everything required in a convenient package. These kits, available in various packaging from shoulder bags to wheeled bins, allow for a swift and less hazardous clean-up process, reducing the potential for accidents. They offer a cost-effective solution, helping to mitigate oil spills before they become unmanageable by bundling necessary cleaning supplies which can be tailored to suit different workplace environments or spill sizes. Plus, when you’ve run out of consumable equipment, we offer affordable refills to ensure your kit is always ready for the next spill incident.

What Should Be in an Oil Spill Kit?

An effective oil spill kit should give you everything you need to have an effective oil spill response when an accident occurs. Key components include:

Absorbent Socks and Pads: These are essential for initially containing and then mopping up spills respectively. Their design allows for quick deployment around or directly onto the spill, preventing further spread and facilitating cleanup.
Disposal Bags: Post-cleanup, the safe and compliant disposal of contaminated materials is critical. These bags ensure that used equipment can be securely transported and disposed of.
Plugging Granules and Drain Covers: For breaches in containers or to prevent spills from contaminating watercourses, these items offer immediate solutions to contain the situation.
Drip Trays: Essential for catching ongoing leaks from machinery, and mitigating further spillage.
Protective Gear and Instruction Sheets: Ensuring the safety of personnel and providing clear, step-by-step cleanup procedures are paramount for effective spill response.

How to Clean Up Oil & Fuel Spills

What to Do Before Starting Oil Spill Clean-Up

Before tackling any oil or fuel spill, it is crucial to be adequately prepared and take swift action. This means having a spill kit on hand that is specifically designed for oil and fuel spills.

Firstly, identify the nature of the spilt substance and respond accordingly. Different liquids present different hazards and severity of hazards. Ensure that everyone involved in the cleaning process wears appropriate protective equipment – in situations that cast doubt about what to wear, it’s best to opt for the highest level of protection available. Use the equipment in your spill kit to deal with the oil/fuel spill, starting with placing caution tape around the spill and trapping it in one area with the absorbent socks.

Stopping the Spill from Spreading

Though a viscous liquid, petroleum still travels when split, and can create a larger hazardous area or seep into sewage systems if not stopped in its tracks. Firstly, consider if there are any drips from equipment that need to be collected with a drip tray, or any drains that need to be covered with the drain covers. Use the absorbent socks in our oil and fuel spill kits to circle the spill, forming a guard around the entirety of the area which soaks up any oil which may touch the socks.

Removing Ignition Sources

Oil vapour makes the atmosphere around it flammable, so it is vital to isolate and remove any sources of ignition that may be nearby. Perform a sweeping check of the area, and if any ignition sources are present – including but not limited to open flames, blow torches, soldering irons, electric lamps, glowing embers, arc welders, flammable chemicals and electric motors – make sure they are turned off if electrical, and removed from the area as soon as possible.

Cleaning Up the Oil

Once all areas of the spill have been contained and all ignition sources are isolated, begin to use the absorbent pads to clear the area. Equipment such as scoops and shovels can assist with lifting large amounts of oil into a suitable container such as a drip tray. Once done, dispose of the non-reusable equipment using the disposable bags provided.

Disposing Equipment After Use

Post-incident, store all used equipment appropriately, launder any protective clothing worn and then concentrate on personal cleanliness such as washing thoroughly with soap and water. Move any containers used to contain the oil to a safe area by a wall to avoid becoming an obstruction.

Choose SpillShop for Quality Spillage Control

SpillShop is the UK’s premier provider of oil spill solutions, offering a comprehensive range of oil and fuel spill kits of all sizes. Our products ensure your workplace remains safe, compliant, and prepared for any spill incident, providing effective tools to mitigate oil spills and ensure proper oil spill containment. For those seeking reliable spill response equipment, SpillShop’s expertise and extensive selection stand ready to meet your needs, offering both standard and customised solutions. Contact us today for more information.

How to Rectify Oil & Fuel Spills the Right Way