Handbook for Process Safety in Laboratories and Pilot Plants

12 Spill and Leak Protection

12.1 Containment

The key to keeping spills from escalating into more hazardous situations is proper containment and preparation to respond (emergency planning is discussed further in Section 24.2). Spill containment should be designed to capture the largest possible credible spill and keep it in a defined container or area free of hazards until it can be promptly cleaned up safely. Spill containment should be sized large enough to include all the contents plus 10% or more for splashing. Additionally, the containment should be able to contain water from a fire suppression system and rainwater if applicable. Significant heights above the container or limited spacing from the spill source to the container wall can require much higher sides. Higher containers have a higher likelihood of splashing over the spill container.

The spill container should be designed to retain the spill even during worst case situations. This usually includes a fire, so spill containers should be of substantial metal construction with sealed seams designed to withstand a fire.

Spill protection designers need to determine the realistic, maximum quantity that could be spilled. For unattended operation this quantity will usually be 100% of the system contents. Site utility systems, such as water or coolant will continue to flow, and so drains or sensors with automatic isolation may be required [122].

12.2 Flexible hose and tubing

Hoses and tubing are common sources of leakage ...