In workshops, or on sites where maintenance tasks are carried out, teams are often so focused on ensuring that equipment is restored to its optimal condition that they overlook a vital aspect: the safety and environmental impact of poorly disposed-of or unattended spills. This increases the risk of accidents and environmental pollution.
To manage the risk, any maintenance task should incorporate an oil spill management plan, Eldon Kruger, Marketing Manager at Pratley South Africa, advises African heavy industry in an interview with Machinery Maintenance Matters.
MMM: It is vital to tirelessly reinforce messages on improving safety and preserving the environment in asset reliability. What are the potential hazards of oil spills found at workshops where the maintenance of heavy mobile equipment takes place?
EK: In mechanical workshops, there is always a risk of oil or fuel spills. As hydrocarbons, these substances are highly flammable and can also lead to slip-and-fall accidents.
MMM: It is said that some materials used to soak up flammable oil spills can be a hazard themselves – exacerbating matters. Can you elaborate on this for maintenance personnel on sites?
EK: Most hydrocarbon liquid spills are typically cleaned up using absorbent materials such as sawdust or peat moss. However, both materials are flammable, and using them to clean up flammable substances significantly increases the risk of fire.
In fact, many municipal by-laws prohibit the use of flammable absorbents for this purpose. Furthermore, the storage and disposal of these absorbents, once saturated with hydrocarbons, pose a serious fire hazard.
Gunge Spunge® supports compliance with mining environmental and safety regulations.
MMM: When a powder-based product has been specified, what would you advise a maintenance manager to consider when selecting a product safe and effective for soaking up oil spills on sites?
EK: When selecting a spill cleanup material, Maintenance Managers should consider not only effectiveness but also cost efficiency. It should have high hygroscopic properties and should not require secondary cleaning or be overly labour-intensive.
MMM: Share with us the process that is involved from site visit to specifying a product.
EK: It is the responsibility of the Workshop Manager to specify the appropriate spill cleanup material. Selecting a product that is fit for purpose not only minimises the risk of operational downtime but also significantly reduces the potential for fire hazards and the threat to human life.
MMM: Are there any quality standards that are obligatory in this regard?
EK: The Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) and the Fire Brigade Services Act 99 of 1987 – Chapter 5, related to Housekeeping, section 15(2), clearly state: “The use of sawdust or similar combustible materials to soak up spilled combustible or flammable substances is prohibited.”
Gunge Spunge® is a non-flammable absorbent mineral product that fully contains and removes oil.
MMM: At Pratley, you have a powder-based mineral, Gunge Spunge®. Specifically, how does this product meet industry needs?
EK: Gunge Spunge® is a non-flammable absorbent. This makes it safe to store in workshops and other hazardous environments without increasing fire risk.
As a powder-based material, Gunge Spunge® offers significantly superior absorption compared to outdated options like sawdust and peat moss. It offers exceptional value – just one cup is sufficient to clean up a typical 300mm² oil spill. Thanks to its hygroscopic properties, it outperforms traditional absorbents.
Furthermore, Gunge Spunge® does not leave behind an oily residue, eliminating the need for follow-up cleaning with flammable solvent-based products. This reduces labour costs and fire risk. It also removes the risk of personnel slipping on residue left behind by outdated cleaning materials.
All in all, with its superior performance, safety profile, and cost-effectiveness, choosing Gunge Spunge® is a clear and practical decision.
MMM: As Pratley, what can you advise workshop or plant managers about best practices to ensure that the oil spill containment powder-based product meets their needs?
EK: Workshop and Plant Managers are encouraged to contact Pratley for expert guidance in selecting the most suitable spill cleanup material. Our team is ready to assist with any questions or technical support. Additionally, our Field Sales Representatives are available to visit your site and provide hands-on demonstrations of Gunge Spunge® in action.
