What to do when a fuel spillage occurs
By their very nature, fuel spillages are highly problematic, posing several immediate risks to their immediate environment (and the people or wildlife occupying it). The fuel can become an environmental hazard if it occurs near waterways or drainage systems, and a dangerous slipping hazard for people in the immediate vicinity – or worse, moving vehicles.
For those reasons alone, it’s crucial to act quickly and decisively when a fuel spillage occurs. As experts in fuel theft prevention devices here at TankSafe, we’ve got some expertise in that area – so here are the key steps to take.
#1 – Stop the fuel from spilling at the source
If it’s a fuel tank or pipe that’s continuously leaking, then your first priority should be to shut off the valve immediately. If the valve isn’t functioning properly or it’s broken, then you may have to use brute force – however, we should say that this is entirely at your own risk, and according to your own judgement! And if that doesn’t work, or it’s not a viable option for whatever reason, then you may instead want to consider finding something to catch the leaking fuel, like a spare vat or even an empty grit bin. If it’s a smaller spillage, say from a jerry can or fuel pump, then that’s often even easier to deal with – jerry cans can be removed and sealed, whereas fuel pumps can simply be replaced back onto their holders.
#2 – Evacuate the area
If the fuel spillage occurs in a residential, commercial or high traffic area, make sure to evacuate the area immediately. Fuel is highly flammable, so it is important to keep people away from the area until the spillage is cleaned up, so they don’t risk putting themselves in harm’s way. If you can, try and establish an unofficial cordon with whatever you have to hand. Traffic cones are a great option if they’re available, but if not, then any solid object will do, as long as it’s large and sturdy enough. If you don’t have anything like that to hand, you or your staff may simply have to do the job as best you can yourself.
#3 – Notify the relevant authorities
If it’s a particularly large spill or if it’s in a public place, especially at the roadside, contact the relevant authorities such as the fire service or police force and explain the situation to them. They’ll then dispatch units to help you deal with the problem, and provide you with more specific guidance on how to proceed. What’s more, they can assist you in making an official cordon with the proper markings. They may also be able to bring specific materials (such as sand) to help stop the spread of the fuel, or soak up the spill – depending on where it's happened.
#4 – Contain the spill
It’s obviously important to contain the spillage as much as possible to prevent it from spreading. If you’re running a commercial business, then you’ll likely have absorbent materials to hand in your courtyard to help you deal with this specific situation. Sand is the most commonly used material for this job, and if the spillage occurs while filling up at a petrol station, then sand can be found in large containers next to the pumps. When spreading the sand around the outskirts of the spillage, it’s best to be generous so there’s less chance of any fuel seeping through.
#5 – Clean up the spillage
Once the fuel spillage is contained, the next priority is to clean it up promptly and effectively, to minimise its ability to cause further issues. Depending on the size of the spillage, you may need to hire a specialist cleaning service for your private premises, as these are typically licensed waste carriers, so they can safely dispose of large quantities of fuel if required. If the spill takes place in a public place (say on the side of the motorway) then you may be asked by the local council to contribute towards the cost of cleaning, should the spill come from one of your vehicles.
If the spillage is relatively small on the other hand, you may be able to clean it up yourself using absorbent material and baking soda - mix a large amount of baking soda into a ball and add water until it forms a paste-like consistency. Then, cover the spill in this paste material and allow it to sit until it dries. Once it’s dried, you’ll be able to sweep up the material and dispose of it.
How to prevent future spillages
You can prevent future fuel spillages by keeping your fuel stored in safe, fuel-proof containers and away from heat sources. As a general rule, be sure to handle fuel carefully and try to avoid overfilling tanks. However, if you’re looking to protect your fleet of commercial vehicles from the dangers posed by fuel spillage, that’s where we can help.
We know the importance of ensuring that your fuel is safe from spillage here at TankSafe. Our products have been protecting vehicles from fuel theft and spillage loss for over 20 years, and our solutions have been spearheaded by TankSafe Optimum. It’s the only security device that can offer you 3 in 1 protection by saving you from fuel spills, overfilling, and making your vehicles 100% immune to fuel theft. Our product range is protected by 45 patents covering 49 territories worldwide, so rest assured you won’t find a more efficient and reliable source of protection anywhere else.
If you have any questions regarding any of our products, or you simply need some advice, feel free to head over to our FAQs page, where we answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding our products and services. However, if you have any further queries, you can give us a call on 01253 400 401, and we’ll be happy to help however we can!