Rising to the occasion

Environmental, health and safety products provider Spill Doctor recently undertook one of its most complex projects to date: designing and installing a compliant flammable store for a client with minimal space …

Last year, Spill Doctor elevated the South African fire-rated chemical and flammable stores market by introducing its revolutionary, prefabricated and portable units, which offer two hours of protection.

“These prefabricated non-combustible stores provide a practical solution for companies renting premises and eliminate the need to construct permanent structures at their own cost,” says Kevin Murphy, Spill Doctor’s owner. “The flexibility of these stores ensures there is room for adaptability to site requirements and allows for easy relocation – whether by forklift, crane, or cherry picker – with local authority approval.” 

These units also offered the perfect solution for the company’s most complex project to date. “The challenge was to safely store 48 intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) – each with a capacity of 1,000 litres – or 192 drums, each with a capacity of 210 litres, containing various flammable liquids (in a limited amount of space) while adhering to strict safety regulations,” Murphy elaborates.

“Working closely with engineers, the local fire department and environmental authorities, it was agreed to double-stack the largest unit we manufacture, the SD96 Model. To ensure the unit’s compliance and enhance safety, a two-hour fire-rated spacer was installed between the units and a nearby building,” he continues.

Another challenge the company faced during the installation was craning both units more than 30m into the air and across 50m from an adjacent property, as the site had limited direct access. “To further improve accessibility, we incorporated six-metre remote-operated roller shutter doors, making storage and handling more efficient,” says Murphy.

“Within just four months the unit was successfully approved, installed, signed off by all relevant authorities and is now fully operational,” he reveals. “This project showcases Spill Doctor’s expertise, adaptability and commitment to providing custom flammable storage solutions that meet the highest safety standards.”

This venture isn’t the only occasion when Spill Doctor has had to overcome various obstacles, as the journey to bring the extended-protection stores to life was also filled with some other challenges. “Negotiating the maze of local bylaws throughout South African provinces proved to be a complex and time-consuming process. Each province presented its own regulations, and in some cases, the bylaws varied within the province itself,” Murphy explains. “Through this battle, Spill Doctor’s commitment to excellence prevailed, leading to the manufacture of panels that can withstand the demanding two-hour fire test.” 

He adds that Spill Doctor is eager to assist other clients who are also searching for their own turnkey solutions. “The process involves the professional compilation of drawings and submission to local municipalities for approval from environmental, planning and local departments,” he notes.

“This will ensure the seamless supply and installation of our prefabricated two-hour fire-rated stores. This full-service package emphasises our commitment to provide hassle-free, compliant solutions for businesses handling hazardous materials.”  

Well done, Spill Doctor, for rising to the occasion!