How to Improve Hazardous Material Containment in Oil & Gas Operations

Spills and leaks are a reality for most industrial work sites, especially dynamic operations like oil & gas. But, without effective spill containment, a small spill can easily become an environmental nightmare. Is your site prepared for the inevitable? Keep reading to learn more about the importance of secondary spill containment for oil and gas operations and how Enviro-Pads can help make your site safer–for your employees, your environment, and the world.

The Importance of Secondary Containment Systems

When dealing with hazardous materials, there are two types of containment: primary and secondary. While primary spill containment systems play a crucial role as the “first line of defence,” secondary spill containment is just as important. As a backup measure in the event of a spill or accident, these systems offer crucial environmental protection and compliance with local regulations. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety requires secondary containment for all job sites that store gas, oil, or other flammable and hazardous chemicals.

Many sites use hazardous material storage units, also called aboveground storage units, to comply with these regulations. These structures store multiple tanks or drums containing chemicals, fuel, used oil, and more. If a primary container leaks or breaks, this passive containment system catches the spilled material in a spill pan. This gives workers time to clean up the spill before it causes environmental damage.

Why Hazardous Material Containment is Important in the Oil & Gas Industry

Environmental Protection

While secondary spill containment can be used in various industries and applications, it is particularly important for industries that regularly deal with toxic waste and materials, like oil and gas, mining, and agricultural operations.  When these sites don’t employ proper hazardous waste containment systems, they risk contaminating drinking and groundwater sources, disrupting local ecosystems, and permanently damaging the surrounding environment.

Regulatory Compliance

Oil and gas companies are subject to strict regulations in today’s industrial world. By utilizing high-quality secondary containment systems, you can ensure that your site complies with:

• The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA)
• The Energy Resource Conservation Board (ERCB)
• Alberta Environment regulations (AENV)
• Alberta Fire Code

With proper containment systems, oil and gas companies can avoid costly fines and operation shutdowns.

Best Practices for Secondary Containment in Oil & Gas

When choosing hazardous material containment for your site, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Choose the Right System for You

You’ll want to build a containment system that fits your needs, which might include:

• Picking a provider with professional engineering certification to ensure systems meet all codes.
• Sizing your containment correctly for your largest possible spill, plus rainfall.
• Placing systems in commonly used areas that have high risks of spills.
• Ensuring your containment works with your existing safety setups.

Enviro-Pads offers hazardous material containment units constructed from high-grade steel, aluminum, or stainless steel. Our product also features:

• A portable design with forklift tubes and lifting eyes for easy installation and removal.
• Removable floor grating for easy cleaning.
• Non-slip surface to protect your workers.

Additionally, we can customize your unit to fit your needs, including custom sizing, thermal walls and roofs, heat, lighting, ventilation, and overhead and mandoor options. Contact our team today to find out more!

2. Perform Regular Maintenance

Even the best containment system needs regular care. This might include checking systems regularly for exisitng spills and fluids that need to be removed and fixing any damage or wear immediately. Staying on top of your regular maintenance helps prevent minor issues from becoming big problems.

3. Invest in Worker Education

Remember: people are just as important as equipment. Invest in training and education for all your staff, including information on proper handling of hazardous materials and clear spill response procedures.

Trust Enviro-Pads for Hazardous Material Containment Today!

Ready to improve the spill containment on your site? Enviro-Pads has the solutions for all your solutions. As leading spill containment specialists in Western Canada, we know how to build the perfect hazardous material containment system for you. We also offer portable wash pads, portable pressure washers, undercarriage wash ramps, and more. Contact us todayto get your free quote!