SPILL BARRIERS

SPILL BARRIERS

Spill Barriers  are non-absorbent product and acts as  portable or mobile barriers to prevent liquids getting into sensitive areas.

There are connectors available to join up the 3 metre sections. The SSI barrier is fully reusable and it offers a very cost effective solution to deal with issues that arise in the event of accidental spillage.

Dimensions of Spill Barrier : Size: 3 metres long x 5.5cm high.

Application Examples:

Below is a typical example of an oil spill and how the SSI Spill Containment Barriers prevent the oil from spreading.

Each barrier is 3mtrs long. If the area involved requires a longer length then a connector is used to join up the sections.

Spill Barriers for Liquid Spill Containment in Ireland

SSI Environmental supplies reusable spill barriers for sites that need to stop oil and other liquids from spreading into sensitive areas. The SSI Spill Barrier is a non-absorbent, portable containment barrier supplied in 3 metre sections, with connectors available when a longer run is required. Each section is 5.5 cm high and can be reused, making it a practical option for planned spill-risk areas and rapid response.

If your site has drains, doorways, work areas, plant, storage zones or other points where a liquid spill could spread, a physical barrier can create a defined containment line before the liquid travels further. SSI Environmental is based in Dublin and supplies environmental and spill-control products across Ireland.

What are spill barriers?

Spill barriers are physical, non-absorbent barriers used to restrict the movement of liquid across a surface. They are useful where the immediate priority is to stop a spill spreading into a sensitive area, rather than absorbing the liquid itself. The SSI system uses 3 metre sections that can be connected to create a longer containment run.

Why use a spill containment barrier instead of absorbent socks?

A spill containment barrier and an absorbent sock solve related but different problems. An absorbent sock is intended to absorb liquid while forming a temporary perimeter. A non-absorbent barrier is intended to physically restrict liquid movement. The right choice depends on the spill type, surface, volume, response plan and where the liquid could travel.

How does the SSI spill barrier work?

The barrier forms a low physical edge that helps prevent liquid from travelling beyond the area being protected. A 3 metre section can be positioned where containment is required, and additional sections can be joined using the available connectors. This modular approach allows the containment line to be extended to suit the site layout.

For a real spill, the barrier should be used as part of the site’s spill response procedure. The source of the spill should be addressed safely, the nearest drainage pathway should be protected where appropriate, and the contained liquid should be recovered and disposed of according to the site’s procedures and the nature of the substance.

Where can spill containment barriers be used?

Around areas where oil, fuel or other liquids could spread across a hard surface.

Near sensitive areas where a spill could move towards drainage.

At temporary work areas where a reusable containment line is useful.

Around equipment or operational areas where liquid movement needs to be restricted.

Across a defined section of floor, doorway or work zone where the site layout allows a low barrier to be positioned safely.

As part of a wider spill prevention and response plan alongside spill kits and drain protection.

Spill Barriers | Product specification

How do you use a spill barrier?

For routine preparedness, identify the areas where liquid could travel and position the barrier where it can be deployed quickly without creating an unnecessary trip or access hazard. For an incident, follow the site’s spill response procedure and use appropriate PPE and response equipment for the substance involved.

Identify the likely direction of liquid movement and the sensitive area you need to protect.

Position the barrier across the intended containment line, keeping the surface and access conditions in mind.

Connect additional 3 metre sections where a longer run is required.

Contain, recover and dispose of the spilled material in line with your site’s emergency response and waste procedures.

What are the benefits of reusable spill barriers?

Reusable: The SSI barrier is designed for repeated use, reducing the need to replace the physical barrier after every deployment.

Modular: 3 metre sections can be joined with connectors when a longer containment line is required.

Non-absorbent: The barrier’s job is to restrict liquid movement rather than absorb the liquid itself.

Portable: The product can be used as a mobile barrier where temporary containment is required.

Practical for planned risk areas: Sites can identify high-risk locations in advance and keep suitable containment equipment close to the point of risk.

Spill containment in Dublin and across Ireland

SSI Environmental is based in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, and supplies spill-control and environmental protection products to Irish industry. The company states that it has specialised in oil and chemical spill response and containment since 1996 and supports customers with products, risk assessment, spill SOP development, training and kit inspections.

For a site-specific recommendation, the useful information to provide is the type of liquid, where the spill risk occurs, the approximate area that needs protecting, nearby drains or sensitive areas, and whether the barrier is intended for planned containment or emergency response.

Spill barrier vs spill barrier bund: what should you choose?

The terms can overlap in search results, but they can describe different containment formats. A low spill barrier is suited to creating a defined boundary on a surface, while a bund or berm is generally selected when a larger area, equipment footprint or storage location needs secondary containment. If you are unsure, send SSI the site dimensions and intended application so the containment requirement can be assessed before purchase.

Common problems a spill barrier can help prevent

Liquid spreading across a work area before responders can contain it.

A spill travelling towards a sensitive location.

A containment line being too short for the area involved.

Repeated use of disposable absorbent materials where a reusable physical barrier is more suitable.

A spill response plan that relies on clean-up but does not first restrict the movement of the liquid.

Get advice on spill containment barriers in Dublin, Ireland

Need help choosing the right spill containment barrier for your site? SSI Environmental can advise on the practical containment equipment needed for your application. Tell the team what liquid you are dealing with, where the risk occurs, the approximate dimensions of the area and whether drains are nearby.

Call SSI Environmental: 01 866 5676 | Donal Sheerin: 087 936 7065

Or use the SSI Environmental contact page to request product advice or an enquiry.

Frequently asked questions about spill barriers

What is a spill barrier?

A spill barrier is a physical, non-absorbent containment product used to restrict the spread of liquids. SSI Environmental’s spill barrier is supplied in 3 metre sections, is 5.5 cm high and can be extended using connectors.

What are spill containment barriers used for?

They are used to create a physical boundary that helps stop liquids spreading into sensitive areas. They can form part of a spill response plan alongside spill kits, drain protection and other containment controls.

How long is an SSI spill barrier?

Each SSI Spill Barrier section is 3 metres long. Where a longer containment run is needed, connectors can be used to join sections.

How high is the SSI spill barrier?

The published SSI specification gives a height of 5.5 cm. The barrier is intended to provide a low physical containment edge across a suitable surface.

Are SSI spill barriers reusable?

Yes. SSI Environmental describes the barrier as fully reusable, making it suitable where the same containment point may need protection repeatedly.

Can spill barriers be joined together?

Yes. Connectors are available to join the 3 metre sections and create a longer containment line.

Are spill barriers absorbent?

No. The SSI Spill Barrier is described as non-absorbent. Its purpose is to restrict liquid movement rather than soak up the spill, so it may be used alongside appropriate absorbents where required.

What is the difference between a spill barrier and a spill kit?

A spill barrier restricts the movement of liquid, while a spill kit provides materials for absorbing and cleaning up a spill. Many sites need both because containment and recovery are separate parts of spill response.

Can spill barriers protect drains?

They can help restrict liquid movement towards a drain when positioned correctly, but a barrier should not be treated as a substitute for dedicated drain protection. Where direct drain entry is the main risk, suitable drain covers, seals or guards should be considered.

Where can I buy spill containment barriers in Ireland?

SSI Environmental supplies spill containment products from its Dublin operation. Contact the team with your application, dimensions, liquid type and site layout so they can advise on the appropriate containment solution.

What information should I provide when requesting a spill barrier?

Provide the liquid involved, the area or length to be protected, the surface type, nearby drains or sensitive areas, expected spill scenario and whether you need temporary or repeat-use containment. Photos and basic measurements can also help with product advice.

Are spill barriers suitable for every chemical?

Do not assume compatibility based only on the word ‘spill barrier’. Chemical resistance depends on the material and the substance involved. Confirm compatibility with SSI Environmental before using the barrier for a specific chemical or aggressive liquid.

To enquire about this product – call us on 01 8665676 / 087-9367065 or contact us here