Whether it’s gas or diesel, fuel can be found in nearly every industrial workplace.
Of course, in these circumstances, accidents can happen despite safety procedures being followed and it can be difficult to know how to respond when they do.
Therefore, it is important to understand how to clean up a diesel spill on dirt.
The risks of fuel spills
A fuel spill can occur easily when transporting fuel.
When it does, the dangers can be catastrophic. Diesel is a slippery liquid and it can be hazardous for road traffic and humans who come across a spillage.
Because diesel is also a highly flammable liquid, there is the potential for a fire to break out. Fuel spillages can also carry health risks for humans and animals as they are made up of toxic chemicals which can reach rivers and the sea if left untreated.
Not only that, fuel spillages can also be damaging for businesses because of the costs associated with cleaning it up and the physical damage it can inflict.
A fuel spillage may also tarnish the reputation of a business, especially if it has received a fine or a sanction as a result.
The reasons why fuel spills happen
To deal with a fuel spillage successfully, it is important to know what causes one to happen. Some of the main reasons why fuel spills happen are because of faulty equipment or equipment that is being overfilled.
A fuel spill may also be the result of human error if someone has left it on equipment where it can overflow onto the ground.
Someone may also fail to fill the running equipment correctly, causing a fuel spillage.
Dealing with a fuel spill
When a fuel spill happens, it is crucial to take appropriate measures to deal with the problem effectively and efficiently.
The first step to take after discovering a fuel spill has occurred is to assess how bad the situation is.
Although minor fuel spillages are a serious issue and still need to be dealt with, if a major spill has occurred then emergency services might need to be involved, especially if there is a risk to people, property or the environment.
You should also consider what surface the fuel spill has ended up on. For instance, if fuel spills on grass, it will kill any plants or crops that are currently growing in that area.
A fuel spill on soil or dirt might contaminate it, and it will need to be tackled accordingly.
When dealing with a spill, we need to safeguard those around it and contain the spill. This can be achieved by urging those around to clear the area and switching off anything that could cause a fire to ignite.
If the fuel spillage has occurred on the ground, you should ideally have a fuel spill kit which enables you to use absorbent pads to soak up the excess of fuel and prevent it from going down any drains.
Of course, the quantity of absorbent material you require will depend on the size of the spill so you will need to use them accordingly. Refrain from using anything other than absorbent material when trying to clean up the spill as this could only exacerbate the issue. For example, if you try to conduct a fuel spill clean-up with water, this will be counterproductive as water and oil do not mix, thus spreading the fuel further across the surface and into drains.
When a fuel spill has happened on dirt, you should aim to temporarily contain the spillage until you get someone who has professional experience in land remediation.
Never try to tackle this alone as small and large diesel spills require professionals in protective equipment who are properly trained in this area.
Asking for assistance
If you don’t know how to clean up a diesel spill on dirt, then don’t despair.
The process of asking for assistance when a fuel spill has happened is easy when you know where to go and who to ask.
When a fuel spill occurs, it is never a good idea to ignore it. DHI Excavations are experts in land remediation and clean-up who are always ready to contain and fix fuel and oil spills, hazardous materials, and more.
With an innate desire to protect the environment and an eagerness to deliver fast and high-quality services, why not discuss the options available with one of the team today?
