Hazardous substances stored and used in production or service processes may pose a significant threat not only to the environment, but also to people. Uncontrolled leakage from a pallet container or a barrel can contaminate the ground and cause an accident at work, such as employees being exposed to corrosive acids or slipping and sustaining injuries. In order to minimize this risk, appropriately selected spill containment berms are a vital component.

What to do in the event of a hazardous spill inside a sump tray?

Spill of hazardous substances is a problem that can lead to serious consequences – both for the environment and for occupational safety. This is why it is so important to know how to effectively protect yourself from it. The answer to such emergency situations is specialised spill cointainmet berms which play a key role in industrial safety. They protect the environment from substances that may leak from containers during storage or transport.

What are spill cointainment berms and why are they important?

Spill cointainment berms are devices that prevent chemical spills, protecting people and the environment. Thanks to their airtight construction and materials they retain hazardous substances, preventing them from entering the soil, groundwater or atmosphere.

They are widely used in the chemical industry, warehouses and logistics centres, and help companies comply with environmental regulations and manage the risk of leakage.

How to minimise the risk of leakage?

To reduce the risk of leakage:

Select a suitable sump tray, tailored to the type of chemical.
Carry out regular maintenance to detect damage.
Use protective measures, such as sorbents, to absorb spills.
Invest in state-of-the-art monitoring and alarm technology to respond quickly to threats.

What to do in the event of a hazardous spill inside a spill cointaiment berm?

Sump trays protect against spills, but if a spill occurs inside the tray, the following steps should be taken:

Immediately stop the substance flow – immediately close the valves or turn off the equipment to stop further spillage.
Safety – secure the site by ensuring that persons in the vicinity are protected, using appropriate protective clothing and ventilation. Contact the emergency services.
Evaluate the spill scale – check what substance has been released, how large the area of contamination is and whether the substance has spilled out of the tray.
Use of neutralisers – use suitable materials such as absorbent mats or chemical neutralisers, depending on the type of substance.
Documentation – create an incident report, describing the steps taken and countermeasures. More serious spills should be reported to relevant services.
Tray repair – once the spill has been removed, check the condition of the tray and repair any damage before using it again.
Prevention – preventing future leaks by using better sealing materials, monitoring leaks and carrying out regular maintenance.

Use of sorbents as a supplement to protection

Sorbents, or absorbent materials, provide excellent support against spills. Thanks to their ability to quickly absorb hazardous substances, they are indispensable in emergency situations. They can be perceived as an additional protective layer that complements the operation of sump trays.

Types of sorbents and their application:

Mats – perfect for covering larger areas.
Rolls – easy to use and versatile.
Pillows – excellent for spot absorption of spills.

Sorbents help to manage risks quickly and effectively, improving safety at the plant. They are a small but extremely effective tool to have on hand.

Selecting appropriate spill cointainment berm capacity

Choosing the appropriate spill cointainment berm capacity is a key step in ensuring effective protection against spills of hazardous substances. The principle is simple: the tray should hold at least 100% of the volume of the largest container or 10% of the total volume of stored materials. It is a standard that has one purpose: minimise the risk of environmental pollution and financial loss.

When selecting a tray it is worth considering:

The specificity of the substances stored – different materials may require different solutions.
Working conditions – in large industrial plants, larger trays will be more suitable, while in smaller companies smaller models may be fully sufficient.

The appropriate capacity not only means greater safety, but also saves time and money in the long term.

Safe use of sump trays

The safe use of sump trays is crucial for environmental protection and occupational safety. Follow the guidelines, use personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, masks) to protect against harmful substances, and ensure that the trays are ergonomically positioned to reduce the risk of accidents.

In addition, remembering a chemical spill response plan is essential for workplaces.

It should include procedures that enable rapid and effective reaction in emergency situations, reducing risks to people and the environment. Regular training and simulations increase employees’ preparedness to respond to incidents.

Safety data sheet – the key to hazardous substances management

A safety data sheet (SDS) is a basic source of information about chemicals, their hazards and how to neutralise them. It assists in reducing the risk of failure and respond effectively to spills.

What does the safety data sheet contain?

Chemical composition – identification of the substance and its classification.
Properties – e.g. reactivity, toxicity, flash point.
Protective and first aid measures – required PPE and emergency procedures.
Neutralisation of spills – recommended sorbents and clean-up methods.

How to use it?

The safety data sheet allows selecting the right neutralisers, e.g. chemical sorbents for acids or oil sorbents for hydrophobic substances, and to react quickly to hazards, minimising damage to the environment. SDS guidelines support regulatory compliance, tray selection and the planning of preventive measures such as training and emergency procedures.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

When handling sump trays, PPE such as gloves, safety goggles, masks and overalls are required to stay protected against contact with hazardous substances. Regular training and technical inspections of PPE ensure employee safety and help build a culture of responsibility within the company.

Summary: Best practices in spill prevention

In the event of a chemical spill in a sump tray, immediately stop the flow of the substance, secure the site, assess the contamination and use neutralisers such as absorbent mats. Once the leak has been cleaned up, the sump tray should be cleaned for re-use. Preventive measures, such as better seals and regular inspections, help prevent future spills. Sorbents aid the absorption of spills. Adequate tray capacity and the use of PPE, such as gloves and masks, ensure safety, while regular training enhances response preparedness.