Best Reusable Spill Control Supplies for Manufacturing and the Three Cs of Spill Control
Oil spills are a common safety hazard in the manufacturing industry. Regardless of their size, oil spills can pose a large threat to both workers and the environment. That’s why it’s important to have a spill control plan in place and to use the right spill control supplies.
In this article, we’ll explore workplace spill control for safety, emphasizing the 3 Cs: Control, Contain, Clean. We’ll delve into each step, discuss best practices, offer top spill control supplies, and provide a bonus tip to enhance workplace safety.
Spill control supplies are essential for any workplace that handles oil or other hazardous materials. The right spill control supplies can help to prevent spills from happening, contain spills if they do occur, and clean up spills quickly and efficiently.
What are the 3 Cs of Spill Control?
First, let’s review the three Cs of Spill Control. First, we have to “control” the spill, then “contain” it to keep it from spreading, and of course, “clean up”. Now, let’s look at each of these steps a little more in-depth.
Control:
While spill prevention is crucial, accidents still occur. That’s why it’s just as important to have a well-defined plan in place that allows workers to take immediate action to clean spills effectively when they happen.
Taking immediate action in response to a spill is crucial to minimize potential damage. The primary focus should be the safety of everyone in the vicinity. Additional hazards such as slippery surfaces or the presence of other hazardous substances should be identified. If necessary, secure the area and restrict access to prevent additional exposure.
Containment:
Once the spill has been assessed and controlled, the next step is to prevent it from spreading. By containing the spill within the smallest possible area, we can ensure the safety of workers, minimize financial losses, and safeguard the environment.
Spills in manufacturing facilities pose worker hazards. Even a minor oil spill or tracked oil can cause slips and falls. Proper spill containment training is crucial, enabling workers to recognize and handle spills safely.
The hazards of ineffective spill control procedures don’t stop at personal safety. Spills can also result in significant financial losses for manufacturing companies. Costs for environmental cleanup, fines for non-compliance, and reputational damage can all add up.
Furthermore, spills can also pose a significant risk to the environment. Effective spill control procedures should be put in place to help prevent oil from spreading and entering waterways and soil.
There are quite a few Spill Regulations for General Industry to protect the environment and support workplace safety. For example, the EPA’s Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule aims to minimize the occurrence of oil discharge into navigable waterways. And the Facility Response Plan (FRP) plan mandates that some facilities develop and submit a plan that outlines how they would respond in the event of a worst-case oil discharge.
Recommended Spill Containment Supplies:
SorbIts® Oil Absorbent SuperSocks™ are an excellent product for oil containment. These eco-friendly, reusable oil absorbent socks are over three times more absorbent than leading brands of disposable socks and snakes. When placed strategically around a spill, they create a physical barrier that prevents the spill from spreading further. This reduces the risk of environmental contamination and minimizes the cleanup area. By containing and absorbing spills, oil-absorbent socks and snakes contribute to floor safety. If you need something that takes up less space, you can also opt for a thinner version, the FlatSocks™.
SorbIts® Oil Absorbent Quilted Pads are one of the most flexible products. These reusable, launderable absorbent oil pads typically absorb 2-3X more than disposable absorbent spill mats. They are perfect for use in and around machines right at the source of leaks.
SorbIts® SlipBusters® Oil Absorbent Floor Mats serve as an excellent solution to prevent work boots from tracking oil. Designed specifically to address this issue, SlipBusters® oil absorbent floor mats not only effectively absorb oil but also significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. These mats have an oil-absorbent cotton pile that is particularly useful when placed on walk paths and in front of machinery areas, where leaks are likely to occur. In addition, the unique nitrile rubber base has 100% surface contact (no rubber cleats) to prevent fluid from seeping under.
Clean-Up:
After assessing and containing the spill, it’s time for the final step in spill control: cleanup. Clean-up methods vary based on the spill’s nature.
Due to this variability, it’s crucial to adhere to local and federal safety and environmental guidelines to ensure worker and environmental safety. Wearing proper PPE, like gloves, goggles, and appropriate clothing, is essential to protect against hazards.
During the clean-up process, it is essential to properly dispose of soiled single-use absorbents according to local regulations and guidelines to prevent further harm to the ecosystem. If you’re using SorbIts® reusable, laundered absorbents, soiled absorbents should be placed in their respective bin for collection.
Recommended Spill Control Supplies:
SorbIts® Oil Spill Wet Mops are laundered, reused, and delivered clean, making them environmentally friendly. They’re designed with antimicrobial fibers and can absorb 5-6x their weight in moisture, making them highly efficient in capturing and containing spilled oil.
SorbIts® Oil Absorbent Spill Kits help keep your plant ready for spills. They help keep your plant ready for spills whether it’s engine oil, transmission fluid, metalworking fluids, coolant, and hydraulic fluid. Each kit comes with a yellow seal for easy tracking along with reusable, laundered oil absorbent socks and pillows that are 2-3x more absorbent than other leading disposable absorbent products. Make sure you have the right spill kit and spill kit contents for each spill hazard.
ITU AbsorbTech’s Fully Managed Program might be something you didn’t even know you could take advantage of. We know it can be a lot to keep track of disposable absorbents, changes in your inventory needs, and changing costs, all on top of making sure your employees are safe. That’s why we created a fully managed, reusable, laundered absorbent program. It includes pick-up, laundering, and delivery of fresh, ready-to-go absorbents so you never have to worry about running out when you need them.
BONUS TIP:
We know there are technically only three Cs of spill control, but if there were a fourth it would undoubtedly be “communication.” Given the daily occurrence of spills and leaks, influenced by numerous factors, businesses — especially those operating in industrial settings — must also prioritize communication.
Verbal communication allows coworkers to quickly alert each other about spills, enabling a prompt response. When a spill occurs, notifying nearby coworkers can ensure that the spill is addressed immediately, minimizing the risk of accidents or further damage.
Visual communication through proper labeling of stations and equipment promotes standardization in your plant’s spill control procedures. When everyone in the workplace understands and follows a consistent set of protocols, it becomes easier to communicate and ensures that the appropriate response measures are taken. This consistency reduces confusion, enhances efficiency, and improves overall safety.
Not only is communication necessary between coworkers but it’s also required by the EPA’s Facility Response Plan (FRP) that a qualified individual must be identified as the go-to for communication. Whether they need to notify response personnel, assess possible hazards, or be able to direct cleanup activities.
To comply with OSHA regulations, facilities should have staff that are fully trained in fall protection, including the identification and mitigation of potential risks (like oil spills). Regularly conduct training sessions to educate employees about spill control protocols and emphasize the importance of immediate reporting.
Conclusion:
When addressing spill control and safety, it is essential to revisit the fundamentals: control, contain, and clean up. By adhering to these basic principles and integrating them into your spill control protocols, you can minimize oil spill safety risks and promote a safer work environment.
By providing proper employee training and emphasizing the importance of communication, your organization can confidently move forward, guided by the principle of going #Back2Basics.
