Making Service Stations Safer
PSA: The Dirtiest Thing at a Petrol Station…
Did you know that the average petrol pump handle has 11,000 times more bacteria and viruses than a public toilet seat*? Yuck! To avoid germs and risk of getting sick, use sanitiser, anti-bacterial wipes, wash hands or wear gloves when at the pump. Now, back to the topic at hand – Maybe you’re responsible for compliance or health and safety, or perhaps you work at a petrol station. Whatever the case, here’s how to improve petrol station safety.
Spill Kits for Petrol and Diesel Spills
Stratex offers two types of spill kits which are ideal for service stations:
- Oil and Fuel Spill Kits contain everything you will need to respond to a hydrocarbon spill. These kits are ideal for petrol and diesel spills on sealed and unsealed surfaces.
- AdBlue Spill Kits are ideal for cleaning up spills caused by AdBlue and other automotive fluids such as coolant and brake fluid. Whilst AdBlue is water soluble, biodegradable and non-hazardous, it makes surfaces slippery and can react with rubber. AdBlue spills should be cleaned up immediately, otherwise it can crystallise, making removal more difficult.
Each of these spills kits are equipped with absorbent socks, pads, cushions and absorbent granules, as well as PPE and waste disposal products.
Other emergency spill control measures which are suitable for a petrol station are emergency drain covers. These can be deployed if a spill occurs to block drains and prevent pollutants from entering stormwater systems.
240L Wheeled Bin Standard Spill Kit – Oil & FuelThe Standard Range of Spill Kits are designed for indoor and outdoor spills on both sealed and unsealed surfaces. These can include sealed surfaces such as asphalt, concrete or metal, and also unsealed surfaces such as dirt or gravel. To ensure you can handle any spill incident, they contain a range of absorbents from pads, socks, cushions to granular absorbent. Stratex Spill Kits are an integral part of compliance with Australian standards and regulations, and our absorbents are quality tested.
240L Wheeled Bin Standard Spill Kit – AdBlueThe Standard Range of Spill Kits are designed for indoor and outdoor spills on both sealed and unsealed surfaces. These can include sealed surfaces such as asphalt, concrete or metal, and also unsealed surfaces such as dirt or gravel. To ensure you can handle any spill incident, they contain a range of absorbents from pads, socks, cushions to granular absorbent. Stratex Spill Kits are an integral part of compliance with Australian standards and regulations, and our absorbents are quality tested. This spill kit is designed and contain AdBlue and other non-aggressive spills, and is ideal for use in fuel stations, heavy machinery workshops and emergency response.
Oil & Fuel Heavyweight Absorbent Pads (Pack of 100)Designed to absorb and contain hydrocarbon spills including oil, fuel, solvents, petrol & diesel. These absorbents repel water, meaning they are ideal for outdoor environments and when spills occur on waterways such as drains, ports, marinas, harbours, lakes and rivers. The hydrophobic (water repellent) absorbents will float even when fully saturated with oil. Super absorbent pads are used to absorb and clean up oil and fuel spills, leaks and drips. Perforations allow them to be easily divided so you can get the right size pad for the spill and prevent wastage. Bonded to provide maximum strength – Premium quality and fast absorbing Sold in an easy-to-use dispenser box, or plastic wrapped for cost effectiveness.
Polyurethane Reusable Drain Cover – 1200 x 1200mmPolyurethane drain covers are the simplest of all drain covers. Just remove from its cover, unroll, and place it on the drain. The tacky, flexible polyurethane cover forms a tight seal to block out contaminates. These covers temporarily bond to any smooth surface and are resistant to most chemicals including oils, fuels and solvents. Easily cleaned and reused – just wash with warm soapy water and wrap in plastic sheet. Five sizes of covers are available, and a vinyl holdall can also be purchased separately for high visibility storage.
Note this product is designed for emergency use only. Clean after use with warm soapy water. Store below 25°C away from direct sunlight.
Tanker Refuelling Safety Precautions
Some basic safety precautions when a tanker is refuelling onsite:
- Use traffic cones, barriers or warning signs to cordon off the refuelling area, and keep unauthorised personnel and vehicles at a safe distance.
- Use grounding equipment to prevent static electricity and risk of flammable vapour ignition.
- Any personnel around the area should wear appropriate PPE, including gloves and anti-static footwear.
- Items such fire extinguishers and spill containment materials should be nearby and readily accessible.
- Keep ignition sources such as engines and mobile phones away from the refuelling area.
Follow the above steps along with standard operating procedures to ensure safe refuelling occurs onsite. Petrol has an extremely low flashpoint, meaning that vapours can ignite easily if close to an ignition source – safety is paramount!
HiVis Traffic Cone with Reflective Tape – 450mmTraffic cones are vital in traffic management and safety, and are commonly used to guide and direct vehicles and pedestrians. Stratex offers traffic cones in a variety of colours with reflective sleeves for different applications.
- Premium quality traffic cone with heavy duty rubber base
- Portable and stacking
- Manufactured from robust, flexible rubber and are UV stabilised for a longer working life
- Australian Standards compliant
HiVis Traffic Cone with Reflective Tape – 700mmTraffic cones are vital in traffic management and safety, and are commonly used to guide and direct vehicles and pedestrians. Stratex offers traffic cones in a variety of colours with reflective sleeves for different applications.
- Premium quality traffic cone with heavy duty rubber base
- Portable and stacking
- Manufactured from robust, flexible rubber and are UV stabilised for a longer working life
- Australian Standards compliant
Yellow Wall Mounted Spill Kit Sign – 450 x 300mm, MetalMake your spill kit locations pop with this high visibility yellow sign. Appropriate spill kit signage can help to reduce response times in the event of an emergency spill. They can also be used to help denote the appropriate spill kit area in your facility.
Durable and long lasting metal sign, 450mmW x 300mmH.
Stratex offers a range of emergency signage to ensure your business stays safe and compliant.
Spill Kit Training for Employees
What’s vital for all service station employees at induction and should be refreshed annually? Spill kit training! Stratex offers comprehensive spill control training for service station staff, focusing on best practices, environmental legislation, and occupational health and safety guidelines. This training empowers employees to respond safely and effectively to fuel spills, minimising risks to themselves and the environment. Stratex can deliver spill control training in person, or via video format on-demand. Our training program covers injury prevention, hazard assessment, spill containment and clean up.
Australian environmental legislation states that all businesses have a duty of care to prevent environmental pollution and minimise any risks – for a petrol station this includes ensuring staff receive adequate training on what to do in the event of a spill.
Steps Towards Safer Service Stations
Achieving a safer service station starts with being proactive and methodical – from having the right equipment onsite to ensuring all staff are well trained. These key factors play a fundamental role in responding to an emergency in a timely manner. And if you’re looking for reliable spill control equipment for your service station, or would like to know more, contact your friendly Stratex team member today.
*Source: BusBud