Sunday, September 8, 2013

Spill Containment Berms Prevent Accidents

By Helene Norris


In most situations but in particularly those that run a risk of contamination from harmful or toxic substances, safety should be a principle concern. Some materials may not pose a hazard though, if leaked, would still need to be maintained within a confined space so that there are no slips or other dangers. Spill containment berms are usually the most effective way to achieve this goal.

The purpose of a berm is to act as a barrier between two substances or environments. Because they are needed in such a wide variety of circumstances, this type of product is available in nearly a hundred different versions. Each main model style is designed to handle a particular type of issue but they all come in multiple variations to meet those small changes that create new situations.

As varied as the available models is the number of substances and circumstance that these products may be used to handle. They control the flow of virtually any type of liquid from water to most chemicals and acids. Solids such as grains, minerals, dirt, rice, rocks, sand and many more are easily contained within these walls.

Tarps, flow-stops and pallets are the three main categories in which most confinement barriers will fall. Within each grouping are dozens of design and style variations. All of them have the same basic goal though they may go about reaching it via different ways because they will be catered to fit a myriad of unique situations.

Pallets are most commonly, though not exclusively used in situations where canisters, barrels and boxes containing flowing products are being stored. This may be in a store room, on a ship, in a warehouse or other facility. Varying in actual appearance, they will generally feature cups, grates or other openings into which spilled products will enter and remain held within the a secured area until a clean up is possible.

One of the more versatile options is the flow-stop barrier. They can be used in storage situations as well as quickly deployed walls during an emergency situation. The range of available styles is extremely wide, stretching from solid formations in multiple heights and widths to L-shaped sectionals that vary in lengths and can be hooked together to make an enclosure of any size, as well as inflatable hose like tubes that fit securely in odd shapes and uneven terrain.

Tarps are mostly used under vehicles to protect the ground from leaking fluids. They are of multiple sizes in order to service something small like a motorcycle as well as a huge item such as a jumbo jet. Though there are some variations, the common factor is that the sheeting is edged with a wall that fold down when something rolls over it but immediately snaps back to its erect position to complete the confinement zone.

Spill containment berms are manufactured from several different materials, designed to safely contain virtually any substance they come in contact with. There sizes, shapes and styles will vary greatly as a necessity to meet the wide array of demands that are placed upon them. Whether being used for long term or temporary storage, maintenance or emergency situations, there is a model that can do the job.




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