Oil Spills
Operating one of the busiest fast-food restaurants in the region means that every part of the back-of-house operation must run with precision. From food preparation to shift handovers, and especially the responsible collection of used cooking oil, every task must be executed smoothly. The restaurant takes pride in its commitment to sustainability, with waste oil regularly collected and processed into biodiesel—a crucial part of its environmental responsibilities.
However, during what should have been a routine early-morning oil collection, a serious problem occurred that brought operations to an abrupt halt. While waste oil was being loaded into the collection vehicle at the rear service area, one of the containers—filled with thick bio oil—suffered a seal failure. As it was lifted onto the van’s platform, the container tipped slightly. Several litres of viscous oil spilled directly onto the concrete surface, spreading quickly across the loading bay and into an adjacent corridor used for kitchen access.
Initially, the in-house team attempted to contain the situation using the equipment available to them. Absorbent mats were placed, warning signs were put up, and efforts were made to stop the oil from advancing further. But it quickly became evident that the volume and texture of the bio oil were beyond what general cleaning tools could manage. The oil had not only spread across a wide area but had already begun seeping into the porous concrete, creating an odour and a major slip hazard.
Staff raised immediate concerns. The odour started drifting into food prep areas, while the affected zone became increasingly dangerous to walk through. It was clear that professional intervention was urgently needed—not only for effective cleaning but also to protect hygiene standards, operational continuity, and staff safety.
The underlying issue was twofold: container failure due to compromised seals, and the thick, heavy nature of bio oil that had been stored for over a week. The longer the oil remains in storage, the more viscous and difficult it becomes to handle, and this created a perfect storm. Cleaning up oil spills of this nature requires much more than surface wiping. It involves deep penetration cleaning, odour neutralisation, and the ability to address both hygiene and health and safety risks.
The timing couldn’t have been worse. The incident occurred during a busy delivery window, putting the site’s logistics under pressure. Any delay in resolving the issue meant bottlenecks in waste management and supply intake. There was a real fear that the floor coating warranty might be voided if the oil wasn’t removed correctly, and if left unaddressed, the bio oil could begin corroding equipment like storage trolleys and fryer parts that were temporarily left near the spill zone.
Crucially, there was the matter of compliance. Operating a food-focused site means always being ready for a health inspection, and in the condition the area was left in after the spill, the risk of a non-compliance notice was very real. Faced with this challenge, the restaurant’s management team reached out to ACC Commercial Cleaning Ltd—who came highly recommended by other operators within the fast-food sector.
ACC are specialists in cleaning up oil spills, and they responded immediately. Within hours, a fully equipped emergency cleaning team was on site. They began with a comprehensive assessment of the spill zone, measuring the depth of oil absorption into the concrete and checking for contamination along kitchen thresholds. Their professionalism was evident from the outset.
The cleaning plan consisted of a two-phase approach. First, an industrial-grade oil-dissolving treatment was applied. This biodegradable solution was specifically formulated for food-safe environments and helped draw the bio oil out of the concrete’s micro-pores. Once the oil had been lifted, ACC followed up with a high-pressure steam sanitisation process. This not only removed all residual oil and grease but also neutralised odours and restored the hygiene of the affected zone to the highest standard.
In total, the process of cleaning up the oil spill took just under four hours, and operations resumed that same day without the need for extended shutdowns. What particularly impressed the site manager was the level of attention to safety throughout the process. Temporary flooring was laid so that unaffected pathways could remain operational, and communication with on-site staff was constant and professional.
ACC’s expertise in cleaning up oil spills didn’t end with the immediate response. They provided a comprehensive aftercare report, complete with before-and-after photos, product traceability, and full documentation that could be shared with compliance officers and insurance partners. They even helped with a short briefing session for team leaders, offering advice on safer container handling practices and simple but effective daily checks to prevent future incidents.
The value of this proactive response was enormous. Not only was the physical damage from the bio oil spill fully contained and cleaned, but the business avoided any disruption to its trading day, potential legal exposure, and reputational harm. ACC’s guidance on improving the oil transfer procedure also led to an internal review of waste handling processes, ultimately making the operation more resilient.
Since that day, the site has contracted ACC Commercial Cleaning Ltd to carry out quarterly deep cleaning services and named them as their emergency call-out provider. The trust built through their swift and thorough handling of the situation has translated into a long-term relationship. Knowing there’s a reliable team available for cleaning up oil spills gives management a renewed sense of confidence in maintaining high standards.
In fast-paced commercial food environments, it’s often the behind-the-scenes work that has the most lasting impact. Cleaning up oil spills, particularly those involving thick bio oil, is about much more than aesthetics. It’s about protecting people, safeguarding infrastructure, ensuring hygiene compliance, and preserving the public’s perception of the brand.
Thanks to ACC Commercial Cleaning Ltd, what began as a serious operational threat was turned into an opportunity to improve practices and reinforce a culture of safety. Their specialist knowledge, responsive service, and genuine commitment to doing things the right way have made them an indispensable part of the team.
Whether dealing with waste oil, contaminated floor zones, or unforeseen emergencies, ACC have proven their capability time and again. Their role in cleaning up oil spills is not just reactive—it’s preventive, strategic, and vital to the smooth operation of any high-traffic food service environment.
