Effective Oil Spill Clean Up Procedure

Let's face it; preventing oil spills is the best strategy for avoiding potential damage to human health and the environment. However, once an oil spill occurs, the best approach for containing and controlling the spill is to respond quickly and in a well organized manner. A response will be quick and organized if response measures have been planned ahead of time. The following elements can be used in contingency planning for clients and company response operations.
When a spill occurs, An Oil Spill Response Team (OSRT) made up of highly trained Engineers and technicians are immediately mobilised and sent to site. If the spill is from one of the company's client the OSRT will work closely with the client company's oil spill response officials. The following are procedures for clean up operations within Nigeria. Oil Spill Response Team (OSRT) - Project Manager - Team Leader - HSE/QAQC Supervisor - Field Engineers - Field Technicians - First Aiders - Fire Fighting Officials - Surveyors
1. OSRT shall work with client officials to stop the flow of oil from the ship, truck, or storage facility, if possible, and prevent ignition
2.The OSRT shall contain the spill with Foss Booms
3.The OSRT shall then Mop up or Scoop the contained spill material (Absorbents, Scooping containers, Vacuum pumps e.t.c)
4.The OSRT shall collect the spill in containers (Tanks, waste barges, Vacuum trucks e.t.c)
5. OSRT shall use dispersant if spill is on water body
6. OSRT shall fully monitor the transportation of spill material to third party facility or other disposal measures taken to primarily ensure compliance to regulatory standards.
7. The OSRT shall ensure a thorough clean up operations after which a summary report shall be submitted to clients.
8.Draw up remediation plans if necessary.

By Abah Roland