Spill response

1. Make safe 

• Assess the site and use appropriate PPE. Refer to the SDS and contact your local Health & Safety Lead or On-call Health & Safety Lead on 9585 5850 for WHS requirements.
• Prevent unauthorised access to the spill area.
• Eliminate all ignition sources (e.g., engines and live electrical equipment) and ventilate the area.
• Assume oil from pre-1997 equipment is contaminated with PCBs unless known otherwise.

2. Contain & control

• Stop the flow from the source (e.g., closing valves, applying sealant to the leak, or powering down the hydraulic pressure).
• Stop the spill from entering drains, waterways, or ducts as follows:
  • place barriers around the source (e.g., particulate, socks, pads, sandbags) - divert the spill into another container or an area where it can be contained
  • place barriers (e.g., absorbent socks, pads or sandbags) around drains, waterways, ducts, etc
  • prevent the spill from spreading on the water by placing floating booms or absorbent socks on the water.

3. Get help

• Act in accordance with relevant emergency plans and procedures.
• Contact Environmental Services on 0412 070 574 (24 hours).
• Get help if the spill can not be contained, or if oil has escaped into drains, waterways or roadways by calling NSW Fire and Rescue on 000 or 112 (from mobiles).
• For spills from pre-1997 oil filled equipment, check for PCBs. Check the PCB register or arrange tests with Chemical Testing Laboratory on 9410 5117.
• For additional clean up material suppliers or services - refer to information below.

 4. Report   

• For pollution incidents - notify Environmental Services immediately on 0412 070 574 (24 hours).
• If Environmental Services can’t be reached - notify the EPA for spills that could cause harm or potentially cause harm to the environment on 131 555.

5. Clean up 

• Broom powder absorbs into the spill for final clean-up.
• Remove oil from behind floating booms or barriers.
• Minimise the amount of waste created by preventing the spread of oil.
• For removal of liquid waste, contact Aqueous Waste Services on 9269 7517 or 8569 6712 (after hours).
• Dispose of contaminated spoil, absorbent products and other materials in accordance with waste requirements detailed in Ausgrid's EG120 Waste guidelines.
• For external contractors that may be of assistance with clean up - refer to the Spill Response Services below.

6. Maintain 

• Maintain and replace onsite spill response controls until the environmental risk is removed.
• Restock spill kits. Refer to EG 100 Oil Handling guidelines for contents.

For more information

• Environmental training courses –Environmental Handbook Table 1.3-1
• Oils, fuels and other chemicals – Environmental Handbook section 2.3
• Spill kits – Environmental section 2.3.9
• Environmental incidents – Environmental Handbook section 9
• WebGIS EL  

Ausgrid Oil Spill Response Trailers

Spill Response Services

Spill Product Suppliers

How to use Spill Response Materials

Socks

When to use: Oil and fuel spills requiring containment.
How to use: Surround leaking drums, place in the flow path, as a floating boom.
Capacity: A 3m sock will hold approximately 6L of oil.
Comments: Netted socks are available for use with high water flows. Product is not designed to float for long periods and will sink when full of oil.

Booms

When to use: Oil and fuel spills requirement containment in an aquatic environment (ie creek, stormwater channel).
How to use: Booms are similar to socks but are generally larger and can be used to extend across a waterway to contain a spill. Booms are used to create a floating barrier.
Capacity: Booms may or may not be absorbent.
Comments: May require more than one person to install and maintain.

Pillows

When to use: Oil spills and leaks involving pits and drains.
How to use: Place in drain, pit or gutter. 
Capacity: Approximately ½ the volume of the absorbent (eg a 20L pillow will absorb 10L of oil).
Comments: Netted pillows are available for use with high water flows.

Absorbent

When to use: Oil and fuel spills, leaks, drips, and clean up.
How to use (land): Place on oil and spread with broom for maximum oil absorption. 
How to use (water): Spread over water, usually in conjunction with a boom and then collect product with a pool scoop. 
Capacity: Approximately ½ to 1 times the volume of the absorbent (eg a 50L bag will absorb 25-50L of oil).
Comments: Product is not designed to float for long periods and will sink when full of oil.

Pads

When to use: Oil and fuel spills, leaks, drips, and clean up.
How to use: Place under leaks/drips, as a floating pad, place in trafficable areas, place in drip trays, use as a wipe.
Capacity: Approximately 1L of oil per pad.
Comments: Product is not designed to float for long periods and will sink when full of oil.

Putty

When to use: Quick temporary seal for damaged equipment or storage tank.
How to use: It may be a putty or granular (requiring mixing with water). Wearing gloves, apply putty to damaged area to create a seal. Putty should be shaped over the damaged area to stop the leak.
Comments: Not to be used as a permanent repair. Damaged item should be drained immediately.