Environmental Solutions
Incorporated
24 Hour Emergency Response Number: 402.896.3600
Incorporated
24 Hour Emergency Response Number: 402.896.3600
hazardous waste |
Summer 1996... ESI Enters and Cleans Difficult Confined Space ESI recently encountered a difficult confined space entry at a large animal by-products plant. An accumulation pit needed to be entered and cleaned of solids, semi-solids and very heavy sludges that could not be vacuumed efficiently. The open pit measure 60’ X 60’ and over 15’ deep and had no easy access. The atmosphere, though neither flammable nor toxic initially, had the potential to become dangerous during the course of entry. The Lower Explosive Limit (LEL), Oxygen, and Hydrogen Sulfide levels were monitored on a continual basis. The odor was also overpowering and nauseating and forced an EPA Level B entry. In order to efficiently remove the sludge, a Skid Steer equipped with a complete breathing airline system (cylinder, airline, pressure gauge, regulator and alarm) was lowered into the pit by the Trackhoe, and the operator followed down the ladder. On reaching the Skid Steer, the operator disconnected from the van mounted cascade and hooked his MSA Prem-Aire Escape SCBA into the Skid Steer’s system, enabling him to work unhindered by an airline or SCBA. The system worked extremely well, enabling the operator to work continuously for long periods without being hampered by an external airline or an SCBA. The Skid Steer was used to sweep the sludge to one side of the pit where the trackhoe could remove the accumulated debris. The operation went very smoothly and both ESI and the client were pleased with the results. ESI Participates In Emergency Response Drill in Aurora ESI joined the employees of Nebraska Energy L.L.C., and the members of the Aurora Volunteer Fire Department in a hazardous materials response exercise. The scenario called for a major release of ethanol from a broken pipe into the secondary containment. An extreme flammability risk was assumed. The walk-through began with Nebraska Energy using fixed and portable foam systems "suppress" the vapor hazard. It continued with a Fire Department Response to continue to suppress vapor as Nebraska Energy worked to remotely stop the release. ESI continued the exercise by explaining our role and simulation vacuuming of contained product and removal of contaminated soil. It was a great cooperative effort and each participant learned from the others. The drill culminated in a crop-duster dropping foam on a simulated wildfire that "escaped" the containment dikes and threatened to spread to other sections of the facility.
Mark Arvidson and John Sempeck of ESI explain how they use various protective gear to employees of Nebraska Energy L.L.C.
PLANNING A COMPANY DRILL? If your company would benefit from conducting a spill response drill or table top exercise, ESI would be happy to participate in any capacity you desire. Cost is reasonable and entirely dependent on the personnel and equipment that you feel you need on site. An exercise specifically oriented to your facility will benefit you, ESI, and any invited public emergency responders such as local police, fire and EMS. Emergency response scenarios are excellent team builders and the identify problems in plans before there is an emergency. Give us a call at (402)896-3600
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Copyright © 1999 Environmental Solutions, Incorporated
hazardous waste |
Summer 1996
Omaha, Nebraska 68138-3600