Spill Containment Blog

Spill Containment Blog

Spill Containment and Spill Cleanup Solutions

Forklift Safety Is Overlooked: Learn Why and What to Do About It

by

forklift operator wearing PPESince their invention in the early 20th century, forklifts have become not just useful, but necessary machines in any industrial setting. These powerful and versatile tools have greatly expanded our abilities to lift and move large objects easily — but that power, when not handled properly, can easily become dangerous.

Last month, an employee at a Florida building products company was pinned between a forklift and some metal shelving, and died after being transported to the hospital. A few months before, a New Jersey construction company employee backed his forklift over a coworker, who was left in critical condition.

There are enough tragic news stories like these. To avoid adding another one to the list, there are two main hazards that are important to avoid:

  1. Hitting head on the overhead cage
  2. Slips, trips, and falls (especially feet slipping off a step)

Although these may seem like simple mistakes to avoid, when you’re using a forklift every day, it’s easy to grow complacent with repetition. Make sure you’re following these best practices to avoid forklift accidents.

  • Keep your hands clean and dry to prevent slipping when grabbing the handhold.
  • Check your shoes for grease before entering the vehicle.
  • Grasp the handhold (not the steering wheel) with a solid grip when entering the vehicle.
  • Watch your footing carefully when entering or leaving the vehicle.
  • Lower your body carefully when exiting the vehicle (do not jump down).
  • Wear appropriate footwear.

shop forklift matsTo improve forklift safety in your workplace, try our forklift mat. This mat not only helps to prevent slips and falls by absorbing hydraulic fluids, oil, or battery acid that may leak from forklifts, but it has the added bonus of protecting your floors from these leaks as well.

This superabsorbent polypropylene mat has a non-penetrable, non-skid vinyl backing and won’t be damaged by forklifts driving over it — even through many years of use. Prevent slips and falls with this affordable product, which comes in rolls, allowing it to be cut to the desired length.

email iconDo you have the right safety products on hand for your workplace? To find out, contact Angie Meza at angie@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

Do Your Part: Stop Runoff Pollution with Drain Guards

by

drain guard filter installStorm water pollution is a growing concern on both local and national levels. Storm water runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snow flows over non-absorbent surfaces. Such as driveways, sidewalks, and roads. These surfaces prevent the water from soaking into the ground, like it would on natural dirt or grass areas.

The real issue isn’t simply that runoff exists. The problem is that storm water picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants which then flow into a sewer system. Or, directly into natural bodies of water like rivers and lakes. Anything that enters a storm sewer system then discharges into the bodies of water that we use for swimming, fishing, and even drinking water.

This polluted runoff can adversely affect plants, fish, other animals — and, yes, even people. Which is why the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has strict regulations governing clean water.

There are a few major problem areas when it comes to storm runoff. For example, parking lots are a huge source of pollution. Cars and trucks drip oil and grease, which then carry into catch basins by rain water. Vehicle storage and service areas can sometimes be even worse than parking lots in terms of the oil and grease contaminants. Construction sites and industrial sites are hotbeds of vehicle and equipment fluids. And, of course, the loose dirt found at most construction sites is easily carried away into our sewer systems and natural bodies of water.

How Drain Guards keep runoff clean

Do your part in preventing storm runoff from carrying contaminants into local sewers and rivers — invest in the Drain Guard.

Drain Guard is a simple device with a design that fits most drain catch basins. A metal grate holds the guard in place so that it can filter out coarse sediments, oil, grease, litter, and debris from storm water.

Drain Guards are available in three models, based on your needs:

  • Oil and Sediment Model — This model has a geotextile outer material that removes oil and grease from water as it passes through the Drain Guard.
  • Oil and Sediment Plus Model — This model is the same as the Oil and Sediment Model. Except it also contains X-Tex absorbent filter strips to more effectively remove oil and grease.
  • Trash and Debris Model — This model’s design is specifically to catch larger items. Such as cigarette butts, candy wrappers, and paper goods.

Protect your local water systems and storm sewers. Install Drain Guards today and help eliminate storm water pollutants!

Have questions about which Drain Guard is right for your needs? Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

With Industrial Floor Mats, You Can Keep Trucking Along

by

absorbent industrial forklift floor matA mat is a mat — right? Wrong!

Although we rarely pay much attention to the mats scattered around our homes and our workplaces, each performs a particular function to make the facility safer.

Industrial floor mats are one of the easier ways to keep floors dry and conditions tidy. In fact, OSHA 1910.22 dictates good floor housekeeping around the workplace. Including the requirements that:

“the floor of every workroom shall be maintained in a clean and, so far as possible, a dry condition. Where wet processes are used, drainage shall be maintained, and false floors, platforms, mats, or other dry standing places should be provided where practicable.”

How to choose the right industrial floor mat

Take a look around your facility and seek out places where floors may be accident prone. Then, review this handy guide to find the perfect mat for every problem.

  • For vehicle parking: The Forklift mat will protect your flooring from damage by oils or battery acids. And, as a bonus, it is excellent at preventing slips and falls!
  • camo-pattern industrial mat pad and rollCatch drips and leaks: The Oil drip mat is super absorbent and will absorb oil, coolants, solvents, and water. This mat is also good at preventing slips and falls.Alternatively, the Survivor mat is a universal absorbent and can take the punishment of everyday wear and tear. It’s camo patterning is also a great way to disguise dirt and grime.
  • Hide grime: For high-traffic areas, try the Rag rug industrial absorbent floor mat. Made from recycled material, this mat can absorb grunge without looking dirty.
  • For heavy-duty oil drips: For the machinery that will deal out major oil drips, the Railroad containment absorbent track mat will serve nicely. This is the heaviest, thickest, and most absorbent barrier mat available.

No matter what your needs, industrial floor mats are one of the most inexpensive solutions for keeping floors clean and safe. And the best part? No assembly required!

Travis ZdrazilWant to learn more about absorbents or industrial floor mats? AbsorbentsOnline can help. Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

Relieve Standing Pain with Anti-fatigue Floor Mats

by

worker standing on the assembly lineWhen you and your workers leave to go home each day, is there pep in your step … or a pain in your back? For workers who have to stand all day long, foot, knee, and back pain can be serious problems. To counter the effects of standing for extended periods during work, anti-fatigue floor mats might be the solution you’ve been looking for.

You’ve probably heard the much-repeated health mantra, “sitting will kill you.” But even though standing for extended periods throughout the day is better for your health than sitting for the same amount of time, standing can put a strain on your health as well if you are not careful. When you’re standing up, your heart has to work harder to pump blood through your body — not to mention that you’re putting extra weight and pressure on your joints.

Are anti-fatigue mats a good investment?

So anti-fatigue mats will make you and your workers more comfortable. And make your work environment healthier. But is there a downside?

Actuallly … no! They have a long life expectancy (3-8 years), so you won’t need to worry about frequently replacing them. They’re strong and easy to clean, so they won’t add undue extra work for you. They’re National Floor Safety Institute Approved for non-slip so they won’t solve one health risk while introducing another. Plus they have beveled sides for safety and ease of cart traffic, so they won’t get in the way of your work.

Indoor anti-fatigue mats

anti-fatigue kitchen floor matAbsorbentsOnline offers two types of indoor anti-fatigue floor mats to increase worker productivity and keep you feeling great all day long: Anti-fatigue floor mats and anti-fatigue kitchen mats.

Whatever your criteria, our mats can meet it:

  • Size — We offer our anti-fatigue mats in sixteen different sizes, so you can find the right size for your work area no matter what.
  • Thickness — Most anti-fatigue mats are only 3/8″ thick — and some are as thin as 5/8″! Our 3/4″ mats offer the best cushion and comfort.
  • Density — Unlike the heavy mats from our competitors, our mats are lightweight and easy to move.
  • Wet or Dry — Our mats function equally well in wet and dry environments.

Outdoor anti-fatigue mats

outdoor anti-fatigue matDo your workers spend long periods of time standing outdoors? Good news — there’s an anti-fatigue mat for them, too!

These specialty outdoor mats use a heavy-duty vulcanized rubber construction with a textured surface for extra grip. It’s an excellent way to improve the standing comfort of your road work crew, like flaggers.

As well as being purpose-built to withstand hot or cold weather conditions, it’s portable and lightweight enough to easily fit in your truck cab at the end of the day.

If you’re looking to boost productivity and comfort and increase the health and safety of your workplace, you don’t have to look any further than anti-fatigue floor mats. Durable, long-lived, easy to clean, and affordable — what more do you need? If you still want to learn more, then check out Benefits of Using Anti-Fatigue Mats In The Workplace.

Angie MezaDo you have the right safety products on hand for your workplace? To find out, contact Angie Meza at angie@absorbentsonline.com or call (800) 869-9633.

Which Floor Dry Absorbent Should I Use On A Spill?

by

floor dry granular absorbentWhen you have a non-aggressive fluid spill, do you know which floor dry absorbent will take care of the problem? The answer depends on what was spilled — and, of course, how much.

Familiarize yourself with the different kinds of granular sorbents in order to ensure that when you have a non-aggressive fluid spill, you’re prepared to handle it quickly and efficiently. Not to mention, help keep your facility in compliance with OSHA by minimizing slip and trip hazards.

Granular absorbents to dry up floor spills

Here are some granular floor dry absorbent options, depending on which fluids you might be dealing with:

For small spills and routine maintenance, Super Sorbent is your best bet. This granular sorbent comes in small, easy-to-use shakers that can be distributed throughout your facility to make spill response quick and painless. This sorbent will work on oils, coolants, solvents, and water.

Gran-Sorb granular absorbentDealing with a larger spill? Consider using Gran-sorb. This sorbent has a 1:1 absorbency rate, so 15 pounds of sorbent will absorb 15 pounds — which is equivalent to approximately 2 gallons — of oil. Besides being great for dealing with oil spills, Gran-sorb can also handle lubricants and most other non-aggressive liquids.

Are you only concerned about oil spills? For this specific use, the Peat Moss Absorbent floor dry is a good choice. This sorbent is an all-natural, biodegradable option specifically for oil spills and can be incinerated after use.

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty absorbent, look no further than Corn Cob Absorbent, which can hold an astounding four times its weight in fluids! This biodegradable floor dry product is made from ground corn cobs and is appropriate for water, solvents, oils, and coolants.

Like any absorbent product, different floor dry absorbents are designed to meet different needs. It is always wise to have a variety on hand so you can be prepared for any kind of spill!

Travis ZdrazilWant to learn more about absorbents for your facility? AbsorbentsOnline can help. Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or toll free on (800) 869-9633.

Oil Absorbents Help to Handle a Motor Boat Oil Spill

by

Why oil absorbents can be the boaters’ best friend

oil absorbent pads

Oil absorbent pads are a fast and effective way to clean up spills on the water

We all know the saying: “Oil and water don’t mix.” It’s an adage that has persisted for a good reason. When marine oil spills happen, it’s more than just inconvenience. If not handled and contained properly, a marine oil spill can lead to disaster.

We get it … mistakes happen. But knowing how to handle this type of oil spill — and of course, having the right resources on hand to deal with it — is essential for environmental conservation, not to mention protecting you business from legal repercussions.

Keeping our water oil-free

We depend on oil, diesel, gasoline, and other lubricants to power most boats. That makes it especially tricky to make sure that the oil that powers those boats stays out of the water they travel on. History has taught us the consequences of failure: Disasters like the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill caused years of devastation and was the push policy-makers needed to take action to prevent such events from happening again.

The Oil Pollution Act (OPA) of 1990 was passed, amending the Clean Water Act to create a comprehensive plan for preventing and responding to oil spills. The act also required that vessels that caused oil pollution on U.S. waters pay for their damages.

Years later, there are plenty of safeguards in place against such catastrophes. Employees who work on or operate boats are now required to have training under the HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) standard, Title 29 of Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1920.120 to protect them in the event of a hazardous waste spill or oil cleanup operations.

In case of emergency

So what happens if you do experience a spill or a leak? According to federal law, you should follow this process:

  1. The moment you notice something is amiss, immediately stop and identify the source of the spill or leak. If you are docked in a marina, you may notify their personnel for assistance.
  2. If the discharge has caused a sheen or discoloration on the water’s surface, it must be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center. Be prepared to offer information about the location, cause or source, type, amount, and threat level of the spill, as well as local weather conditions.
  3. Contain the spill as much as possible using the following tools and oil absorbents:

Once the above items have been used to contain the spill, dispose of the oil absorbents properly to ensure no further contamination issues. DO NOT use soap or detergent to try and clean up a spill. It will make the situation worse, and is thus illegal. It is imperative that you be prepared and have the appropriate tools and oil absorbents on hand.

Ideally, you will never have to deal with a serious oil spill while on a boat. But anything is possible, and if you do end up in this situation, it is best to have a clear and efficient plan. Always have appropriate tools and oil absorbents available to minimize damage and properly contain the threat.

Angie MezaDo you have the right safety products on hand for your workplace? To find out, contact Angie Meza at angie@absorbentsonline.com or call toll-free on (800) 869-9633.

3 Ways to Stop Moving Machinery Accidents Before They Happen

by

How your facility can benefit from these pieces of workplace safety equipment

Loader in modern storehouse

Equipped with essential moving machinery such as forklifts or other large vehicles, your facility is ready to handle many different jobs. However, with increased efficiency comes increased risk of accidents or injury.

As facility or safety manager, it’s your job not only to assess the potential for extreme consequences to workers or the facility. But also to implement precautions to minimize damage.

One solution is simple: utilizing proper safety equipment helps you avoid machinery accidents. Not only that, it aids compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.

Here are three tools you may want to add to your workplace to reduce potential damage associated with moving machinery.

1. Safety guards

Barriers such as steel bollard posts, and machine safety guards serve multiple purposes. They can be used both indoors and out, and not only block off areas where moving vehicles are not permitted, but also protect pedestrians and other equipment from damage if an operator loses control.

Whether they are used to prevent structural damage near racks and machines, or to direct general traffic, these guards offer extra protection for your facility and employees.

2. Facility protectors safety equipment

column protector facility safety equipmentColumn protectors, corner protectors, and wall protectors are used to draw attention to architectural features to help vehicle operators safely navigate difficult infrastructure.

Their bright colors offer visual cues to drivers, while their ability to absorb impact ensures that your structure, vehicle, and operator take the minimal amount of damage.

3. Forklift mat

Safely storing moving machinery is just as important as safely operating it. Forklifts and other vehicles are prone to damaging floors with oil and battery acid drips. Besides their aesthetic unpleasantness, oil spills can make floors hazardously slippery, and uncontained battery acid can be dangerous for workers. Using a forklift mat to absorb dripping fluids can make the area safer and prevent concrete stains.

Remember, if you operate vehicles or moving machinery at your facility, take preventative measures against potentially dangerous and damaging accidents.

AbsorbentsOnline is here to help. Feel free to contact us by email or call toll free at (800) 869-9633.

Safer Poly Drum Handling Starts with the Right Tools

by

Three drum safety products you need in your worksite

drum hand truck

Moving a 55 gallon drum with a drum cart

You’ve invested in quality poly drums for safely storing hazardous materials in your facility. But poly drums and barrels alone might not be enough for the job when it comes to drum handling.

Depending on your application, you may also need accessories that make your poly drums easier to use and increase material transfer safety.

Take a look at these three products that can aid safe drum handling in your facility.

1. Drum funnels

emptying a safety can into a drum funnelA spill or splash is the last thing you want to deal with while handling potentially dangerous materials. Use a poly drum funnel on closed-head drums to avoid a transfer mess and make waste collection easy.

For extra protection, combine the funnel with a drum pad topper to clean and protect the top of the barrel and surrounding areas.

2. Drum storage

drum storage cabinetIf you’re using your poly drums to contain flammable or combustible materials, you must store them in a safety cabinet to reduce fire hazard. Such drum storage cabinets can help you comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106 and Uniform Fire Code 79.202 regulations.

Drums can be stored vertically or horizontally in the storage units. And the cabinets have flammable and hazardous waste label signs. An additional drum storage accessory is an industrial drip pan, which can be placed under a drum spigot to keep the storage area safe and clean.

3. Drum pallets

single drum handling cartTransporting a full poly drum container can be tricky — unless you have the right tools. Single-drum pallets or carts make drum relocation easier and safer and are ideal for on-the-go dispensing. The pallets are very durable and resistant to corrosion, and the poly grates are removable and easy to clean.

When moving drums over curbs or into loading docks, a portable ramp can be a helpful addition, too.

Poly drums and barrels should make your job easier, not harder. With these handy tools, material storage, transport, and dispensing will be simpler — and safer — than ever.

Need advice on drum handing at your job site? AbsorbentsOnline is here to help. Feel free to contact us by email or call toll free at (800) 869-9633.

What Is an Approved Safety Can and Which Type Do You Need?

by

approved safety canAn approved safety can is needed when you store flammable or combustible liquids — such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel, propane, isopropyl alcohol, and various oils — at your worksite. You can’t just use any container. And that’s all to do with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance.

OSHA regulations state that when flammable liquids are stored inside a building, they must either be in a storage room, in closed metal containers in a storage cabinet, or in an “approved” safety can. A non-approved can may not be unable to withstand a corrosive material, contain vapors, or tolerate heavy-duty use.

When is an approved safety can necessary?

So what is an approved safety can? It’s a can that meets OSHA’s specifications for flammable liquids storage as described in 29 CFR 1910.106. Such a can may hold up to 5 gallons, must have a spring-closing lid and spout cover, and be “so designed that it will safely relieve internal pressure when subjected to fire exposure.”

For construction worksites in particular, regulation 29 CFR 1910.155(l) also requires safety cans to have a flash-arresting screen. And finally, to be considered approved, the can must be “listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory” — for example, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or another organization in OSHA’s NRTLs list.

Safety cans aren’t a “one size fits all” product. Many types are available for many different types of liquids and materials:

  • Type 1 versus Type 2 — What’s the difference? Type 1 safety cans use the same spout for both pouring and filling, whereas a Type 2 safety can has separate openings for pouring and filling.
  • Color coding — Industry-standard colors for storing flammables are yellow for diesel, red for gasoline, blue for kerosene, and green for oil combustibles.
  • Materials — Depending on what the can is designed to contain, different materials may be required. For example, galvanized steel is an excellent way to store ethanol, but a poor way to store acetone. Make sure you are ordering cans that are compatible with the substance you need to store.

Safety cans can be a flexible and essential tool, but only if you have the right ones for your needs!


Travis ZdrazilWant to learn more about approved safety cans? AbsorbentsOnline can help. Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

LEED Your Facility to Cost Savings

by

Why LEED certification is good for your business

Green Urban Development ConceptMore and more business leaders are becoming aware of the need to reduce their carbon footprint by incorporating sustainability practices into their businesses. But “going green” doesn’t have to mean making a sacrifice for the greater good. You can save the planet and lower your operations costs in the process. It’s a win-win!

One option that enables businesses to make long-term improvements to their facilities’ sustainability is LEED certification. Several types of this certification are available, among them LEED for Existing Buildings: Operation and maintenance (LEED EB: O&M). With the building replacement rate in the U.S. at less than 2%, making existing buildings greener is arguably the most important step we can take toward sustainability. And when working with existing buildings, going green is a process of constant improvement rather than a set of finite tasks.

Companies that enroll in the LEED program can make changes to many aspects of their buildings’ operations, such as retrofitting building systems with energy-efficient technologies and purchasing eco-friendly consumables. And of course, a building’s sustainability efforts must be ongoing — certification doesn’t mean taking a few steps and stopping there.

Earning LEED certification

A building can earn points within specific categories (called credits), such as energy performance, indoor air quality, purchasing, and interior lighting. Those points are then added up to determine whether a building can earn certification.

LEED certification can provide benefits such as reducing your facility’s energy consumption and making your workplace healthier. But by investing in the certification process, businesses can also realize real cost savings. Here are some of the ways that making your building greener through the LEED program can save your company money:

  • Tax credit eligibility — Although they vary by location, state and municipal tax credits are available for companies that work toward sustainability.
  • Rebates and other financial incentives — Utility companies are eager to offer benefits to qualified companies. In addition, various fees are often reduced or waived for companies seeking to improve sustainability.
  • Reduction in water usage and costs — By making your water usage more efficient, you can reduce your water bills — for example, by using a cooling tower for an HVAC system.
  • Lower energy costs — Decrease energy costs by reducing energy consumption or even incorporating onsite renewable energy sources.
  • Improved building safety — For example, long-life LED lighting reduces risk of potentially costly accidents.
  • Even lower building insurance costs — One of the less well-known financial incentives for improving building sustainability is building insurance discounts that can lead to savings of thousands per year.

There’s no doubt about it: Business sustainability practices are more important than ever. But they don’t just have a good impact on the environment; they can also have a good impact on your wallet. LEED certification allows you to have the best of both worlds, saving money and the planet at the same time.

LEED-Friendly Products

AbsorbentsOnline offers the following products that may help your facility qualify for LEED credits (for example, the LEED O+M: Existing Buildings Purchasing – Ongoing credit).

Rags:

Towels and wipes:

Angie MezaDo you have the right safety products on hand for your workplace? To find out, contact Angie Meza at angie@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.