Safety and environmental protection within industry remains a primary concern across the board. As the international climate continues to shift toward a more environmentally conscious set of standards, industrial operations have been placed into an amplified spotlight. In recent years, much more rigorous guidelines have been systematically introduced to improve the overall world standard and prevent ongoing problems.
Right alongside the emphasis on environmental protection and safety standards has been a heightened awareness of energy conservation and the utilization of more efficient green technologies. In many cases, environmental safety and energy go hand-in-hand as allies working toward a common goal of operational improvements. For instance, improved efficiency within fossil fuel consumption can save an industrial operation money while reducing its environmental footprint. And as global competition makes it even more challenging to succeed, this multi-benefit approach to better environmental safety standards and reduced cost makes the push toward improvement even more important.[i]
While attention continues to focus on environmental safety and energy conservation, technology has also further amplified the current state of both factors within industry. New innovations such as the Internet of Things (IoT) bring improved safety potential and real-time data reporting for improved efficiency.[ii] And further development of safety products such as spill protection, construction compliance tools, and microbe-based oil cleaning have transformed safety prevention and containment even more.
Examples of Safety and Environmental Protection Products
Understanding how far environmental safety and energy efficiency have both come boils down to the current products they offer various industries. The following list outlines several of the major products and services – both for energy conservation and environmental safety.
- Spill Containment and Response
One of the most critical components to any handling of oil or other chemicals is an effective spill prevention and control system. Even just a minor oil spill can cause widespread environmental damage if it makes its way into waterways, soils, or leads to direct public exposure. By employing rapid and effective spill response, damage can be mitigated and environmental damage can be significantly reduced.
Spill containment pallets and decks can provide modular, installable platforms with a low profile and high transportability. They can be deployed wherever potentially dangerous substances are used, and their bladders are capable of absorbing entire drums with no issues.[iii]
For more sudden emergencies, deployable response technology can help to stop the spreading of a chemical spill and decontaminate areas using new technologies and systems. Popup pools can be immediately placed under a leaking source to contain it. Drain seals made from durable, lightweight material can be immediately placed to prevent leakage into plumbing or industrial sewage systems. Additional tools range from scalable tourniquets for tankers or drums to industrial spill-vacs designed for chemical containment. The driving force behind these tools is rapidness in their response capacity.[iv]
- Storm Water Management and Erosion Control
As one of the leading causes of pollution into waterways, storm water remains an ongoing challenge for cities, municipalities, and all related organizations. Simply stated, proper management and prevention of storm water pollution is a pivotal component of maintaining environmental responsibility across-the-board.
Storm drain covers can help to capture polluted runoff and stop it from entering water systems. Furthermore, a variety of new innovations can help prevent unwanted erosion and stop high risk contamination areas from spreading their pollutants into the environment. These innovations include fast absorbing materials, quickly deployable counter measures, and a variety of related solutions.[v]
- Microbe-Based Bonding Technology
Scientific advancements have led to the development of a convenient, fast-deployed, microbe-based product which degrades oil down into its natural components. While this process reflects the natural method the earth breaks down oil, new advancements have improved the speed at which this process transforms polluted areas into treated areas that reduce the overall environmental impact of a spill.[vi]
- The Internet of Things and Integrated Management Platforms
When it comes to efficiency in industrial operations, one of the largest challenges comes within logistics. Companies are continuing to implement new innovations which integrate the ability to report functionality and operational data in real-time to prevent downtime.
Even better, this information can identify pain points, determine where to upgrade, and save even more money. This Internet of Things (IoT) dynamic has transformed all sorts of industries, hardware, and devices with the power of real-time data synchronization and simplified operational response.[vii] And with the ongoing shift toward sustainable energy, both these concepts will transform the business climate within practically every type of business.
Looking Toward the Future
In many cases, the alignment of environmentally sustainable practices and technology with cost-savings succeeds on both fronts. Businesses will continue to invest in improved environmental standards to save money and improve their operations. However, the true push toward these innovations goes much further than a few dollars saved.
Adapting to these standards is not just mandatory for most businesses; it is incredibly important for the world as a whole. Businesses that rise to the challenge of new technology are investing into a much brighter future for everyone. And this will benefit all types of businesses – large and small.
References
[i] https://eponline.com/Blogs/Environmental-Protection-Blog/2016/08/Smart-Buildings-Unlock-Exponential-Value.aspx
[ii] https://eponline.com/Blogs/Environmental-Protection-Blog/2016/08/Smart-Buildings-Unlock-Exponential-Value.aspx
[iii] https://www.spillcontainment.com/categories/spill-containment/
[iv] https://www.spillcontainment.com/categories/spill-response-decon/
[v] https://www.spillcontainment.com/categories/stormwater-management/
[vi] https://www.spillcontainment.com/products/general-information/
[vii] https://www.mpulsesoftware.com/The-Future-of-Maintenance-Management-Part-12-The-Internet-of-Things-Blog