You cannot make an omelette without breaking a few eggs. And when you're working with fluid, it's almost inevitable that some will leak onto the ground. It is obviously best to prevent it from happening at all, but if there is ever a leak, large or small, it's good to know what steps to take.
Prevention is better than cure
The steps below could help to prevent leaks or waste. This will reduce the risk of employees having accidents and is also desirable from an environmental perspective.
Provide your staff with training
Ensure that employees are trained, maintenance guidelines are written down and equipment is checked regularly. It is advisable to inspect fittings, hoses and seals every day. Do not wait too long before replacing parts. The storage of materials and fluids also requires careful consideration. Remember that not all fluids can be stored in the same way. Extra care is required if fluids such as oil are to be stored outside or close to water. In this scenario, leaks can quickly result in major consequences for the environment.
Oil spills or other fluid spills?
It is important to know what steps to take if there is a leak involving oil or any other fluid. The first step is to ensure that the type of fluid is known. It is then important to put on the correct protective clothing when the clean-up operation begins. Has anyone been hurt? Attend to this first before cleaning begins. It may seem obvious, but first try to stop the leak and then move on to cleaning up the fluid. Once it has all been cleaned up, keep your protective clothing on and clean the equipment if necessary. If the leak occurs outside the building, you should also alert the necessary authorities.
Stay up-to-date on the latest regulations and carry out regular training on handling oil and other fluids.
Need help from us?
Personal protective equipment (PPE) can be found in the webshop. If you have any questions you can contact us at knowledgecenter@kramp.com or you can contact your account manager.
* This article previously appeared in Kramp Focus Edition 2 2017