Hydrocarbon Contamination Clean-Up

Hydrocarbon contamination in soil and groundwater results from fuel storage, industrial activity, and accidental spills.
Common hydrocarbons include diesel, petrol, oils, lubricants, and polycyclic aromatic compounds from coal tar and asphalt.
Hydrocarbon vapours are flammable and can accumulate in excavations, creating explosive atmospheres in enclosed spaces.
Skin contact with hydrocarbon-contaminated soil causes irritation and, with prolonged exposure, increases skin cancer risk.
Inhalation of volatile hydrocarbon vapours causes headaches, dizziness, nausea, and chronic respiratory damage with repeated exposure.
A site investigation identifies the type, concentration, and extent of hydrocarbon contamination before remediation begins.
Remediation methods include excavation and disposal, bioremediation, soil vapour extraction, and in-situ chemical treatment.
Personal gas monitors must be worn during all excavation work on hydrocarbon-contaminated sites to detect volatile vapours.
Contaminated soil must be stockpiled on impermeable surfaces and disposed of through licensed hazardous waste facilities.
Groundwater contaminated with hydrocarbons must be treated on site or disposed of through licensed liquid waste carriers.

Explosive vapours	Hydrocarbon vapours accumulate in excavations and enclosed spaces, creating explosive atmospheres — gas monitoring prevents detonation.
Skin absorption	Hydrocarbons penetrate skin on contact, causing irritation and increasing long-term cancer risk — PPE prevents all skin exposure.
Groundwater pollution	Hydrocarbons migrate through soil into groundwater, contaminating drinking water supplies — containment prevents environmental disaster.

Do

Don't

Review the site investigation to identify hydrocarbon types and concentrations present.
Wear PPE specified in the COSHH assessment — gloves, coveralls, and RPE as required.
Carry a personal gas monitor during all excavation on hydrocarbon-contaminated ground.
Stockpile contaminated soil on impermeable lined areas separated from clean material.
Follow decontamination procedures when leaving the contaminated work zone.
Dispose of contaminated soil through licensed hazardous waste carriers and facilities.
Manage contaminated groundwater with on-site treatment or licensed liquid waste disposal.
Ensure adequate ventilation when working in excavations with hydrocarbon vapour risk.
Report any rainbow sheen on water, chemical odours, or stained soil immediately.
Brief all workers on the contamination hazards and control measures before starting.

DON'T excavate hydrocarbon-contaminated ground without reviewing the site investigation.
DON'T handle contaminated soil without the PPE specified in the COSHH assessment.
DON'T enter excavations on contaminated sites without a gas monitor for vapour detection.
DON'T mix contaminated and clean soil — keep them strictly separated at all times.
DON'T leave the contaminated zone without following decontamination procedures.
DON'T dispose of contaminated soil in standard waste skips — it requires licensed disposal.
DON'T discharge contaminated groundwater to drains or watercourses without treatment.
DON'T work in vapour-rich excavations without ventilation to disperse volatile hydrocarbons.
DON'T ignore visual or olfactory signs of contamination — stop and report immediately.
DON'T start work without a briefing on the specific contaminants and controls for this site.

See also: Contaminated Land Safety Awareness | Contaminated Ground Awareness

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