Fluid Storage, Bunding & Spill Kits

Containing both new and used fluids in a workshop is an item that can often be overlooked.  Both waste oil and waste coolant are Prescribed Industrial Waste fluids.

Impacts

Disposing of these liquids or losing containment of them has serious environmental and potentially financial repercussions.  Even a small spill can create a significant environmental issue.  For example, one litre of oil disposed of incorrectly has the potential to contaminate one million litres of water!

Waste coolants also contain heavy metals such as copper and lead and therefore require appropriate disposal also.

It is important to note that waste coolant and waste oil should be kept in separate containers for collection.

 
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Prevention

Bunding is a cost effective and efficient way to reduce the potential environmental impact in the event of a spill.  Please note that a spill may come from storing new fluids OR waste fluids – both should be bunded.

Bunding should be designed to hold at least 110% of the largest container or 25% of total volume of the stored product for facilities storing small containers (for example drums).  Considerations should also be made whether the bund is exposed to eg: rainwater and its impact on the bunded volume available.  Bund and drum covers can be used to reduce these impacts. 

For cooling systems, where practicable cooling systems should be drained and that coolant reused.  This is particularly relevant when draining large systems and Tecalemit have designed a range of kits that can be used for draining, filtering and the refilling cooling systems.

Where it is not feasible to reuse coolant – no waste coolant or waste water containing coolant should be allowed to enter drained stormwater.  It should be stored and then disposed of appropriately.

A bund is designed to prevent a loss of containment of the liquid into stormwater, sewerage or soil.  A bunded space can be achieved in a variety of ways depending on your specific sites requirements.

  • A dedicated bund designed to have drums, IBCs stored onto of it;

  • A raised hump installed or moulded into a sealed floor to contain fluid within a certain space;

  • Completely sealed building perimeter to prevent escape of fluid outside or reaching a drain;

  • A dedicated oil storage area or structure  eg: An approved bunded shipping container;

 
 

Clean Up

In the event there is a spill it is important that your site has the proper equipment on hand to deal with the spill quickly and efficiently.  Tecalemit Spill Kits are specifically designed for use in cleaning up fuel, oil, petroleum and other similar liquids. Workshops all benefit from owning one of these kits as they contain:

  • Booms for perimeter containment

  • Fuel and Oil absorbent mats

  • Absorbent material

  • Appropriate PPE (Personal protective equipment)

  • Waste disposal bags

  • Spill cleanup instructions

Please note Kitty litter and sawdust are not appropriate absorbent materials for soaking up spills.

 
 

For further information please contact Tecalemit local sales rep.

Tecalemit Australia