Choosing Your Oil Spill Containment Boom
Once an oil spill occurs, the first step is to choose the correct size of oil containment boom for the cleanup. Cleanup crews should evaluate the situation, taking into account wind patterns, wave height, water depth, and current speeds. Offshore or open water environments, or locations with extreme conditions including high wind, large waves, or fast-moving currents are best suited for an open-water oil containment boom.
Deploying Your Oil Containment Boom
Care should be taken when deploying a boom for the safety of personnel and to prevent unnecessary damage to the boom itself. A boom should never be anchored or towed by its tension members. Tow bridles made from extrusion matching the boom coupler type should be used to evenly distribute loads to the oil containment boom during deployment and use.
Maintaining Your Oil Containment Boom
Harsh chemicals and fuels should not be used to clean an oil containment boom. An oil “stain” is far less harmful to the boom fabric than the damage diesel does when scrubbing the boom down. A mild detergent and medium-bristled brush are ideal for cleaning the surface of your oil containment boom. Power steam cleaning should be done with caution as weakened seams and welds may separate from heat and pressure. Fabric repair kits and hardware and fittings are available, or ACME can perform repairs at our manufacturing plant — contact us today with any questions or to schedule a repair!
Storing Your Oil Containment Boom
Rinse the boom thoroughly, allow it to fully dry, and inspect for any damage before storage. An oil containment boom should be clean and free of contaminants when stored and kept out of direct sunlight as U-V radiation shortens fabric life.
Not Sure What Size You Need? We Can Help!
Since 1967, ACME Environmental has experience in manufacturing oil spill containment boom and all of our team members would be happy to answer your questions. Let us help you find the perfect size and length of containment boom to fit your needs.