At 6:30pm on Friday, July 19th, Austrans received an urgent call from an Energy Provider, reporting a serious incident that required immediate attention. A car had collided with a power pole, causing the transformer to fall and spill oil across a car park and the adjacent grass area. This unexpected accident resulted in multiple houses losing power. Recognising the severity of the situation, Austrans sprang into action, demonstrating their commitment to efficient emergency response. By 8pm, a dedicated team was on-site, ready to tackle the challenge.
Austrans prides itself on its ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies. Mobilising a skilled crew, the team secured the accident site, cleaned up the spilled transformer oil, and transported the oil waste for recycling in strict compliance with environmental regulations.
Austrans holds a contract with an Energy Provider, which operates across Queensland, to manage the recycling of outdated transformers. Older transformers, often contaminated with PCB, require special handling and disposal methods. Once the transformers are due for replacement, Austrans deploys their vacuum tankers to pump out the oil, and this oil is then transported to an oil refinery for further treatment. The remaining steel from the transformers is recycled and repurposed for various industrial applications, demonstrating Austrans’ commitment to sustainability and resource conservation.
Understanding the urgency of the situation, especially given the presence of contaminated oil, Austrans swiftly dispatched their specialised Non-Destructive Digging (NDD) unit. The NDD unit’s jetter hose was used to break up and vacuum the contaminated soil, effectively removing the oil-contaminated material from the site. Additionally, the team pressure washed the bitumen and concrete surfaces, restoring them to their original condition.
Throughout the entire process, Austrans’ team worked diligently, showcasing their expertise and dedication to resolving the crisis efficiently. By 10pm, the cleanup operation was completed. The site was secured, the spill was thoroughly cleaned, all waste was disposed of safely, and the affected households were on the way to having their power restored.
This incident underscored Austrans’ capability and readiness to handle emergencies. Their comprehensive approach, from the initial response to the final cleanup, ensured that public safety and environmental health were prioritised at every step.
Austrans are proud of their team for stepping up! We’re committed to our customers 24/7. Your emergency is our emergency.
Austrans does it best
With safety and efficiency at the forefront of our services, Austrans is here to help. Established in 1999, the Austrans Group is proudly Australian-owned and operated, and is now recognised as an industry leader in waste management, industrial services, project management, and high-pressure water blasting all over South East Queensland.