In April of 2015 we will observe the unfortunate anniversary of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In addition to the tragic loss of lives, there were severe economic and environmental impacts from the almost five million barrels of oil that were spewed into the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. A great deal was learned from this event and many laws were set in motion to better provide for the safety of the workers, and to protect the environment in case of a future oil spill. Although constructing and operating these rigs is a complicated and rigorous process, continuous attention must be paid to implementing proactive measures that focus on preventing oil spills, as well as being prepared for oil spill response.
Monarch Green was proud to have our spill clean up products’ unique ability to contain and adsorb a wide variety of spilled liquids recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an environmentally safe sorbent for use during the Gulf Oil Spill. As a technically advanced organization which provides absorbent products that quickly absorb spills, Monarch Green has been constantly expanding our product line since that time to include newer and more environmentally-friendly methods to improve the rig operator’s ability to clean up and remove possible contaminants as quickly as possible. As part of our effort to work with the industry to potentially prevent or minimize the impact from future oil spills, we offer these safety supply and compliance tips for rig operators:
- Emergency Spill Kits: Each rig should be equipped with an adequate supply of emergency spill kits in order to speed response time and minimize damage. All personnel should be aware of the location of the kits, and should be trained in their use. Depending on the rig’s location, whether land or water, these oil spill kits should contain site-appropriate absorbents, absorbent mats, and a sufficient supply of super sorbent flexible booms.
- Awareness of Changes to Safety and Environmental Management Systems (SEMS): The SEMS program looks beyond baseline compliance towards a culture that promotes improvements in safety and environmental performance. As part of the SEMS regulations, companies must submit an audit which shows that they have a SEMS plan, that it has been implemented, and it is being used to manage safety processes. Availability of spill kits and ongoing training in spill containment can contribute to the positive reception of audit results.
- Hazards Analysis: Rig operators must constantly be on the lookout for potential dangers in their systems and operations. This should include analysis of potential hazards, establishment of procedures to respond to hazardous events, and ongoing education of all affected personnel in hazardous event management.
Monarch Green offers environmentally friendly products, made whenever possible from recycled materials, that clean up spills without incurring additional damage to the environment. IncrediSorb™ attracts and captures oil and related spills to maximum saturation. Oilinator® products contain the IncrediSorb™ compound, combined with a unique, equally oleophilic (oil attracting) and hydrophobic (water rejecting), fabric that concentrate the absorbent power of its high-capacity, fast acting mats on the target spill rather than allowing the sorbent material to become dispersed..
About Monarch Green: Monarch Green is working hard to answer the world’s demand for environmentally-friendly, technologically-advanced, cost-effective, nontoxic products for spill containment and clean-up. Products include emergency spill kits and oil absorbent pads, which can be used to clean up and contain an oil spill, brake fluid leak, transmission oil leak, gasoline diesel-jet fuel and crude oil spills, heavy eqipment, machinery, and passenger-commercial-RV leaks. Visit the website at https://www.monarchgreen.com to view product videos. “Like” the Facebook page for news and information on environmentally friendly spill clean-up solutions. Call 1-877-500-SPILL (7745) Ext. 1 to find an authorized distributor.
