10 Helpful Tips – Which Fuel and Oil Absorbent Mat You Should Have?
Do you work in an industry that experiences frequent liquid, oil, or fuel spills? Know which type of fuel and oil absorbent mats to use.
Spills are invertible if your company deals with fuel and oil, so you always have to be ready. If you encounter a spill, which fuel or oil absorbent mats do you use? The good news is there are many on the market for you, but how do you choose the best one for your company’s needs? From the type of chemicals they will absorb to the location, here are some tips on choosing the best fuel and oil absorbent mats.
1. The Type of Chemicals Your Floor Mats Come into Contact With
One of the first things you need to ask yourself is what type of liquid your absorbent pads are soaking up. Will they absorb water? Oil? Fuel spills? The answer to this question will determine if you need fuel, general-purpose, or oil absorbent mats.
Related: 8 Common Types of Spill Kits, And Which One is Right for You
2. Opt for Heavy Weight Mat Materials
Another vital thing to consider when buying absorbent pads is the material they’re made of. Mats made from low-grade materials mean faster wear and tear, while heavy-duty mats made with top-quality materials can last a long time.
3. Consider your Matting Location
Another consideration is where you need it — on land or the marine environment. Of course, the marine environment is one of the most challenging because, on top of oil absorption, the marine oil spill kit: must
- Be easy to deploy for a fast response
- Must float\
- Should not absorb water
If you use it on land, will you place mats on your factory floor with high traffic? Or will you use it outside? The answer to these questions will help you determine which absorbent pad to use.
Related: Choosing the Best Spill Kit for Your Chemical Store
4. Choosing Absorbent Mats that Fulfill Most Absorbing Oil Applications
Choosing which absorbent pad you need when dealing with oil and fuels is crucial to minimise the risk of oil-based spills. When working with oil and fuel, drips are only a matter of when.
Industries such as shipping must have a SOPEP (ship oil pollution emergency plan). In this plan, an oil spill kit is essential; of course, the absorbent mats are the first thing you have to deploy. Absorbent mats can come in different shapes: rolls or pads. The most common are the white polypropylene pads (colour coded for easy identification). They can be left in place until wholly soaked with oil or fuel without mildewing. This type of absorbent pad is versatile and a must-have in many industries.
5. Choosing Absorbent Mats that Prevent Stormwater Pollution Outdoors
Take the time to find out where storm drain water comes from, and whether it comes into contact with any contaminant in your company. If it gets contaminated, absorbent mats can prevent rainwater from being contaminated with bacteria, toxic chemicals, oil, dirt, and trash as it flows through storm drains into local waterways. There are many types of absorbent pads. They can be designed for general purposes, fuel and oil absorbency, and Hazchem/chemical spills.
Related: Stormwater Management, Choosing the Right Products to Reduce It
6. Choosing Absorbent Mats for Skimming or Cleanups Where Water is Present
When dealing with oil spills in water, you want oil absorbent mats that can skim across the water and absorb oil without absorbing water. This absorption level is imperative when dealing with water-based liquids or when oil, fuel, or chemicals spill into the water.
7. Choosing Absorbent Mats that Absorb Flammables
When dealing with flammables, you want fuel and oil absorbent pads made from 100% polypropylene. When polypropylene is exposed to sparks, flames or other heat sources, it will melt and self-extinguish, not burn.
8. Choosing Absorbent Mats for Extended Outdoor Use
Polypropylene is a hydrophobic mat that will not absorb water and will float (if in the marine environment) indefinitely without mildewing. You can leave it in place and replace it once the mat is fully saturated.
9. Floats on Water
Polypropylene pads are suitable for absorbing fuel and oil (hydrocarbon) spills. In addition to excellent absorption, they can float on water. Polypropylene pads repel water, making them ideal for marine applications.
10. Will Not Leach or Drip
Another essential characteristic of any absorbing pad is the capacity to retain all the absorbed substances, and once it is saturated and removed, it will not leach or drip.
Knowing Which Fuel and Oil Absorbent Mats to Use is Critical
If you work with liquids, whether oil, fuel, or something else, it’s only a matter of time before you experience leaks or spills. Knowing the right fuel, liquid, or oil absorbent mats to use is essential to ensure your workplace remains safe and secure. Do you need help choosing the best absorbent pads and mats? Contact us today.