Leakage management: when a stain is the least of your problems

Wherever work is being done, things can potentially go wrong. Wherever industrial work is being carried out, a potentially dangerous incident can occur. Lawmakers know no leniency when it comes to leakage management to stop the escape of hazardous liquids. Nor should you. With the right equipment to contain leaks involving oil, water hazardous liquids or flammable substances, you can reduce the harm for the environment, employees and the company.

What is leakage?

Leakage is the technical term for a leak – i.e. an opening through which liquids, gases or solids can escape from their intended container or system. In an industrial environment, this does not refer to water or other harmless substances, and instead refers to media that present a hazard. These escaping substances must be contained and absorbed straight away using the appropriate leakage management equipment to prevent them, for example, from seeping into the ground, igniting or being inhaled.

What does leakage management involve?

In principle, leakage management is an area within hazardous goods handling and covers all activities and products that are designed for use to prevent or minimise the consequences of any leak involving hazardous substances.

The media that are most prone to leakage include hazardous substances in liquid form such as petrol, oils, solvents or other chemical solutions. Leaks can occur, for example, when refilling or filling them into drums or tanks or due to material fatigue. These work activities and working materials must therefore always be carried out using with products for leakage management. These include:

Absorbent granules for liquids and pastes

Absorbent sheeting for absorbing liquids

Liquid barriers for drains, drums and for refilling substances in a laboratory

Spillage emergency kits with a full range of accessories from containment to disposal

Emergency sump trays when securing containers becomes critical

Absorbent socks and absorbent cushions to place around machines, drums etc.

Skimmers for skimming off tramp oils in different systems

Which regulations apply for leakage management?

How to handle dangerous goods and how to react in an emergency are governed in different ways. All the applicable regulations have a similar purpose:

Training for all employees in how to handle dangerous goods and manage leaks

Regular risk assessments including reviews and updates of all protective measures, emergency plans and operating instructions

Leakage prevention whenever dangerous goods are handled, even when only small quantities are being moved

Correct storage of all substances in facilities designed for hazardous goods storage

The level of detail in these regulations should not be underestimated. That’s why we have compiled additional information for you. You could start, for example, by taking a look at our FAQ on absorbent sheeting, or finding out about the storage of water hazardous liquids or learning recommendations for correct and safe filling with hand pumps. We’ll be more than happy to explain everything else about our range of leakage management products in person. Simply contact us.

PIG Leakage management