How spill barrier dikes protect your drain from hazardous materials
Berm dikes act as a flexible spill diverter or blocker to protect drains
Sometimes a spill doesn’t just need to be absorbed, it needs to be contained — or even redirected. For example, depending on the severity of rainfall, stormwater runoff might be impossible to fully contain. Which can cause major contamination risks for stormwater drainage systems and, in turn, the environment.
This case would be the perfect application for a dike to redirect a spill. In this situation, a dike can also aid compliance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In other words, meet EPA guidelines to keep hazardous materials out of stormwater systems. Being an essential aspect of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) requirements.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of these useful spill barrier blockers and diverters. And why reusable dikes are an essential tool for any facility where employees handle pollutants or waste. To protect your drains indoors, or out.
What is a spill barrier and how does it work?
Spill containment berms come in many forms. But, they all serve the same purpose: to create a barrier that confines chemical liquids in the event of a spill or leak. This allows for easier spill clean-up, as well as preventing potential environmental pollution.
Easily shape a spillblocker dike to confine or divert liquids
Some portable berms act like a large catch basin that captures and holds a spill. However, a non-absorbent spill control dike acts like a flexible wall barrier for liquids. Which allows you to trap or guide a spill without necessarily enclosing it.
In short, a secondary containment spill berm is like a large container with side walls and a bottom. Whereas a spill barrier dike allows you to create a liquid-proof curb seal in any shape you require.
Use spill barriers to channel spills away from drains. Or, create a curb around puddles and prevent a floor slip hazard. They also offer excellent spill control to prevent washdown fluids from spreading during maintenance.
Selecting the best spill barrier solution
To choose the right spill containment product, it’s important you examine the application for your berm. And select one that meets all your needs. For example, the size of the spill barrier will depend on the volume of the liquid you’ll need to contain.
A small tabletop dike creates a leak-proof zone for lab spills
We offer berm dikes small enough for tabletop samples or chemical testing stations. As well as up to 10 feet long for larger drainage system protection applications. Need to fit a weirdly shaped space? Pliable dikes are easy to bend, so they can fit any curve or angle.
After a spill dike with more than 10 feet of barrier wall? Our dike connectors let you combine 10-foot lengths (or any of the other lengths we offer — they’re all so easy to connect!) into whatever size you need.
Safe storage of your barrier dike
This storage case prevents a urethane dike from sticking to itself
You should always store your spill barrier near the areas where it will most likely be necessary. In case of surprise spills or weather events, this ensures it is available quickly and efficiently. Luckily, our spill dike storage case makes it easy to protect and store any berm barrier, including the 10-foot length option.
Since polyurethane is tacky, unlike PVC, a barrier will stick to itself if not stored properly. But our spill dike storage case features dividers to keep your berm from doing so.
These heavy-duty spill dikes are completely reusable. Easily clean them with soap and water to prepare them for future uses. By correctly cleaning and storing them between operations, these important tools are sure to be great investments. And provide years of trouble-free service.
Check out our different berms and the handy spill dike storage case on our website.
Drive-over spill barriers
Until now, we’ve been talking about barriers for more temporary uses. However, in some situations, you need a spill containment product that remains in place. Or, allows trolleys or vehicles to pass across the barrier.
Compressible foam walls allow wheels to easily pass over this spill barrier
In these applications, you may want to try our build-your-own berm kit or drive-over spill barrier. You use sealant to fix these non-absorbent spill barriers and connectors to the floor. This means they can be a great option for outdoor use as well as rough surfaces.
These spill solutions let you create a custom-size barrier where you need one. For instance, to create a curb that encircles your warehouse floor drain. Or, around your IBC or drum pallet storage zones. They are also a great way to prevent liquid from flowing in — or out — of your facility’s vehicle entrance.
Your spill control and clean-up specialists
Find out for yourself why Absorbents Online has such high customer reviews. We offer a full range of secondary containment and SPCC environmental protection solutions. Check out our absorbents, spill kits, and more at competitive prices.
Have questions about which berm dike is suitable for your needs? Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.
This is a revision to a blog post with an original publication date of August 9, 2016