by Mark Johnson

It may seem obvious, but a well-thought-out sorbent program goes a long way toward making your workplace a safer environment.

Workplace slips and falls remain a primary cause of lost-time injuries, with more than 500,000 incidents reported each year. The two biggest reasons cited for such accidents are debris and wet floors.

OSHA recognizes this threat to worker safety and makes it clear where the obligation lies. Standard 29 CFR 1910 requires all work areas and walking surfaces be kept as clean, dry and slip-free as possible. Even in areas where wet processes are used, "drainage shall be maintained, and platforms, mats or other dry standing surfaces should be provided where practicable." 

Cleaner does mean safer
If staying in compliance with OSHA regulations isn’t enough reason to put a sorbent program in place, consider a 1997 study that showed a direct correlation between good housekeeping practices and a reduction in worker injuries. 

In this study, conducted by Patric E. McCon, safety and health manager of LTV Steel, researchers evaluated more than 30 housekeeping categories, including machinery, walkways, floors, stairs and aisles. They assigned value factors to each category based on a condition’s likelihood to lead to worker injury. "No leaking machines," "clean and dry floors" and "clean and dry walkways" were among the categories identified as having the highest value factors for worker safety. 

As the study progressed, housekeeping scores as determined in unannounced inspections were compared to overall injury rates at each site. The study’s results determined that a 20-percent improvement in housekeeping conditions could yield a 15-percent reduction in overall worker injuries. 

Think globally, act locally
Another area where a good sorbent program keeps your workplace in compliance is the environment. Through the Clean Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency requires the protection of navigable waterways from contaminated storm water (40 CFR 122) and requires prevention of oil spills from reaching waterways (40 CFR 112). 

While it might not seem obvious in an industrial facility, spills and routine leaks and drips that occur over time find their way into drains, sewers, drainage canals, outfalls and discharges, and into the world at large. In fact, groundwater contamination from factory discharge and runoff remains one of EPA’s major concerns in point source pollution. 

With regard to housekeeping, worker safety and environmental protection, you generally don’t deal with major spills in your workplace. You do, though, look at routine maintenance, everyday leaks and drips that can lead to dangerous, unsafe conditions. So, design a sorbent program to minimize the impact of these daily occurrences.

How do you implement one? Follow the steps.

Step 1: Survey the needs
• Identify areas prone to leaks, drips and spills. 

• Look for evidence of past spills. Stained floors are a good clue. 

• Examine the source of leaks and drips. 

• Identify liquids that are leaking or have leaked. This is the first factor in determining what type of sorbent to use (oil only, universal or chemical).

• Identify where leaks and spills go when they occur. Locate drains and know where they lead.

Keep in mind that not all leaks and drips leading to potentially unsafe conditions are the result of faulty maintenance. Many are simply normal occurrences in the production process. While routine, they are still unsafe.

Step 2: Select sorbents for each application
Each worksite has different requirements. Certainly the type of liquid present determines whether you need an oil only, universal or chemical sorbent. The amount of liquid present and how often an area is maintained determines if you need a high-absorbency, heavy-duty product. Whatever the situation, provide each workstation with the products it needs. Here are some general rules:

• Use SOCs, strips and/or folded SOCs around a machine’s base to keep liquids from spreading to the floor.

• Use pads under machines to catch drips.

• Use pads to wipe down leak-prone machines and equipment. The best products for these applications are made stronger and more abrasion resistant with the addition of cover stock.

• Use pads and small blankets to line worktables or working surfaces prior to performing maintenance.

• Use rugs and blankets to cover large areas where overspray is an issue. The amount of foot or vehicle traffic determines the level of sorbent toughness for the application.

• Use specialty products like drip pans and drum top covers in liquid and drum storage areas.

Step 3: Identify the potential for significant spills
Beyond the routine maintenance applications for sorbents, there is always the chance of an emergency spill. You must be prepared. 

• Identify potential sources of a significant spill.

• Determine liquid type and subsequent sorbent material type needed in the event of an incident.

• Determine the "worst-case scenario" in terms of volume, concern for worker safety and environmental protection.

• Identify all drains and where they lead.

Based on the above factors, make available proper equipment and supplies for the first-line defense. These include:

– Small, portable spill kits to carry to an emergency spill site.

– Larger, stationary kits strategically placed where the likelihood of a spill is highest and access is assured.

– Larger, mobile kits that can be wheeled into place.

– Plugs and sealing mats designed to keep spills from entering drains.

Final notes
Sorbents are an important factor in keeping you, your plant and the world clean and safe. For more information, visit these Web sites:

www.osha.gov (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

www.epa.gov (Environmental Protection Agency)

www.scaa-spill.org (Spill Control Association of America)

Mark Johnson is vice president of sales and marketing for SPC Sorbent Products Company. For information on this company’s products, call or visit www.sorbentproducts.com.

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