Absorb the environmental risks of oils, chemicals & everyday liquids - Part 2

Absorb the environmental risks of oils, chemicals & everyday liquids.

Part 2 Presented By New Pig UK

www.newpig.co.uk • www.facebook.com/newpiguk • www.newpigukblog.co.uk • Freephone 0800 919 900

Environmental Health & Safety Manager

Waste Manager

Facilities Manager

Site Manager

Maintenance Manager

Warehouse Manager

Operations or Production Manager

Technical Specialist

Stores Manager

Purchasing Officer

Lab Technician


This presentation will be of special interest if you hold any of the following positions:

Unless properly identified and addressed in risk assessments, non oil-based liquids can cause environmental damage and pose financial consequences to your business such as a risk of prosecution, considerable cleanup costs, increased insurance premiums and a damaged reputation.

Part 2 of New Pig UK’s presentation outlines techniques on how you can protect the environment and safely store, handle, transport and dispense non oil-based liquids in your workplace.

Oil spills are damaging and are the cause of 25% of all pollution incidents. And with the Oil Storage Regulations in place and enforced, all of us have clear guidelines to follow and help protect our environment.

But what about the 75% of water pollution incidents that aren’t caused by oil? There are no liquid-specific regulations to guide us to do the right thing except our conscience. This lack of guidance may lead to a greater risk of causing pollution if we don’t identify and assess all of the liquids in our workplace.


75% of water pollution incidents aren’t caused by oil

Non oil-based liquids such as coolants, detergents, food and drink, anti-freeze and other chemicals account for 75% of water pollution incidents.

TOWARDS A MORE SUREFOOTED WORKPLACE

Preventing non oil-based liquids from reaching watercourses begins by storing your liquids properly and in the right location. Follow these helpful hints:

1. Develop an incident response plan – Include an up-to-date inventory of all substances on site, pollution prevention equipment, a contact list, a detailed site & drainage plan and spill procedures.

2. Track and record all liquids – Have up-to-date records of all substances stored and used on site. Appoint a responsible person to supervise & record all deliveries of substances.

3. Ensure liquid containers are fit for purpose – Make sure primary storage containers are of sufficient strength and integrity to ensure they don’t burst or leak.

4. Inspect containers – Develop routine inspection procedures to check storage containers for leaks and check all floors & storage facilities are in good condition.


Prepare to protect the environment

The incident response plan should include an up-to-date inventory of all substances stored on site, a contact list, inventory of your pollution prevention equipment, a detailed site & drainage plan and procedures for staff to follow.

TOWARDS A MORE SUREFOOTED WORKPLACE


Prepare to protect the environment

You will need to be able to seal drains quickly if storage space is limited and containers need to be stored near drains, watercourses and un-surfaced areas. A site and drainage plan of your facility will help you determine the risk.

5. Locate liquid storage areas smartly – Review your site & drainage plan to determine where best to store containers. If they need to be stored near drains, watercourses or un-surfaced areas ensure you can seal drains quickly.

6. Segregate liquids – Store incompatible liquids in different areas to help avoid bigger problems later.

7. Employ secondary containment – Build in-floor bunding solutions and store liquid waste containers within bund walls or use spill containment pallets and decks to capture leaks and spills.

8. Don’t overload pallets – Overloading spill pallets beyond their weight capacity can lead to hazardous liquid spills that can find their way into the environment with poor spill cleanup.

9. Supply compatible absorbents & spill kits – Keep spill cleanup absorbents and spill kits close at hand – particularly in storage & delivery areas. Ensure staff know their location and are trained on how to use absorbents and spill kits.

There are many highly effective solutions that have been developed to ensure safe storage and handling of your everyday liquids:


Solutions to store, transport and dispense liquids safely

All companies should be looking at ways to properly manage, store and handle the liquids in the workplace. By agreeing to a company philosophy where prevention and environmental protection are paramount, liquid spills can be cleaned up effectively & environmental risks reduced.

1. Safe Storage

Containment Pallets & Decks capture leaks and spills from containers in the pallet sump to prevent from reaching drains.

Trays & Basins capture leaks from small containers. Consider using PVC material that can be moulded to your custom-sized liquid storage areas.

2. Safe Drainage

Drain covers tightly seal drains to prevent spills from entering the environment.

Spill Blockers create a temporary barrier to divert liquid spills away from drains.

Spill Containment Barriers permanently surround machines or work areas to contain liquid spills.


More solutions to store, transport and dispense liquids safely

All companies should be looking at ways to properly manage, store and handle the liquids in the workplace. By agreeing to a company philosophy where prevention and environmental protection are paramount, liquid spills can be cleaned up effectively & environmental risks reduced.

3. Safe Transporting

Mobile Dollies capture leaks and spills from containers and transport safely.

Drum Trucks safely and easily move and load drums onto spill pallets to prevent spillages during transport.

4. Safe Dispensing

Drum Funnels have splash-free pouring mechanisms to prevent spills whilst filling and dispensing.

Drum Pumps transfer liquids safely and quickly to prevent spills during dispensing.

Pop-Up Fill Gauges indicate when drums are full to capacity to prevent spills from over filling drums.


Summary of findings

In 2008, companies paid over £3 million in fines for serious pollution incidents, with around a quarter of these awarded for water pollution offences.

Environmental spills from oils, chemicals and everyday liquids not only cause harm to animals, aquatic and human life, but also have expensive, potentially disastrous consequences for businesses.

Crucial to reducing the risk posed to the environment from non oil-based liquid spills is the safe storage and handling of all liquid kept on your premises. Best practice recommends that you:

1. Understand the risk

2. Develop an incident response plan

3. Obtain recommended solutions

4. Continually re-assess liquids

5. Communicate

Absorb the environmental risks of oils, chemicals & everyday liquids - Part 2

Self Improvement

Transcript of Absorb the environmental risks of oils, chemicals & everyday liquids - Part 2