Monday, 12 September 2011

Bite-Sized Facts About Spill Containment

By Leticia Jenkins


With the increasing number of spill problems recorded, it is important that companies invest in spill containment procedures as part of their work safety measures. Chemical overflows are detrimental not only to the environment but also to the health of employees. But more than that, learning about how to contain spillage or investing in means of containing it will cost less than clean-up expenses.

Spill containment is the technique of restricting substance spillage such as sewage, chemical, or oil spills within the bounds of the area where the overflow took place. This process can be achieved though absorption or through barrier methods.

During incidents of oil spillage, Polypropylene materials serve as good instruments for absorption. These materials come cheap and lightweight, and are available in sock forms that can easily be wind around barrels. Further, polypropylene is strong enough to withstand constant stress as it works to limit the overflow.

One more method for containing overflows is by using inflatable stoppers or pneumatic bladders. These equipment can be used as sewage containers in drainage outflows. In times of sewage or chemical leaks, air is mechanically pumped in inflatable bladders to clog drains and prevent chemicals from contaminating water sources underground.

But then, chemical outflows do not only happen in sewage areas or water ways but also in land areas. The good thing about land-based spills however, is that it is easier to control. Small events of chemical spills can be solved by absorbent pads and socks that are readily available in the market. As for larger cases of spillage, storage drums and tanks may be used as better solutions.

Meanwhile, in contrast with the absorption method, controlling chemical spillage through a barrier system is viewed as a more environmentally friendly approach. This is due to the fact that inflatable stoppers and pneumatic bladders are reusable materials and that they allow the recycling of spilled chemicals.

Spill containment could be another expenditure for a company but this a brilliant strategy to make the working environment safe. It is an amazing way to keep the company against the expensive cost of spillage clean-up as well as a great way to protect employees from the dire and lasting effects of chemical exposure. Having to invest in this technology is beneficial to the company, its employees, and the environment.




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