Why are diesel spills so dangerous for employees?
Any kind of large-scale diesel spill is a disaster at the best of times, wherever it happens to occur. It can be particularly difficult to contain a diesel spill that’s occurred off-site, especially if it’s an unfamiliar area. However, a diesel spill can be equally as problematic even when it’s occurred on your own premises too.
That’s exactly why we’ve designed TankSafe Optimum, protecting your fleet not just from the threat of skimming, but also from the varied risks of diesel spills too. Here’s a quick roundup of some of the biggest of those risks, and why they can be so dangerous for your team.
Physical irritation
Diesel spills can result in various forms of physical irritation, with the ability to affect the respiratory system, skin, and eyes of your team members. First off, respiratory irritation (caused by the inhalation of diesel fumes) can result in symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure to diesel particulates may even result in more severe respiratory conditions over time.
What’s more, direct contact with diesel can cause skin irritation, potentially leading to dermatitis or other skin disorders. This is largely because the chemicals present in diesel fuel can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, redness, and inflammation. Employees who frequently handle diesel fuel are particularly susceptible to these skin irritations, and they become all the more pressing in the event of a spill.
And of course, exposure of the eyes to diesel fuel or vapours can cause irritation and even present the risk of permanent damage. The eyes may become red, watery, and itchy, and prolonged exposure can lead to more severe eye conditions such as conjunctivitis or corneal damage. For this reason alone, proper eye protection is absolutely essential for anyone working in areas where diesel spills have occurred.
Neurological effects
Beyond physical irritation, diesel spills also present risks of neurological effects for your employees. Diesel fumes contain harmful chemicals such as benzene, and inhaling these can lead to what’s known as neurotoxicity. Essentially, this is the term used to refer to damage to the structure or function of your nervous system. That can cause impaired neurological function, which may encompass cognitive, sensory, motor, or behavioural abnormalities.
In this case, symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Prolonged exposure to these neurotoxic substances can result in more severe neurological disorders, maybe even permanently impacting cognitive function and overall well-being.
Slip and fall risks
So, we’ve covered the chemical properties of diesel spills – but there’s also all the traditional risks of normal liquid spills to contend with. Chiefly among them: slips and falls.
Diesel fuel in particular is highly slippery, especially when spilled on smooth surfaces such as concrete floors or walkways. This presents the risk of your team (or indeed, anyone else in the vicinity) potentially losing balance and suffer injuries from falls. These accidents can result in fractures, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries. In the worst cases, this may lead to temporary or permanent disability.
It's just one reason (among many) why it's essential to promptly clean up spills using appropriate absorbent materials and signage to alert employees of potential hazards. Additionally, implementing regular maintenance and inspection procedures can help identify and address sources of diesel leaks or spills before accidents occur.
And of course, if you’re looking for reliable preventative measure you can take – look no further than our TankSafe Optimum. You can read more about how our patented design works over on its dedicated page, or alternatively, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team here at TankSafe if you have any further questions about the best ways to protect your fuel in 2024. Give us a quick call on 01253 400 401, and we'll be happy to help however we can!