At Can-Ross, we help companies mitigate spill risk by providing spill control and containment products, facility assessments, and training. With our head office in Oakville, Ontario and our nationwide distribution network, we maintain one of the largest spill control product inventories and meet demanding industry needs. Here’s how we helped one of Canada’s largest food merchandisers and processors revamp their existing spill control and containment program and become better equipped for handling a potential spill.
Recovering After a Massive Facility Spill
With over 150,000 employees and reported sales of over $100 billion, the company needed a comprehensive spill control and containment program that would reduce spill risk and allow the company to be prepared in the event of a massive spill.
After a waste oil tote was punctured by a forklift outside of a plant, spilling at least 100 litres of waste oil, the company quickly realized that its spill control program was not keeping pace with its evolving needs. The company did not have proper spill kits in place to handle a spill of that magnitude.
When the spill occurred, the kits in place were too small for the spill at hand, and the products were oil only instead of haz-mat. The company could not effectively control and contain the spill because they did not have the correct products. After losing confidence in their spill control program, the company knew they needed a change.
Using a Spill Control and Containment Assessment to Prepare for Potential Spills
Due to the company’s size and specific requirements, their facility needed a program designed and customized for them. We conducted a Spill Control and Compliance Assessment to determine the most effective solution for the company. We toured the company’s facility and inspected all high-risk spill areas. After the tour, we prepared a report for the company that identified spill risks and provided solutions to those risks.
The company had strategically placed spill kits and absorbents prior to the big spill, but the capacity of these kits was too low for the potential spill risk and contained oil only products. The facility needed larger kits capable of handling big spills, as well as haz-mat products in addition to oil only.
Implementing Oil Only and Haz-Mat Absorbent Spill Control Products
After our assessment, the company has since implemented a complete spill control and containment program. We designed this program to specifically to eliminate unprotected areas, ensure regular spill kit refills, and create a company-wide spill kit standard.
The company knew that in order to ensure a safe work environment, it was essential that they take proactive steps to ensure their facility would be prepared in the event of a spill. Placing the appropriate spill kits strategically in these areas will ensure speedy spill clean up and could mean the difference between a minor spill or a major accident.
The company is currently equipped with a new and up-to-date spill control and containment program, complete with all of the products necessary to protect employees, as well as mitigate environmental impact and cost in the event of a spill.
Can-Ross Environmental Services Ltd. is a leading provider of spill control and containment products and assessments in Canada. Serving the most dynamic businesses in the country, we provide security and peace of mind by identifying spill risks and providing practical and effective solutions to those risks.
