1.0 Purpose
To ensure the protection of soil and groundwater from spills of fuels, chemicals and ecologically toxic materials.
2.0 Scope
The procedure is applicable to HSC sites to fulfill the general requirement of HSE Management system and fulfill the legal requirement.
3.0 Responsibilities
3.1 Unit Head:
Ensure that this procedure is implemented and adequate controls are in place.
3.2 HSE Manager
Ensure that adequate controls are maintained and that rapid response is given to any spills
Audit the site against this procedure
4.0 Description
4.1 Above Ground Storage
4.1.1 All fuels, paints or other chemicals must be stored within a bunded area suitably positioned, or other steps taken, such as the provision of drum trays with integral bunds, so as to minimize any risk of damage by impact (so far as reasonably practicable) the walls and base of which must be impermeable to the substance stored and to water. The bund must be capable of providing containment for 110% of the volume of the largest tank or 25% of the total capacity of all the containers, whichever is the greater.
4.1.2 Bunded areas must be examined on a regular basis (at least weekly for oil storage facilities) for any leakage of liquid from the storage vessel, associated pump and pipelines and any spills or releases cleared up immediately. Bunds must be inspected during or after periods of heavy rainfall to ensure that they do not overflow. All internal areas will be maintained in a clean state, free from general litter and debris.
4.1.3 Oil Storage installations, the valves, filters, sight gauge, vent pipe or other equipment ancillary to the container must be within the bunded area.
4.1.4 Bund Drainage
Under normal operating conditions all bund drain valves must be locked in the closed position. Valves may only be opened to allow drainage of rainwater when there is no obvious sign of contamination - particular care must be taken when the stored substance is water-soluble. If contamination is suspected a sample must be taken for analysis and the results approved by a competent person before the bund is drained. On completion of drainage, the drain valves must be locked in the closed position. Any water found to be contaminated must be disposed of in accordance with procedure of Waste Management.
4.1.5 Temporary Storage
When it is necessary to have temporary fuel or chemical storage facility the most appropriate method of containment must be applied
4.1.6 Prepared Bund
A bund must be fabricated on a level (as far as practicable) base; using materials that will ensure that the walls and base are impermeable to the substances stored and to water. The height of the bund must be calculated to hold at least 110% of the volume of the largest container or 25% of the total capacity of all the containers, whichever is the greater. It is recommended that the minimum height of the walls be 150mm.
4.2 Underground Storage
4.2.1 The use of underground storage tanks and pipework is to be avoided wherever possible. Where such facilities do exist, an action plan must be drawn up for their elimination (unless the underground storage system incorporates technology capable of providing the same degree of control as that for above ground storage).
Until such time as they are removed the following precautions must be taken:
The locations of the tanks and pipework must be recorded, as far as is practical, preferably on a map and by physical markings / signs above ground.
Records must also be kept as to the volume, method of construction (i.e. single or double skinned, in a pit, pipework in ducts) and the nature of the product contained (at present or in the past)
Measures taken to protect tanks and pipework from physical damage, such as that caused by excessive surface loading, ground movement or ground disturbance
Some form of monitoring of contents employed to ensure that leaks are readily detected
Regulatory testing must be performed
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