Requirements for cleaning up oil spills

Oil spills can be extremely dangerous to the environment and to our health. The hazards that oil spills can cause include fumes, burns, soil contamination, water contamination and fire. In the event of an oil spill, it is important that you know exactly what to do, in order to clear it up and prevent it from spreading.

You should try and remember the 3 C’s for handling accidental spills. The 3 C’s are clean up, contain and control. Controlling the situation means stopping the source or cause of the oil spill. Containing the oil spill means minimising the damage that oil can have, by preventing it from spreading to other areas.

Clean up is clearing away the oil or contaminants from the affected area. Appropriate disposal of the materials used in the clean up process is also key.

The materials required for cleaning up an oil spill include safety goggles, a safety mask, a safety suit, fire extinguishers, absorbents (rolls or pads), and closed footwear.

However, if there is a large oil spill, you should seek professional help and not try to clean it up yourself, as the problem could spread or cause accidents.