Sunday, November 10, 2013

Using Spill Containment Pallets Help Provide Safety For All

By Katrina Wheeler


The use of chemicals in many of the processing or manufacturing plants, across the country, brings with it dangers if and when the containers cause a spill. The many different chemicals can impact the safety and health of the personnel working around them and are not to be treated lightly. A problem can be avoided by using a material handling system that utilizes spill containment pallets within it.

Metal and even the plastic type containers that have chemicals in them will leak. They can get hit by moving equipment or they can fall from the pallet or emptying station. They can be riddled with rust and many people will not notice until it is too late. Any and all of this damage can cause that leak. It is what happens after that leak that determines whether you have a problem or not.

If the leakage gets on the floor or a processing surfaces, it will have to be dealt with according to the procedures proscribed by the EPA, OSHA and, possibly, the FDA. These regulations will require the shutting down of that particular area and there goes production for a good portion of the rest of the day. This is not something to mess around with.

All non contaminated materials will have to be removed from the area as well as all personnel. These people will have to be sidelined or sent to other lines to work. Barriers will then be set up to keep other people out and hazardous material handling teams will be called. The removal and clean up of the chemical will then begin.

The chemical will have to be neutralized before anything else can happen. This is accomplished by using the right counter agents to make it inert. This will also help ensure it does not become more airborne than it already might be. This material will go into a special drum prepared for this purpose. The proper disposal will be accomplished by a company certified and licensed for this. The final tasks will include a janitorial cleaning that will remove any residue.

Procedures for the recovery of a spill will not have to go into effect if there is no spill. The leaking of the drum or barrel will go into the reservoir that is in the bottom of this specially designed containment pallet. They come in enough different sizes that all of the contents of these containers will fit in that reservoir. This is an easy way to keep the plant running and all personnel are safe from any chemical spills.

Any leak noticed in the containers on one of these pallets can be taken care of by moving the pallet out of the area. The production can continue as another pallet can be brought into the area. The leaking drum, on the pallet, can be moved to a cleaning area where it can be emptied and the pallet can be neutralized and cleaned up.

Since there is no spill, there is no need for all of the processes that must be undertaken and the personnel shifts that would otherwise be needed. The safety you provide to your employees because of the spill containment pallets is well received by them and they help monitor these important elements. This allows them to spend their time on the world class products you produce instead of hanging out in the beak room.




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