Facility Safety 3 | Spill Containment Blog

What To Look For In a Safety Storage Cabinet

December 2, 2019 by Travis Zdrazil

Tips for choosing hazardous material safety cabinet storage solutions

Store your flammable liquids in the appropriate Class 3 safety cabinet

Heavy duty safety storage cabinets are the first line of defense against fires, spills and contamination. As their name suggests, these cabinets ‘safely’ store hazardous chemicals, corrosives and flammables. In fact, there are many regulations around safe storage. One important governing body is Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Another is the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Storage cabinets offer a safe, EPA-friendly method for storing potentially hazardous chemicals. This includes pesticides, flammables, corrosives and combustibles. Rather than leaving these items out in the open—susceptible to accidents—keep them in a cabinet.

Unlike basic models, professional-grade storage units can withstand pressure, heat and force. This ensures that they can protect the chemical contents you plan to store inside them.

But with so many different flammable storage cabinets on the market, how do you know which one to choose? Here we outline several important factors to consider before making your cabinet investment. Use this as a guide to help select the cabinet that’s best for your needs.

Identify your storage needs

So what’s the first step in choosing the right cabinet for your company? Identify its current and future storage needs. Perform an inventory of all on-site chemicals, including their volume or quantities. And make sure you cover all material types. For instance, everything from liquid gasoline fuels, to aerosol can paints, or corrosive acids. This helps determine exactly what types of cabinet best suit your particular requirements.

Always separate stored materials, like flammable liquids, by their hazmat classifications

Safety storage cabinets break down into different categories based on what they are capable of storing. Above all, ensure you segregate materials by their hazmat classification. And only contain contents in cabinets of an appropriate material construction. Bear in mind OSHA only allows you to store certain volumes of materials in a single cabinet.

A cabinet’s color and exterior warning label identify the hazardous material inside. The cabinet shell and internal shelves must allow spill containment of liquid leaks. For safety purposes, all cabinets should be lockable. Some cabinets enable you to add a padlock for extra security.

Selecting the right cabinets for the specific material handling elements in your workplace is crucial. Next we’ll outline the different types of cabinets available, and their purposes, to help you decide which one is right for you.

Safety cabinet types and options

Flammable liquid storage

Key features of yellow flammable liquid safety cabinets (click to enlarge)

Flammable liquid storage cabinets require 18-gauge steel construction for optimal fire resistance. They are usually are yellow in color. Various flammable cabinet size and configuration options are available, from 4 to 90 gallon capacity. Choose between manual door or self-close doors. Flammable liquid safety cabinets must protect contents for a period of 10 minutes to follow OSHA and NFPA Code 30 requirements.

Paint and ink storage

Ink and paint safety cabinets are the ideal solution to house your combustible liquid and aerosol cans. Colors include either red or yellow powder-coat steel. They are available in many sizes and configurations, with or without self-closing doors. Adjustable height shelves help maximize space and organize ink or paint cans. In locations with moisture concerns, select a tower cabinet with legs for better ventilation.

Acids and corrosives storage

Different color cabinets help easily identify storage contents

Corrosive and acid safety cabinets offer superior resistance to chemical vapors and spills. Made of durable steel or polyethylene, these chemical storage cabinets are usually blue. They come in many sizes, including options that fit below countertops, bench tops and lab workbenches. Select cabinets with poly construction for aggressive sulfuric, nitric or hydrochloric acids. Never store nitric and sulfuric acids in the same cabinet unit.

Pesticide storage

Pesticide safety storage cabinets hold toxic pesticide and insecticide chemicals. They are typically green and made of heavy-duty steel with either self or manual close doors. Corrosion-resistant polyethylene shelves help keep chemical storage cabinets in good condition. This style safety cabinet is a great option for agricultural companies storing chemical poisons.

Drum storage

Drum storage models with roller conveyors make for easier handling

Drum storage cabinets are suitable for various 30 or 50 gallon combustible or hazardous materials. The default color is yellow, for flammable hazard classification.

Choose between horizontal or vertical storage units, with or without self-closing doors.

Hazmat drum cabinet models feature roller conveyors in the bottom for easy material handling.

What storage cabinet material should you choose?

The materials used in the construction of storage cabinets can vary depending on their intended chemical. However, stainless steel and polyethylene are the most common materials for professional-grade cabinets. Both of these materials offer a superior level of strength, durable and longevity. These properties are essential when it comes to storing potentially hazardous chemicals.

blue poly safety cabinet for corrosive acids

Store your sulfuric, hydrochloric or nitric acids in a poly cabinet—not steel

Steel cabinets are not suitable to store sulfuric, hydrochloric and nitric acids. In other words, choose a polyethylene cabinet instead noting that this material isn’t non-flammable. Poly acid cabinets also feature a sealed internal containment sump, plus vents.

You’ll find that some safety storage cabinets for sale feature a corrosion-resistant powder coating. This layer serves as another barrier of protection. If a corrosive chemical tips over, the powder coating helps protect the cabinet from damage. Powder coating is a standard feature of all steel safety cabinets available at AbsorbentsOnline.com.

Check out these guides for more details about:

What space accommodations does your site need?

Of course, you’ll also want to pay close attention to the size of a safety storage cabinet. Different capacity and configuration styles will help you maximize available floor space. Identify the storage needs of your company and then choose the right size to match.

Storage cabinets come in many styles, including tower models with feet

Besides regular floor type models, cabinets come in several other styles. These include slimline, tower, stackable, under-counter or wall mount designs. Most feature adjustable shelves to accommodate custom storage containment.

Tower cabinet models, with adjustable legs, are a good option for sites with un-level floors or moisture issues. The 4in clearance increases ventilation and reduces potential corrosion. Feet will also allow you to place a cabinet over vents or wires. This cabinet style proves easy to move around your facility with a forklift or pallet jack. Likewise, units with roller inserts help quick access to 55-gallon drums.

Verify cabinet compliance and approval ratings

Check for safety storage cabinet compliance and approval ratings

It pays to find out if your state/county require premises to meet specific regulations for flammable liquid storage. For example, self-closing doors are mandatory in some states following the International Fire Code (IFC). Other local authorities have jurisdiction over cabinet placement. Or, how many flammable storage cabinets they will allow in one location.

Independent third-party certifications provide confidence a cabinet passes rigorous testing for safe storage. Factory Mutual Global (FM) or Underwriters Laboratory (UL) are two such certifications. OSHA and NFPA approval are also essential requirements when choosing a cabinet.

Review our summary and guide to OSHA cabinet storage regulations here.

Need help finding affordable safety cabinets?

Have questions or need advice about selecting the right cabinet? Contact us!

Talk to AbsorbentsOnline.com today about safety storage cabinet solutions for your work area.

We can help with everything from combustible liquid safety cans to spill containment products.

Stockists of leading brands like Eagle and Justrite, we are proud to have been offering excellent customer service since 1985.

This is a revision to a post with an original publish date of September 24, 2013

Is Your Workplace Prepared to Handle Emergencies?

September 12, 2019 by Travis Zdrazil

Learn the essentials for workplace emergency preparedness

Escape route procedures are one part of workplace emergency preparedness

It’s easy to think “It couldn’t happen to me” — until it does. Too often, we don’t focus on workplace emergency preparedness until disaster strikes. And by then, it’s already too late.

That’s certainly the case for some U.S. employers. For instance, many are less prepared than they should be for emergencies in the workplace.

Consider a 2014 report from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and RLE Technologies. Its findings state that 19% of organizations lack an up-to-date emergency preparedness and business continuity plan. And Staples’ 2014 workplace safety survey shows that only half of employees believe their workplaces are prepared for a severe emergency.

Don’t get caught without an emergency response plan

Think an emergency can’t hit you hard? Think again.

Firefighters and emergency services respond to a chemical spill
Source: nhregister.com

A variety of emergency situations could easily disrupt business operations. Consider the impact of a medical emergency or a short-term Internet outage. Let alone more catastrophic events. For instance, building and environmental damage. Be it due to severe weather, a hazardous spill, equipment failure, or a terrorist attack.

Your business needs to be ready. Because if you don’t have an emergency action plan in place to deal with events like these, you risk non-compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Specifically, 29 CFR 1910.38(a) and 29 CFR 1926.35.

And if non-compliance with the U.S. Department of Labor’s occupational safety requirements isn’t scary enough, an emergency can have many other dire consequences. For instance, without proper planning, you risk jeopardizing employee workplace safety. Or, even shutting down the business. In fact, according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, one in four businesses never reopens after a natural disaster.

What does emergency planning require?

You don’t want to be that one in four business that has to close its doors for good after an emergency strikes. So how do you ensure that you’re ready to deal with a disaster if, or when, it comes?

Fortunately, both OSHA and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offer comprehensive guidelines and resources. Which can assist businesses in developing their emergency preparedness plans.

Your workplace preparedness and emergency action plan should address these areas:

Program management

A preparedness program requires management leadership, commitment, and financial support.

These inputs are essential to your plan’s success and require ongoing investments, including time and money.
Planning

This task involves the assessment of hazards and risks and how to mitigate them.

Potential hazards exist in every company or organization. And every workplace is unique. Your preparedness plan should include hazards specific to your business and workplace environment. In other words, oil or chemical spills or severe weather events that are possible in your area.
Implementation

The plan should cover all facets of preparedness. This means crisis communications, business continuity, and emergency response.

Workplace protective actions can be everything from installing a defibrillator (make sure to train employees how to use it!) to having a shelter in place at tornado-prone locations.
Testing

Test and evaluate the plan with drills and exercises that you schedule on a regular basis each year.

Are evacuation routes in your building visible, and, are your staff familiar with evacuation procedures? Are alarm systems and public address systems in effective working order if you need to alert staff or reach out to local law enforcement?
Improvement

Based on what you learn during testing and evaluation, determine how you can improve your plan.

Do you need to revise your evacuation plans and emergency evacuation procedures, or, consider upgrading building fire protection systems? Is it time to update employee family member contact information so you can let them know about an emergency situation?

Get prepared for potential emergencies

Keep acid neutralizer on site to prepare your workplace for emergency spills

Ensuring your workplace has emergency response items like fire extinguishers, first aid, leak, and spill kits on hand is a good start. But, will only do so much during a large catastrophe.

Beyond tangible equipment, you must also have clear processes in place to report and respond to an emergency. Above all, preparation to protect your workers or customers demands a clear chain of command.

Preparation also means appropriate safety training for staff. The American Red Cross offers specialized courses in everything from first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to using AED (automated external defibrillator) equipment.

When developing your first responder notification procedure, you might even want to reach out to your local fire department or police department for their input.

Types of emergencies to consider

An emergency or disaster in the workplace can strike at any time, without warning. Broadly speaking workplace emergencies fall into two main categories – man-made and natural.

Examples of man-made disasters are:

Hazardous toxic gas releases or chemical spills
Radiological accidents
Explosions
Civil disturbances
Workplace violence that results in bodily harm and trauma.

Weather is one of many worst-case scenarios workplaces must plan for

Similarly, the types of natural disasters your workplace may need to prepare for include:

Floods
Hurricanes
Tornadoes
Fires

Brainstorm potential emergency scenarios

Not all workplaces will be at risk of the same types of emergencies. But it always pays to prepare for the worst-case scenarios. Therefore, brainstorm any and every potential hazard that your workplace might face.

Start by writing down a list of questions, such as the following examples. What types and volumes of hazardous materials does your job site handle or store on location? Does your medical facility have the appropriate equipment in place to protect employees against bloodborne pathogen risks?

When it comes to natural disaster preparedness, check out our previous Storm Safety Tips post for more ideas.

The time for emergency planning is now

There’s no time like the present to determine whether your existing plan needs an update. Particularly if you haven’t recently done a review or test of your workplace’s emergency preparedness plan.

And if your company lacks a workplace emergency preparedness plan, consider the consequences of not being prepared when disaster strikes. In conclusion, make it a priority to develop a plan that protects both your employees and your business.

We’ll help your workplace with disaster preparedness

Workplace emergency preparedness spill kit

Have your plan in place? Congratulations! Now, check out these emergency preparedness products from AbsorbentsOnline.com:

Do you have the right safety products on hand for your workplace? To find out, contact Angie Meza at angie@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

This is a revision to a post with an original publication date of November 11, 2014.

Comfort Mats: Benefits and Uses

September 24, 2018 by Travis Zdrazil

Anti-fatigue mats in black and orange.

Comfort mats are needed by almost all businesses where employees are required to spend long work days standing on hard flooring. People who work in these types of jobs often suffer from leg and back pain, fatigue and even musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). These types of chronic health issues lead to more sick days, decreased production and unhappy staff.

Comfort mats like anti-fatigue kitchen mats are inexpensive ways to reduce employee discomfort and the onset of serious medical problems while keeping them, healthy, energized and focused on their jobs.

According to a productivity study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), November 12, 2003 – Volume 290, No. 18: “Lost productive time from common pain conditions among active workers costs an estimated $61.2 billion per year [in the U.S.]…while at work. Imagine what that number is today?

Comfort mats have other beneficial uses as well. Mats can be placed in entryways or other areas that may need increased traction to avoid falls. Be strategically set to keep sound levels down or even used as runners in high traffic areas. They are definitely multipurpose!

What are Comfort Mats?

The concept is actually quite simple. Comfort mats, commonly called anti-fatigue mats, are thick and flexible to encourage those who stand on them to be constantly moving. This promotes circulation and reduces the contraction of the muscles that cause pain.

Comfort mats also provide insulation from cold floors. Accidents can be reduced by providing non-slip areas. Mats are also easy to clean. They come in many shapes and sizes and are suitable for use in a wide range of industries. Think of them as shock absorbers for people!

What Types of Businesses Use Comfort Mats?

Actually, all types of businesses can benefit from using anti-fatigue floor mats. Factories, restaurants, salons, office buildings, retail outlets etc… can benefit from the use of anti-fatigue floor mats. These mat come in a variety of shapes and sizes so it’s easy to find the right one for your location.

The Benefits of Comfort Floor Mats

Standing on a comfort mat

Reduce Pain

You likely know yourself how uncomfortable it can get when standing in one place for too long. Now multiply that times a full work day, then a full work week, a full work month and so on. People who work in this type of environment can eventually suffer from a whole slew of health issues which range from minor back and leg pain, spinal issues, varicose veins, and the above mentioned MSD.

Anti-fatigue floor mats are designed to keep the person standing on them moving. Their feet are basically forced to adapt to the cushioned, soft surface which encourages the same type of muscle contraction and blood flow you would gain from taking a walk. This gets the heart pumping which reduces fatigue, as well as forces better posture preventing back, leg and hip problems. It’s almost like they are exercising at work!

Safety

OSHA estimates that 15% of deaths in the workplace are a result of accidental falls. Anti-fatigue floor mats provide traction, thus preventing slips. Used as entryway mats (or at other locations throughout your business) you protect not only your employees but customers too!

Increase Energy and Positive Attitude

We have known for years that the endorphins humans get from exercise boosts energy and decreases stress. Because anti-fatigue floor mats promote movement, workers experience a higher energy level and an overall better attitude in the workplace. A happy employee is a productive employee!

Reduce Sound

Besides improving the physical well being of employees, anti-fatigue floor mats can also bring other benefits to your business. A natural by product of the comfort mats is they reduce sound as well. Instead of loud noises bouncing off your hard surface floor, the anti-fatigue floor mats absorb that sound which makes for a quieter, more comfortable work environment

Cut Down on Inventory Damage

You probably never thought that you could actually decrease the amount of damage to materials and inventory with anti-fatigue floor mats. Surprise, you can! The comfort mats act as a cushion and impact absorbent. Fragile objects dropped may not always break when they hit the comfort floor mat. If the object does break, the mat makes it easier to clean up.

Save Money

Studies placing anti-fatigue work mats in the workplace is beneficial not only to the overall health of your employees but also to the business bottom line. Fewer sick days, lower workman’s comp claims, more productive employees and even less damage to inventory leads to better output and higher profits. What’s not to love about that?

How Do I Decide What Type of Comfort Mats I need?

Comfort mats are available in a variety of sizes, materials, shapes, and colors to help you with the selection process. AbsorbentsOnline.com has a great selection.

The first thing you need to determine is where you plan to place anti-fatigue floor mats. What purpose will they serve? Do you need anti-fatigue floor mats that drain? Do you need to have mats with safety stripping? What size is the area you want to place them in? If you are not quite sure or have additional questions, our experts are ready and willing to help you choose. All anti-fatigue floor mats are custom made to fit your exact needs!

To recap:

Now that you know the how’s and why’s of comfort mats there really is no reason why you shouldn’t evaluate the need for these products in your place of business. In the end, comfort mats are an incredibly worthwhile investment.

Your employees will have fewer chronic health issues, they will have more energy – resulting in higher productivity. They will be less stressed out and the overall work environment will be a much better place to conduct business. This is a win-win for you, your staff and your customers!

AbsorbentsOnline.com carries a wide range of comfort mats, listed as anti-fatigue floor mats, suitable for any type of business. We are always available to discuss your options, provide expert advice and guide you in the right direction. Feel free to call us at 800-869-9633 or contact Travis at travis@absorbentsonline.com or Angie at angie@absorbentsonline.com. We look forward to serving your needs!

Be Ready with a Job Hazard Analysis and Spill Response Plan

March 14, 2018 by Angie Meza

Earlier this year, a chemical spill at a clothing manufacturer in Norton, Massachusetts, triggered a hazmat crew response. Sources report the spill involved chlorine, a chemical the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) defines as hazardous waste, prompting officials to evacuate several homes in the surrounding area.

Despite the countless protocols in place to avoid spills such as this one, these incidents still happen. That’s why spill preparedness is of utmost importance. Part of an industrial facility manager’s job is to train personnel so their responses to unexpected events like chemical spills are automatic and it’s less likely for injury or environmental damage to occur. To meet this goal, facility leaders should have response plans in place for employees to follow and stock their facilities well with absorbents and other spill response equipment.

The first step: Conduct a job hazard analysis

For leaders securing their facilities against emergency spills, conducting a job hazard analysis (JHA) is essential. Designed to carefully identify hazards before they occur, a spill response JHA consists of three distinct steps:

Conduct a thorough facility walk-through, noting all potential spill hazards.
Incorporate any Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards that apply.
Equip work areas with necessary absorbents and spill-control supplies as well as instructions for responding to hazards.

In all steps of the process, it is imperative to involve employees. Group discussions can not only help employees identify spill risk areas but also promote safety awareness throughout the facility. Facility leaders should ask employees to demonstrate their daily tasks and what steps they would take if an emergency spill was to occur as well as what tools would best equip them to respond to such incidents.

Don’t forget a spill response plan

For those who handle hazardous waste, an effective JHA must also contain a spill response plan. According to OSHA’s compliance guidelines, any business in which employees could be exposed to hazardous materials resulting from spills are required to equip employees to deal with those spills.

Key questions to consider when constructing a spill response plan include whether spills require special cleanup materials, such as those safe to use on hazardous spills, and what size spills could possibly occur. Stocking the appropriate tools such as absorbents, drain protectors, drain plugs, drum plugs, and chemical neutralizers can greatly increase the effectiveness of any plan.

All the right tools

With their spill response plans in place, here are three main types of spill kits facility leaders should consider when preparing for a spill:

Universal or general purpose kits designed to address water-based fluids and hydrocarbons
Oil-only kits made with white absorbents that repel water and absorb hydrocarbons only
Hazmat kits made with yellow absorbents to clean aggressive fluids such as acids and solvents

Facility leaders can determine the best spill kits for their needs by considering factors such as the size of a spill and type of container necessary. They can even order custom spill kits for areas where potential spills are larger in volume than available container size.

Knowing industry requirements and the types of chemicals on hand is important, and having equipment such as nonabsorbent drain covers or spill containment berm dikes allows facility leaders to control spills until they can remove the liquid safely. Many also use spill containment trays of different sizes and generally place these underneath batteries or other hazardous chemicals to prevent leakage and contain spills.

Shop Now

Are you looking for a comprehensive guide to prepare for spills in your facility? Our thorough spill response compliance manual can help you consider the possibilities and develop a comprehensive response plan.

To learn more about absorbents and order the products you need for your spill response plan, contact Angie Meza at angie@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

Why Do I Need Anti-Fatigue Mats for My Commercial Kitchen?

January 15, 2018 by Travis Zdrazil

When you think of a commercial kitchen, you might think of a scaled-up version of your kitchen at home. But even though commercial kitchens are certainly larger than the average residential kitchen, there are plenty of other features and needs that make commercial kitchens unique.

Anti-fatigue mats

Each commercial kitchen is different, depending on the cuisine and style of food those inside are preparing. These kitchens often have separate stations for different types of cooking, such as baking and grilling stations. There are industrial versions of the same equipment you might cook with at home at each of these stations. Not only is this industrial equipment designed to process larger quantities of food, but it also tends to include safety features your home appliances may not have, such as safety shields and finger guards.

But the equipment isn’t the only safety risk in a commercial kitchen. Standing in one place for an extended period of time — an unavoidable daily task for employees in this type of work — can strain their backs, hips, legs, and feet. That’s why the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) requires anti-fatigue mats be provided in commercial kitchens.

These nonslip, anti-fatigue commercial kitchen mats serve several purposes when it comes to employee safety. First, the thick padding creates a cushion between feet and floors, providing some relief from the strain that standing places on muscles and nerves. Additionally, these mats can prevent slip-related injuries, particularly in a workplace like a kitchen where employees commonly use and can easily spill liquids. If kneeling is necessary in any job position, thick rubber mats are also required to protect employees’ knees from direct contact with the floor.

Safety and comfort while standing isn’t just a requirement — it can also help boost employee morale. Comfortable employees tend to be more productive, experience fewer injuries, and request less time off.

What mats are right for your kitchen?

Ergonomically designed AbsorbentsOnline anti-fatigue floor mats and anti-fatigue kitchen mats are the perfect choices for those with commercial kitchens who employ workers in any positions that require standing for extended amounts of time. These mats are approved by the National Floor Safety Institute to reduce spinal compression, increase circulation, and mitigate fatigue as a result of standing. They’re lightweight and made from closed-cell nitrile rubber, so they won’t absorb spilled liquids. These anti-fatigue commercial kitchen mats are also treated with an antimicrobial compound to make them resistant to mildew, mold, and bacterial growth. Beveled edges reduce the risk of tripping and make it easy to roll carts over the mats. Each mat comes with a two-year guarantee and has an expected life span of up to eight years.

Mats come in sizes of 20 inches by 24 inches all the way up to 48 inches by 72 inches. If none of the available sizes suit your space, don’t worry: The experts at AbsorbentsOnline can create custom-sized mats to fit your commercial kitchen needs.

Need help selecting the right mats in the best sizes for your industrial kitchen? The professionals at AbsorbentsOnline can help. Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

Do I Have the Right Absorbents for My Manufacturing Plant?

November 15, 2017 by Travis Zdrazil

Absorbents help keep manufacturing facilities ready for unexpected spills

In the manufacturing industry, it’s important to maintain a clean, safe workplace. And that isn’t possible without the right chemical absorbent materials. That’s because — no matter how careful you are — fluid spills are inevitable in manufacturing. When those spills do occur, it’s imperative you have the materials you need to clean them up quickly and safely so you can get back to work.

The everyday basics

From slow, inconvenient oil or coolant drips to full-on leaks due to human error or equipment damage, day-to-day work in a manufacturing plant comes with leaks and spills that all need to be contained and cleaned up. That requires keeping a library of basic safety products on hand.

When accidents happen, it’s important to have cleaning shop rags and towels readily available for quick cleanups. Consider eco-friendly products like shop towels made of up to 40% post-consumer product and shop rags made of reclaimed cloth. Also keep in mind fluids don’t just end up on floors and equipment — they can also get on employees’ hands. That’s why grease wipes are another must-have on the manufacturing floor.

Speaking of floors, absorbents mats can help you keep your facility’s floors clean and dry even in the face of equipment drips and leaks. And it’s not just machines that need mats — anti-fatigue mats can protect manufacturers’ health through hours of standing while also keeping them safe from slips and falls.

Be ready for spills and leaks

Sometimes, shop rags aren’t enough. When a spill requires a little more attention, it’s time to bring out the big guns: industrial absorbents.

Pillows and socks — Absorbent pillows and socks are perfect for soaking up larger chemical spills quickly. Plus, they’re easy to wring out and reuse, making them cost-effective. These absorbents come in universal grey, oil white, and hazmat yellow.
Pads and rolls — Absorbent pads and rolls are great, affordable options for quick spill cleanup. Rolls make it easy to use just as much as you need for any given spill. These are also available in grey for universal absorbent purposes, white for hydrocarbons, and yellow for hazardous and aggressive fluids.

Some chemical absorbents allow users to wash and reuse them after spills, but others must be disposed. When it comes to disposing of hazardous materials and oils safely, waste containers are imperative. These containers are designed to help you comply with regulations regarding hazardous material containment and disposal.

Spill kits cover all your bases

Not sure precisely which chemical absorbents you need in your manufacturing plant? A spill kit can help you ensure you’re prepared to clean up any spill and dispose of used materials safely and effectively. Simply choose the spill kit that matches the fluids and quantities you’re working with.

Spill kits are divided by fluid — universal, hazmat, and oil — and each comes in different sizes to facilitate different-sized spills. Don’t see a spill kit that suits your facility or not sure which absorbents are right for your unique manufacturing needs? Work with a partner who can help you ensure you’re prepared to avoid danger, damage, and — worse yet — injuries to yourself and your fellow manufacturers.

Need help choosing the right absorbents for your manufacturing plant?

The professionals at AbsorbentsOnline can help. Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633. You can also check out our spill clean-up and containment solutions specific to manufacturing and industrial businesses.

What Kinds of Absorbents Do Firefighters Need?

September 26, 2017 by Travis Zdrazil

firefighters cleaning up a truck fuel spill

Firefighters cleaning up a fuel spill

To the average person, it may seem like firefighters are more in the business of dispensing fluids than cleaning them up — but any firefighter knows he or she does a lot more than hold a fire hose, and that includes cleaning up spills. To do so effectively, it’s important to have the right absorbents and spill containment products both in the firehouse and in trucks.

What kinds of spills do firefighters face?

To see what sorts of spill containment challenges firefighters are dealing with every day, all you have to do is look to the news. For example, firefighters responding to a three-car collision in Harvard, Massachusetts used absorbents to clean up two small fluid leaks from vehicles involved in the crash. An oil absorbent pillow or oil absorbent pad would’ve been a likely candidate for this kind of job to both repel water and absorb oil-based fluids — and one pillow or pad can safely absorb more than 20 gallons.

In Halifax, Virginia, a tractor trailer pulled down some utility lines, resulting in a transformer leaking hydraulic fluid into the street. Firefighters used absorbents to create a dam to contain the leaking oil and prevent it from spreading while they orchestrated a spill cleanup. This can be done with a portable spill containment berm. Alternatively, absorbent socks can work in these applications if firefighters wanted to absorb the liquids, rather than just contain them.

A tanker accident in Hickory, North Carolina proves that spills can be unpredictable: The vehicle, which was carrying chicken byproduct, overturned and released the waste into the area. Firefighters shut the leaking valve, then built a dam from sand to prevent the waste from entering nearby storm drains. While sand did the trick in this instance, granular sorbents would’ve been an environmentally safe alternative capable of absorbing — not just blocking — the liquid.

Have the right absorbents on hand

firefighters laying granular absorbent on a truck diesel spill

Firefighter cleaning up after truck wreck

When firefighters are called to the scene, they need to do their jobs quickly and efficiently or they could risk lives and environmental contamination. And that doesn’t just apply in cases of fire but also in cases of spills. That’s why it’s imperative firefighters be prepared for any spill containment scenario with the right absorbents and equipment.

Whether it’s as simple as a drip pan for the fire truck or as convenient as a small, portable spill cleanup kit to tuck into the cab for minor emergencies, absorbentsonline.com has all the absorbent materials that a firehouse needs to tackle any spill. Need help choosing the right absorbents? Our experts can help. Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

April 11, 2017 by Travis Zdrazil

A slip and fall picture.

Slips, trips, and falls may seem like easy accidents for alert workers to avoid, but statistics tell a different story: The majority of all work accidents are due to slips, trips, and falls — and they’re responsible for 15% of all accidental deaths. The only more dangerous causes of death in workplaces than trip hazards are motor vehicle accidents!

That’s why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has produced slip, trip, and fall regulations for nearly fifty years. But, until very recently, those regulations were badly in need of updates.

The Walking-Working Surfaces Rule

As of January 2017, OSHA finally put updates that had been in the works since 1990 into place. The resulting Walking-Working Surfaces Rule fills in some gaping holes in safety regulations.

Under the old standards, OSHA only required regular inspection of ladders and scaffolds. Under the new rule, employers need to inspect every surface upon which personnel walk or work regularly and as necessary for slip, trip, and fall hazards. These surfaces include aisles and walkways, stairs, platforms, ramps, and more.

Those at each facility get to define what “regularly” and “as necessary” mean for their specific workplaces. To learn more about the new Walking-Working Surfaces Rule, visit the OSHA website.

Protect your personnel from slips, trips, and falls

You can prevent slip, trip, and fall accidents in your workplace by using safety products designed for these very purposes.

Stairs are a common place for falls, particularly outdoors. You can use safety stair treads to prevent these accidents. Non-slip tapes are affordable and easy to install, and aluminum or fiberglass treads offer more durable solutions.

forklift on absorbent mat.

If you use equipment prone to oil or fluid leaks in your facility, absorbent industrial mats make for great ways to head off slips and falls. Another great solution for equipment that drips or leaks is drip pans. These contain fluids and are easy to empty and reuse, making them cost-effective for long-term use.

Do employees stand in one place while performing their jobs? Anti-fatigue mats are not only ergonomic to protect employees’ bodies from the exhaustion of long periods of standing but are also non-slip.

Slips, trips, and falls are impossible to fully avoid, but with the right equipment and regular inspections, you can reduce their frequency and do your best to protect both your employees and your business from the consequences.

Have questions about which absorbents are right for your needs? Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

Don’t Become Another OSHA Forklift Statistic

December 6, 2016 by Travis Zdrazil

Why workplace forklift accidents are no laughing matter

Forklift operators not following safety rules is a serious issue

You know an occurrence is common when it gets its own top-10 highlight reel. This YouTube video, “Top 10 Forklift Accidents,” shows that forklift safety is something worth thinking about.

And while nearly 6 million people may have found those forklift accidents hilarious, chances are you wouldn’t be laughing if they happened in your workplace.

There were an average of 107 forklift accident deaths annually between 1981 and 1990 — not to mention more than 33,000 serious injuries and over 61,000 minor injuries. In fact, forklift accidents have resulted in approximately 85 deaths, over 34,000 serious injuries, and more than 61,000 minor injuries every year since 1981.

How do forklift accidents happen?

Plenty of things can cause forklift accidents in the workplace. Here are a few of the most common reasons people get hurt while using forklifts:

Lack of training — It’s important that every employee who uses a forklift for any reason is trained on how to properly and safely operate one. In fact, it’s an Operational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirement! It’s also a good idea to supervise new forklift operators while they get used to the machinery.
Poor equipment upkeep — Like all other motorized vehicles, forklifts need regular maintenance and upkeep to function safely and efficiently. It’s also important to prevent your machinery from doing damage to your facility or making your facility less safe.
Workplace design flaws — If your facility isn’t designed for forklift use, you could run into issues like uneven ground, slick surfaces, steep grades, or curbs and ledges that get in the way.
Inappropriate use — Driving too quickly, loading a forklift incorrectly, and even run-of-the-mill horseplay can all put forklift operators at risk of injury or death.

How can you prevent forklift accidents?

The good news is you can easily prevent all those reasons for forklift accidents with a few cautionary steps!

Ensure you train employees. Operators should know that if a forklift starts to tip over, for instance, they should stay inside and brace themselves — rather than try to jump out. Being trained on forklift safety can literally make the difference between life and death.
Forklift mats absorb leaks and prevent slip and falls

Keep machinery — and the area where it’s in use — in good condition. You should service forklifts regularly, and OSHA requires that drivers inspect forklifts once per shift. Forklifts can sometimes leak fluids, so try a forklift mat to keep a handle on leaks and prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Make your workplace forklift-friendly. If a driver hits a curb or corner with her or his forklift, that could mean damage to the forklift, facility, driver, other workers — or all four! Avoid damage with column protectors, corner protectors, and wall protectors.
Heavy machinery is no joke. People might find YouTube videos funny, but the dangers forklifts can pose in the workplace are no laughing matter. Anyone operating a forklift should take her or his safety and the safety of those around her or him seriously.

If you want to become a YouTube sensation, get a funny cat. Your five minutes of fame aren’t worth ending up a statistic in a potentially fatal forklift accident.

Do you have the safety products you need to protect your workers and your facility from potential forklift dangers? To find out, contact Angie Meza at angie@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

Prevent Injury and Damage: Use the Right Products

September 20, 2016 by Travis Zdrazil

Six industrial safety products to help protect your employees and facility

warehouse chemical containers The only thing more important than your equipment safety is the safety of your employees. Which is why you need the right industrial safety products on hand. In short, to keep both your equipment and employees safe under all possible circumstances. And help ensure you comply with OSHA requirements.

At AbsorbentsOnline, we carry a wide range of industrial safety products. In other words, everything you need to protect your staff members and the equipment they use every day.

Here are a few items you might consider, based on your workplace and activities:

1. Column Protectors

column protectors for industrial safety Many facilities paint their columns the same color as the walls. Which makes columns difficult to see. Particularly when operating vehicles like forklifts, tow motor lifts, or carts. A collision with a column can cause damage to your facility and your equipment — not to mention your employees!

Which is why our Column Protectors are available in a number of bright colors for high visibility. They’re made of 100% high-density polyethylene and can absorb an impact up to 8,500 pounds traveling at up to 7 miles per hour. They come in five different sizes and can fit both round and square supports. They’re easy to install and even contain UV-protectants. Meaning their highly visible colors won’t fade after long periods of outdoor use.

2. Corner Protectors

building corner protectors Similarly, you can protect high-traffic areas in your facility with Corner Protectors. Overhead door frames and the corners around loading docks can take a lot of damage from trucks backing in and unloading. Corner protectors will not just protect your building from damage, but vehicles as well! You can install them on H-frame racking and use them horizontally as rack guards or on loading docks.

They feature a high-density polyethylene construction in bright, visible yellow. These protectors are rust-resistant, stress-resistant, and even UV-protected for outdoor use. They come in two different sizes to best suit your particular applications. And are easy to install using the mounting bolts provided with your purchase.

3. Wall Protectors

wall protection industrial safety products Repairing damage to drywall, concrete, or block walls can be expensive. But you can prevent this damage with Wall Protectors. These are especially useful in drum storage areas or on loading docks where wall damage can occur.

You can install wall protectors vertically or horizontally at any height based on your facility needs. Their bright-yellow high-density polyethylene contains UV inhibitors. Which make them suitable for use both indoors and out. They are rust-resistant, stress-resistant, and designed to resist cracking and chipping.

4. Forklift Mats

forklift safety mat Don’t let fluids from your forklifts damage your floors or present employee slip hazards. Forklift Mats can protect from both of these situations. These mats are perfect for parking forklifts overnight. Or for protecting floors while performing maintenance or recharging.

Driving forklifts over these super-absorbent polypropylene mats won’t damage them. Their non-penetrable, non-skid material keeps the mats in place. It also prevents fluids absorbed into the top side of the mats from reaching the floors below.

5. Rag Rug Industrial Absorbent Floor Mats

absorbent rag rug safety mat It’s especially important to protect your floors in high-traffic areas. That’s because this is where small spills and leaks tend to frequently happen. Rag Rug Industrial Absorbent Floor Mats are perfect for these applications. For instance, to help prevent slips and trips.

They can absorb oil, coolants, solvents, and water. Because their construction uses 100% recycled materials, you can save money and stay green. The dark mat color hides grime and allows you to use the mats for longer periods of time before replacing them.

6. Abzorb Oil Mats

oil absorbent floor mat When absorbent mats just don’t cut it, try Abzorb Oil Mats with the non-penetrable vinyl backing. When you can’t fully absorb a spill or leak, it stops any leftover liquids from reaching — and potentially damaging — your floor.

These polypropylene mats are universally absorbent. Meaning you can use them to absorb oil, coolants, solvents, and water. The mats are non-flammable and come in dark grey to disguise stains. They have skid-resistant backing and a lay flat design that won’t curl or buckle. They’re so durable that we guarantee their use for three years against cracking, tearing, or leaking!

Your industrial safety products and absorbents specialists

Day-to-day industrial work can damage your facility, equipment, and employees if you aren’t careful. Protecting all of these is a top priority — and the experts at AbsorbentsOnline have the materials you need.

Do you have the right industrial safety products for your workplace? To find out, contact Angie Meza at angie@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.