Spill control starts before the spill

While spills are unlikely to be eliminated, prevention and mitigation can be practised to reduce the incidence of this event. Store-Safe provides some information on the key elements for spill control: evaluation, assessment, storage and spill retention.

Evaluating the storage points to eliminate the chance of spills tends to be common sense: make sure dangerous liquids are stored away from heavy traffic areas, are well ventilated if internal storage is required, use storage facilities with an Australian Standards rating and inspect the liquids regularly to examine potential corrosion of containers or storage facilities.

With self-assessment now a compliance for the storage of flammable or dangerous goods, it is important to know how and where to store dangerous liquids. The new standard AS1940/2004 is quite specific as to the ‘package groups’; it is recommended that a copy of AS1940/2004 be acquired or consult an accredited Dangerous Goods Consultant.

The safe and secure storage of dangerous liquids is a prerequisite in the workplace. Dangerous goods cabinets and stores that comply to Australian Standards can not only guard against accidental spillage, they can contain the liquids for easy mop-up and disposal.

Most quality storage cabinets and stores will have a bund in the bottom to contain spilt or leaking liquid. In addition, adequate ventilation should be featured to reduce the build-up of any potentially dangerous fumes. The store’s location in the workplace should also be considered.

Please note, decommissioned sea containers do not comply with Australian Standards and could attract a large fine from organisations such as WorkCover.

Spill retention is one of the most important aspects of spill mitigation. Action to curb the flow of any spilt liquid is paramount, especially if the spill is near a drainage point or close to the local environment. Emergency spill response kits, such as those from Store-Safe Envirosmart, enable a trained staff member to react quickly to an incident. The spill flow should be dammed or contained using an absorbent boom and the spilt liquid must be absorbed using approved absorption pads or retention materials.

Spilt liquids and spent absorption pads must be disposed of in an approved method, not in rubbish collection containers.