Post-disaster cleanup and restoration
Oil spills and hazardous contaminants
As the Quebec industry leader, Qualinet is your go-to expert for managing damages caused by hazardous materials, including oil and other hydrocarbons.
We provide 24/7 emergency containment, absorption and decontamination services for surfaces and materials affected by oil spills, heating oil leaks or any other substances harmful to people and the environment.
Our goal
To eliminate every trace of the spill, neutralize stubborn odours and deliver a clean, healthy and perfectly safe environment for your family or employees.
What to do in the event of an oil spill
Stop the leak at the source: If it is safe to do so, immediately shut off the source of the leak (e.g., close the valve on the tank or damaged line).
Contain the flow: Use absorbent materials to limit the spread. Never use water, as it will only cause the fuel oil to spread further.
Ventilate: Open windows to air out the area and reduce the buildup of vapours and odours.
Call Qualinet 24/7: Contact our emergency teams right away. Every minute counts. Immediate absorption is critical to stop oil from penetrating porous materials or the soil.
Notify your insurer: Report the spill to your insurance provider and keep all documentation and supporting evidence.
Warning! Don’t try to clean it yourself: Cleanup protocols for hydrocarbons and other hazardous contaminants are complex. They require specialized products and equipment to fully eliminate the contamination and odours.
Rapid response to minimize damage
Qualinet deploys strict, effective protocols to manage every stage of an oil spill.
Our teams mobilize immediately to contain the leak and prevent it from spreading, especially outside or into drainage systems.
After a rigorous site assessment, we pump out liquid substances (such as heating oil) and use specialized materials to absorb all remaining residue.
We clean and chemically treat affected surfaces and materials to remove every trace of contamination.
Fuel oil odours are notoriously hard to get rid of. We use specialized deodorization techniques to neutralize the smell at the source, ensuring your environment is completely free of lingering scents.
If oil or any other contaminants have seeped into porous materials (concrete, wood or drywall), we safely remove and rebuild the affected areas to ensure the structural integrity of your property.
Oil, fuel oil and other hazardous material spills: Frequently asked questions
Does my insurance cover oil spills and similar damage?
Coverage depends on your specific policy. Contact your insurer right away to review the terms of your policy regarding such spills.
Why shouldn’t I use water to clean up oil?
Water actually spreads oil, making the contamination worse and pushing it deeper into surfaces and materials. That’s why professional absorption and specialized cleaning products must be used.
Will the smell ever completely go away?
YES. Our protocols include advanced odour neutralization, which is vital to making your home habitable once again.
QWhat happens if the oil (or other liquid contaminants) gets into the soil?
We perform a rigorous assessment to detect any infiltration. If necessary, we will bring in a specialized lab for testing. If soil contamination is confirmed, specialized environmental decontamination steps will be required.
Can I choose Qualinet myself?
Absolutely. You have the right to choose your own post-disaster restoration company. Choose Qualinet for our proven expertise in hazardous material spills.
