FAQ

Q: Can I use the sorbents in your ‘General Purpose’ kit to clean up spills of oils and fuel?

A: Yes, general purpose sorbents will absorb oils and fuels as well as all other liquids with the exception of aggressive chemicals. However if your oil spill is on water we recommend that you use oil only sorbents (see our first blog entry for further details).

Q: Can I use your oil only sorbents to clean up spills of solvents and paint?

A: Yes, oil only sorbents will absorb solvents and paints however their primary application is for hydrocarbon spills on water.

Q: Can I use general purpose or oil only sorbents to clean up chemical spills?

A: No, general purpose and oil only sorbents will not stand up to most chemical spills, especially high concentration acids and caustics. In order to contain and control chemical spills safely, you need to use chemical sorbents where the polypropylene fibres are reinforced to withstand aggressive chemicals.

Q: Do I need a spill kit on my site if I am storing dangerous liquids?

A: Yes, whether you are storing, handling or transporting dangerous liquids on your site you are required to have a spill kit available to contain spills and prevent contaminants from entering drains.

Q: Can I dispose of used sorbents in regular landfill after use?

A: No, our sorbents are made from polypropylene and are thus classified as a plastic, additionally they will be contaminated with a dangerous liquid following clean up. Contact your local waste removal provider or disposal facility to determine appropriate disposal method.

Q: What piece of legislation covers Environmental Compliance in NSW?

A: Protection of Environment Operations Act 1997, specifically section 120 which covers the prohibition of pollution of waters.

Q: In the event that a liquid leaks, spills, or escapes in a manner that harms or is likely to harm the environment, who can be held legally responsible?

A: Legal responsibility depends on a variety of circumstances in the event of an incident, but generally speaking those persons that can be held legally responsible include: the person in possession of substance spilled, the owner of the container which liquid spilled from, the owner of the land on which the spill occurred, as well as the occupier of the land at the time of a spill incident.

Q: What defence do persons have in the event that they are involved in a spill incident?

A: The primary defence offenders have in the event they are involved in a spill incident is showing ‘Due Diligence’, examples of which include having spill kits on site, in appropriate locations where liquids are handled, ensuring personnel on site are trained on how to use spill kits.