The 7 biggest mistakes when emptying spill pallets
It is common for liquids to leak, which can happen at any time—even when somebody storing the container on a spill has done everything right.
But what happens when there is a spill? How does the liquid come out of the collecting tray? This is not as trivial as it sounds: serious mistakes can happen when emptying spill pallets. Here's what you should not do in any circumstances—and how to do it right.
1. Doing Nothing
In the event of a leak, you must take immediate action, but do not panic.. safety always comes first.
First, you need to assess the risk posed by the leak and identify any spilled liquid and its quantity. Depending on the risk assessment, you may need to shut off and evacuate the area. If necessary, inform the fire brigade and any other auxiliary personnel.
To be quickly informed about leaks, we recommend using a hazardous substance SpillGuard® warning system. This innovative alarm system warns against leaks via loud beeping and flashing LED lights.
2. Not wearing appropriate protective equipment
Emptying a spill pallet should be done the same way as cleaning up any other leaks. One of the first steps is to use the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). These include at least:
Depending on the substance, other equipment, such as respiratory or body protection. Consult the operating instructions or safety data sheets.
3. Transporting and Dumping
When transporting or dumping, there is a significant risk of secondary leaks. Therefore, you should never move with the truck or by yourself. Even if several people lift together, the risk of contamination to the environment and the safety of employees is too high.
Even if the sump is filled with rainwater, never dump it! Contamination with the rest of the previously stored supplies is possible.
4. Drain the liquid with containers
When trying to drain the liquid, secondary leakage can quickly occur. And even if protective gloves are worn, unnecessarily large-scale contact with the hazardous material may arise. It is not necessary to take unnecessary risks.
Instead, use a pump or liquid aspirator to pick up the spilled liquid (if the fluid is small, an absorbent may also be sufficient). Remove the liquid from the drip tray and then check if any residues have remained. These can be taken up with an absorbent. Then, the drip tray should be thoroughly decontaminated/cleaned.
5. Using the same tool for all materials
Under no circumstance should the same tool (e.g. absorbent) be used for all chemicals. All pumps, liquid aspirators and absorbents must also suit the spilled substance!
Keep the appropriate products in front of you to have the right tool in case of any problems.
6. Unsuitable cleaning agents applied
Water or a suitable cleaner can decontaminate the sump depending on which liquid has leaked. However, avoid mechanical cleaning and do not use anything else that could damage the sump's material (such as abrasives), as it's functionality of the spill pallet can not be guaranteed otherwise.
7. Do not check other substances on the sump
Especially after a spill, you should thoroughly examine the substances you store on the sump. If incompatible operating materials are placed on the bottom of the previously held product, undesirable interactions may occur in the worst case. In any case, check the new substances are compatible.
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