Spillage Regulations
Things you should know
DEFRA – The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage)(England) Regulations 2001
These regulations came into effect from September 2005, it is mandatory to comply with the regulations, even if no spill occurrence has been reported.
Scope: The regulations cover all commercial and institutional businesses storing oil above ground in quantities over 200 litres in any type of container – (25litre drum, 205litre drum, IBC or tank).
Oil means any kind of oil and fuel or chemical.
Requirements: All oil containers must be stored on secondary containment equipment (Spill Pallets). This is mandatory and it is an offence not to comply.
Single Drums must be stored on a spill pallet which must be able to hold 25 per cent of the drum’s total volume – not 25 per cent of the amount of oil the drum has in it.
Multiple Drums must be stored on a spill pallet which must be able to hold 25 per cent of the total volume for the number of drums that can be stored on it. – not 25 per cent of the amount of oil the drums have in them.
Single IBC’s, tanks or mobile bowsers must be stored on a spill pallet which must be able to hold 110 per cent of the volume that the container can hold.
Multiple IBC’s, tanks or mobile bowsers that are NOT hydraulically linked but are in the same secondary containment system, must be stored on a spill pallet which must be able to hold 25 per cent of the total capacity or 110 per cent of the largest vessel, whichever is greater.
Multiple IBC’s, tanks or mobile bowsers that ARE hydraulically linked but situated in the same secondary containment system, are treated as one vessel and must be stored on a spill pallet which must be able to hold 110 per cent of the total capacity of the vessels.
Multiple IBC’s, tanks or mobile bowsers that ARE hydraulically linked but situated in separate secondary containment systems, must be stored on a spill pallet which must be able to hold 110 per cent of the total volume stored at each location.
It is the responsibility of the person with custody or control of oil in storage to ensure they are compliant with all relevant legislation.
Environment Agency – Pollution Prevention Guideline 26 (PPG 26) Section 7. DEALING WITH SPILLAGES
Spill kits containing materials such as leak-sealing putty, over-drums, drain seals, oil or chemical absorbents and personal protective equipment (PPE) should be on site.
These should be located both within or near the storage area and remote from it (in case during an event it is not possible to reach the equipment near the storage containers). All staff should be trained in the use of this equipment. Consider providing a ‘quarantine area’ where leaking containers can be placed safely.
HSE – Amendments to ADR Regulations 8.1.5.Volume II – Carriage of Dangerous Goods (2009)
Changes to the above regulations now make it mandatory for vehicles carrying dangerous goods to carry a drain seal, shovel and a plastic collecting container. If this affects your business, make sure your vehicles comply with this legislation.