What Is Spill Prevention?

Spill prevention is the process of establishing and implementing procedures to prevent and react to spills. It is a necessary practice for liquids, hazardous substances, and oil.

In the United States, the EPA requires facilities that store, process, or refine oil to have a SPCC plan. A Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan identifies how the facility will prevent oil from reaching water in the event of a spill.

A common responsibility in SPCC plans involves providing spill response equipment. At The Cary Company, our Spill Prevention and Spill Clean Up supplies are designed to contain and control spills safely, with ease-of-use. Let’s take a close look at how our equipment meets SPCC plan expectations for combating and preventing oil spills.

A Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan, or SPCC plan, is a federally required document which outlines action steps to both prevent potential oil spills from entering water bodies and clean up existing spills. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires SPCC plans under the Clean Water Act since oil spills pose a danger to both public health and the environment. 

SPCC plans apply to any facility that transfers, uses, or stores more than 1,320 gallons of oil aboveground. This includes gasoline, crop oil, vegetable oil, and animal fat. The facility must be at risk of polluting nearby waters (lakes, rivers, streams). Industries range from manufacturing to agriculture, and from transportation to education.

We took a close look at The University of Chicago’s SPCC plan and found that providing oil response kits was a key spill prevention responsibility identified by the university. 

Our oil-only response kits, available from 12 gallon to 95 gallon capacities, allow you to immediately respond to oil related spills. With absorbent pads, socks and pillows, as well as safety goggles, gloves and garbage bags, these kits have everything you need to quickly clean up a spill. For safe kit disposal, compile all contaminated matter in the accompanying bucket or overpack drum.

Syracuse University’s SPCC plan claims it is the responsibility of the spiller and their department to provide spill clean up supplies.

In addition to spill kits, our spill clean up supplies selection boasts a range of oil absorbent mediums for every spiller’s needs. 

• Absorbent powders are a loose absorbent. Fire-resistant powders are the safest way to absorb flammable liquids.

• Oil-only absorbent socks have a snake-like design to intercept and contain a growing spill. They act as a barrier.

• Oil spill booms look like absorbent socks, but float and absorb oil while repelling water.

• Oil-only absorbent rolls are designed to soak up oil spills and repel water, so they float indefinitely. They’re perfect for marine environments.

• Oil-only spill absorbent pads are available in many sizes for easy and convenient spill cleanup. 

• Oil-only absorbent pillows tackle larger spills across larger surfaces.

• Absorbent mats cover large areas and are excellent for absorbing drips and leaks during repairs or maintenance.

Although an SPCC plan is only required under particular circumstances, having spill prevention procedures within your laboratory, warehouse, and alike ensures safety for you and your environment. 

Good spill prevention plans often include:

• spill history, inspections & records

• necessary training

• facility drainage information

• delegated responsibilities & authority

• a spill response plan, including necessary equipment, procedures & notifications

A Spill Prevention Response (SPR) plan is another type of spill prevention plan often required of businesses by state governments. These plans account for oil, hazardous substances, and hazardous waste. The Cary Company’s hazmat spill kits and hazmat absorbent pads prepare you for safe handling of hazardous spills.

Oil spill prevention involves proper maintenance, inspection, and planning. Let's review six key aspects of preventing oil spills.

Have a spill prevention plan, whether it's an SPCC plan or a general prevention procedure, depending on your facility’s requirements. 

Frequently inspect machinery and equipment, checking for proper function, tight seals, corrosion and leaks. Update equipment when necessary.

Set and uphold strict rules for transferring and storing oil in sealed containers built for oil storage, like tight head drums.

Regularly train personnel on the most up-to-date handling, transferring, and safety procedures.

Have a spill response plan in place with accessible spill absorbent materials and safe cleaning procedures.

Utilize spill prevention systems to contain leaks before they become an issue. These products tend to support a container’s base in the event that they should leak.

Oil spills can pollute drinking water, destroy natural resources, and disrupt food chains. Oil spill prevention helps decrease the risk of these naturally and economically devastating events. If an oil spill does occur, follow our best practices for how to clean up an oil spill.