Category: blog
Why drainage and interceptor cleaning services are essential
Here at Yellowstone Environmental Solutions, we are pleased to provide a range of specialist industrial drain cleaning and drainage maintenance services for clients in a variety of sectors.
Our waste drainage cleaning services include:
- Interceptors/separators
- Slot drainage
- ACO drainage channel
- Gullies and silt traps
- Wastewater drainage
- Sampling services
In this article, we will look at some of our most frequently asked questions relating to industrial cleaning and drainage maintenance services.
What are the safety risks of industrial drainage cleaning?
It is very important to be aware of all the risks associated with maintaining and cleaning commercial or industrial drainage systems. The main hazards include:
• Exposure to chemicals
Cleaning chemicals may be required or waste streams may contain contaminants that cause skin irritation or respiratory problems.
• Working in a confined space
Many drainage systems are underground or may be considered a confined space with sub-optimal ventilation, and toxic gases may also be present.
• Slips and falls
Greasy and/or wet surfaces can increase the risk of a fall.
• Heavy machinery
Industrial drainage cleaning often involves high-powered and heavy machinery.
These are just some of the risks for workers, which emphasise why it is vital to follow correct safety procedures at all times.
What safety precautions should be followed during commercial or industrial drain cleaning and maintenance works?
Whether you require industrial drainage pipe or interceptor tank cleaning, when it comes to cleaning, these are the general precautions we follow:
- Thorough preliminary risk assessment to be carried out
- Personal protective equipment – gloves, goggles, respirators – to be worn
- Hard hats and hi-vis worn, especially near heavy machinery
- Specialist tools and equipment to be used
- Safety procedures to be followed
- Awareness of emergency procedures
Each situation and environment is unique and risk assessments will establish any additional requirements for safe working.
How do you clean a commercial or industrial drainage system?
Preparation is key and, as part of our comprehensive service, we offer a sampling service to ensure the suitability of treatment. Our teams can also survey the drainage system so that we quote for the correct vehicle for the works.
After paying attention to all the safety precautions (see above) we remove large blockages and clear debris before flushing and cleaning the pipes. We can assess system performance and pinpoint the early signs of common issues with industrial drainage systems.
When cleaning an interceptor, our teams can flag any issues which need to be addressed, such as coalescing filter replacements, alarm servicing or groundwater ingress.
We recommend a regular cleaning schedule to avoid potential blockages. This also ensures timely and proper disposal of all waste streams. Identifying a problem in the early stages means that we can limit the need for costly repairs that may be required, further down the line.
What does interceptor tank cleaning involve?
Interceptors are large tanks that are usually located underground to store either foul water from industrial processes or surface water that has been contaminated in some way, e.g. in a petrol station. Interceptors are used to separate and remove harmful contaminants from wastewater before it can be discharged.
The interceptor separates the liquid and solid pollutant elements from the wastewater along with other debris. This is achieved in several ways – namely gravity and oil-water separation as well as sedimentation.
Interceptor cleaning services are required on a regular basis, to remove and responsibly dispose of the build-up of pollutants and debris that are held in the tank.
This initially involves pumping equipment before bringing on high-pressure water jets and vacuum trucks. Once the tank has been thoroughly cleaned, we inspect it for any signs of damage or potential points that may require maintenance.
Interceptor cleaning and inspection is crucial in ensuring that the system is performing optimally. It is also important to conform to industry regulations pertaining to discharging pollutants into the environment.
As we have mentioned, regular cleaning minimises the risk of substantial blockages which can result in environmental damage as well as expensive damage to the interceptor.
Please note: if an industrial or commercial business needs to discharge trade waste into foul or surface water drainage, they are required to adhere to consent to discharge permits. Click to read the Environment Agency and DEFRA’s guidelines on environmental permits.
What problems can occur without regular interceptor tank cleaning?
Blockages and backups are one of the more common issues we encounter when carrying out interceptor cleaning services. These can lead to a cascade of problems:
- Blockages and backups caused by inert debris or pollutants can collect and cause blockages in the interceptor system
- These blockages can lead to water pooling and potentially flooding or corroding and damaging the system
- A damaged system with compromised performance can be costly, in terms of repair as well as downtime
- If pollutants aren’t removed effectively then wastewater can potentially contaminate waterways or soil
- The knock-on effects of this contamination can have catastrophic impacts on wildlife and human life
- Companies are held responsible for breaching regulations. This can result in large fines, legal action and serious reputational damage
Looking for specialist drainage maintenance services?
It is important to note that industrial and commercial drainage cleaning and maintenance should always be performed by qualified professionals. This ensures that the appropriate equipment and safety procedures are adhered to.
Here at Yellowstone, our qualified operatives have the wealth of knowledge and experience required to carry out procedures safely and effectively. Not only that, but our licensed treatment and transfer facility allows us to handle and process a wide range of waste streams so that we can offer a hassle-free solution to our clients.
For all enquiries about our commercial and industrial drainage cleaning services, please call us today on 0330 118 0381.