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Cleaning Up a Water-Based Spill In The Workplace

February 26, 2021 by Travis Zdrazil

How to use water-absorbent socks for spill containment and clean up

Never underestimate the risks and costs of water-based spills in the workplace

Many people underestimate the true danger of water-based spills in the workplace. Just because a spill involves a non-aggressive liquid doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe. According to the 2020 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, slip-and-fall accidents cost U.S. businesses nearly $10.84 billion annually.

If a worker walks onto an area with a water-based liquid spill, he or she could suffer from a slip-and-fall accident. This is why it’s important for business owners to take a proactive, timely approach towards cleaning up spills — be it a chemical or water-based liquid.

In this post, we’re going to share tips on how to clean up a water-based spill in the workplace. Anything from puddles due to heavy rain, to condensation, equipment, and container leaks.

Control and confine the spill

The first step in controlling a spill is to confine it, ready for clean up

The first step in cleaning up a water-based spill is to contain it. Meaning, ensuring the spill does not become any worse.

This can involve creating a diking barrier around a spill. Or if the spill source is from a leak, by collecting the liquid inside an appropriate containment unit.

By controlling and confining a spill, you’ll prevent your floors from turning into a slip hazard.

Containment spill berms

Containment berms are useful for collecting and confining leaking tank spills

Depending on the severity of the spill, you may want to spread out a spill containment berm. This will confine and keep the liquid within a particular area.

For instance, if an above-ground tank is leaking a water-based chemical, you could lay out a berm underneath the source of the leak. Assuming the berm is large enough, it should catch the water-based liquid so it doesn’t spread on the floor.

Note: we talk about the differences between containment booms and berms in one of our previous blog posts. It’s not uncommon for people to confuse these two spill-cleanup tools with one another. While booms and berms share some similarities, they have notable differences and use applications. Likewise, we’ll explain and compare absorbent booms versus socks below.

Containment dike spill barriers

Versatile dikes create a flexible wall barrier that controls and contains a spill zone

Another great option for spill control is a containment dike. Unlike berms, which act like a container, a dike creates a flexible barrier wall around a spill. That is to say, dikes can enclose, seal in, and trap spills that aren’t a uniform shape.

For example, you can wrap a dike to confine and channel a water spill where you want it. Or, more importantly where you don’t need it — and avoid a slippery floor puddle hazard! Similarly, dikes are excellent spill blockers. They help prevent contaminants from washing down workshop floor drains.

Because spill dike barriers are non-absorbent, like berms, they are easy to clean and reuse.

Absorbent sock and boom dike barriers

If you’re after a way to contain and absorb spills, then check out water-absorbent socks and booms.

This universal absorbent sock contains organic corn cob filler

Socks are ideal for smaller spills, and wrapping around equipment: think soaking up condensation puddles under refrigeration and A/C units.

Meanwhile, booms are great at stopping and containing larger spills. Such as surrounding a leak from a sump pump or burst pipe.

Need an in-between or custom size? Overlap socks or use boom connection hardware for additional length. Or, cut down socks then re-seal with your own plastic zip tie. This way you can create the right size absorbent for even the largest cooler ice-melt leak.

Best of all, mildew-resistant water-absorbing socks and booms are usually reusable. This is not to say you can clean them in a washing machine and dryer. Rather, use a hand wringer to remove excess water or hang and air dry in the shade before reuse.

What’s the difference between absorbent socks and booms?

Although they look similar, the main difference between spill booms and socks is their size. Which means the length, diameter, and absorbency of these two types of sorbents.

Size and capacity are what sets water-absorbent socks and booms apart

Flexible absorbent booms and socks are both great for diking. They easily surround and trap spills, acting like water-absorbing snakes.

Connectable booms feature a tough mesh casing, polypropylene skin, and super absorbent poly filler. At 10′ long with a large diameter of up to 8″, they offer a large absorbency capacity.

Meanwhile, universal absorbent socks are like a boom’s little brother. They have a 3″ diameter polypropylene skin and come in lengths of 3.5′ up to 12′. Inside the polypropylene sleeve is either absorbent cellulose or organic corn cob material.

Spill clean up

water-absorbent socks pillows pads and roll

Clean up water spills with absorbent pads, mats, rolls, pillows, and socks

Once you’ve been able to properly contain a spill, you should then work on cleaning it up. The good news is that water-based spills are typically easier to clean. But the bad news is that you’ll still have to put some elbow grease into it.

There are several super absorbent product designs for spill cleanups. So use them to your advantage. For example, absorbent pads, mats, rolls, socks, and pillows can quickly soak up water-based liquids. A spill kit offers a convenient way to have an assortment of these supplies at hand.

Place these absorbent items into the heart of the spill so they will sponge up the liquid. When they are full, carefully remove them from the spill area. Then, dispose of them in a plastic garbage bag or incinerate them. Continue soaking up the spill until there’s no remaining liquid left behind.

Color code your absorbent products

Use the appropriate color spill absorbent to handle specific types of liquids

When choosing products to clean up a water-based spill, it’s best to stick with ones labeled “universal.” Meaning you can use them for a wide variety of instances, including both aggressive and non-aggressive spills.

Universal gray color spill cleanup products indicate all-purpose use. Which includes everything from water to coolants and solvents. For chemical spills, you’ll want to use hazmat-specific yellow absorbents. While water-repelling white sorbents are for oil spill cleanup, including marine applications.

AbsorbentsOnline – your spill clean-up experts

We can help prepare your workplace for any size spill clean-up

It always pays to be ready when it comes to cleaning up water-based, oil, and chemical hazmat spills. AbsorbentsOnline is here to help!

We offer a wide range of spill cleanup and containment supplies. For all kinds of facilities, industries, and market applications. Find everything you need from spill kits to emergency leak repair supplies. Check out our affordable pricing and bulk qty discounts.

Have questions about water-absorbent spill containment products for your workplace? Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

This is a revision to a blog post with an original publication date of February 18, 2014

See a Spill? Wipe It Up Fast!

January 25, 2021 by Travis Zdrazil

Shop towels blue wipers and rags help to keep your workplace spills in check

Cleaning up grease or smaller spills is easy with the right industrial absorbent wipes

No matter how hard you work to prevent spills, some are just inevitable. The best thing you can do to prepare for spills is to have the proper cleanup equipment in place and ready to go in case of a problem.

Your cleanup equipment will vary based on your facility and your needs. But there’s one simple tool everyone can benefit from: industrial wipes. Be it shop towels blue or white, towel rags, or wet degreaser cleaning wipes.

These versatile tools should be an integral part of your spill-cleaning kit. They’re key to meeting OSHA guidelines for keeping your facility clean and safe, day in and day out. Use industrial wipes and towels for everything from dust removal to pre-painting surface prep; from absorbing oils and chemicals to cleaning windows. Keep them around for employees to use to clean their hands and maintain or polish equipment.

Shop towel blue or white wipes

Use versatile shop towels to wipe up spills or clean dirty hands

When it comes to towel rolls, forget about 1-ply or 2-ply paper products from Scott and Kimberly Clark supermarket shopping cart brands. Instead, reach for heavy-duty and multi-purpose white or blue shop towels. They are a mainstay in most automotive, DIY garages, and machine shops for good reason. These tried and tested disposable shop paper towels work just like cloth, wet or dry, but without the lint!

Unlike normal paper towels or toilet paper, these ultra-strong towels feature a Double Re-Crepe (DRC) construction. That means they contain a latex binder with up to 40% recycled fiber materials for better environmental sustainability. This material won’t fall apart when wet or shed fibers and lint when wiping down equipment.

These super-absorbent towels are strong enough to withstand scrubbing, but safe for workers’ skin. For instance, you can use tough yet soft shop towels to wipe off the dirt from parts and people — be it machinery, hands, or face.

Blue shop towels

Blue shop towels are ideal for wiping down greasy machinery or automotive parts

Blue shop towels are an excellent multipurpose product for general automotive maintenance tasks. For example, wiping up small spills and leaks from motor oil or grease. The blue color is great at disguising grime which means you may find you can use them longer than plain white towels.

For fast and easy accessibility, shop towels come in a variety of different container styles. Keep a pop-up box of shop towels blue on your rolling workstation. Store perforated jumbo roll strips on a floor mount dispenser, or, tear standard rolls off bench or wall mount towel holders. If you work in a location with overspray from fluids, a water-resistant bucket dispenser is a great way to keep your towels dry until you need them.

In addition, shop towels blue come in light, medium, or heavy-duty weights. You can select different absorbency strengths to suit your budget, comparable to the Scott Shop Towels Original brand.

White shop towels

Like shop towels blue, disposable white wipers are also incredibly convenient for cleaning up spills and grime. White shop towels are a popular choice for window cleaning as well as food service spills and washroom applications.

In addition to DRC construction, white shop towels are also available in air-laid wipes. In short, both materials are tougher than normal paper towels for heavy-duty cleaning. However, air-laid has a coarser feel than DRC even though both types are soft and safe for use on the skin. To clarify the difference between these materials’ construction, take a look at our comparison diagram:

Choose white shop towels in either airlaid or double re-crepe construction materials

You can buy white shop towels in standard or jumbo rolls, pop-up dispenser boxes, bundles, or wall-mount buckets. Likewise with blue shop towels, white towel rolls come in light, medium, or heavy-weight options. They feature between 25% and 40% recycled fiber materials depending on their type.

Shop Rags

Reclaimed shop rags in a variety of soft fabrics are ideal for spills and more

Tired of spending your money on rental towel services or disposable paper towels? Our reclaimed Shop Rags are quality checked and available in 25- and 50-pound qty dispenser boxes. These inexpensive, convenient rags are just right for cleaning up small, day-to-day spills — before they can present a hazard.

Offering eco-friendly sustainability for the workplace, shop rags come in a variety of different fabric and absorbency options. Choose between reclaimed knit polo, fleece, Turkish terrycloth towel, or flannel rags. All fabric rags go through rigorous checks to ensure consistent sizing and complete removal of buttons or zippers. As well as soaking up spills, cloth rags are a go-to choice for auto-detailing shops and for polishing equipment.

Industrial Wet Wipes

Wet industrial wipers will take care of paint and other greasy spills

Need something stronger for dealing with your messy shop spills? Our Industrial Wet Cleaning Wipes contain degreasers that cut through oil, tar, grease, and paint. These ultra-strong and versatile wipes will help clean those stubborn spills that need an extra push. That’s thanks to the scrubbing texture which really helps with cleaning up grease and getting grime out.

Available in handy bucket packs, these wet wipes stay moist until you need them. They have a refreshing citrus scent and are ideal to wipe down and clean tools or machinery.

AbsorbentsOnline offers expert advice to keep your workplace clean

One of the most essential best practices for keeping your workplace safe is good housekeeping. Keep it clean and safe by having the right spill-cleanup materials on hand. You can trust AbsorbentsOnline to offer the best pricing and quality brands that are made right here in the United States.

Want to learn more about absorbent materials and housekeeping supplies? AbsorbentsOnline can help. Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or at 800-869-9633.

This is a revision to a blog post with an original publication date of September 18, 2015

How Do I Respond to an Oil Spill?

December 31, 2020 by Travis Zdrazil

Plan, prepare, and have oil spill absorbents on hand for effective clean up

An oil leak or spill can have disastrous effects on the environment

Whether on a large or small scale, when an oil spill happens, you need to be ready to leap into action. But are you and your staff prepared to respond to an oil spill if — or when — it occurs?

The term “oil spill” is primarily applied to marine spills, but they can also occur on land. Either way, oil is a hazardous material that can have a disastrous impact on wildlife, marine life, and the environment. So when spills do happen, quick and efficient containment and cleanup are imperative.

Ways to prepare for oil spills

Of course, the best oil-spill cleanup is preventing spills entirely. But prevention isn’t always possible. Therefore, anyone who works with oil in any facility should make it a top priority be fully prepared for the possibility of spills.

If you handle oil in your facility, always plan for a “worst case” spill

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires leaders of certain facilities where employees store or use oil to put together and submit facility response plans (FRPs), detailing how they would handle worst-case-scenario oil spills. But, even if your facility doesn’t meet EPA FRP requirements, you should still have a plan!

A comprehensive FRP lays out preparedness procedures and provides an action plan employees can follow in case of spills. FRPs should contain:

information about the facility, equipment, and personnel;
information about potential spill hazards and responses to each; and
a plan for regular training, self-inspections, and drills to ensure staff members are prepared.

An FRP should also include a clear response plan coversheet that workers can reference quickly and easily in case spills occur.

But even the best FRP can’t solve oil spills by itself! You should also equip your facility with the cleanup materials a worst-case spill would require.

Spill response supplies to have on hand

Absorbent products

To quickly clean up oil spills, sorbents are a great solution. But did you know the term ‘sorbent’ actually refers to adsorbents and absorbents? The distinction being that absorbents take oil into the body of the material. Conversely, adsorption refers to oil adhering to an adsorbents’ surface, similar to a desiccant.

Hydrophobic products repel and float on water, only soaking up oil

The most effective oil absorbents are both oleophilic (oil attracting) and hydrophobic (water repelling). This type of sorbent product is usually white in color and floats on water.

Absorbent materials span a range of natural and synthetic construction choices. Organic options include everything from bark or sawdust, to corn cob and cellulose polymer materials. Typically messier to use and dispose of, these single use products often tend to adsorb water as well as oil. Which means they are best for cleaning up oil spills on land only.

Man-made plastic absorbent materials — like polyethylene and polypropylene — can absorb up to 70 times their own weight. And means these products are quick and efficient at soaking up spills in any situation. Not only that, but with a hand wringer, you can often clean and reuse them to save money!

What are the different types of oil spill absorbents?

Between oil absorbent pads, skimmers, socks, booms and more, the options can feel a bit overwhelming! So here’s a quick overview breaking down a few uses for each type of product.

Sorbent pads and rolls

Absorbent pads come in a variety of options, including these static-resistant oil absorbents

Oil absorbent pads and rolls come in plenty of sizes and quantities for any application. You can select pads with different absorbency options, including lightweight, medium or heavy duty.

Sorbent pads are a handy option for dealing with small spills. Economical perforated rolls let you tear off only what is necessary to soak up oil. Lay either product over a body of water to absorb oily sheen from its surface.

Absorbent socks, booms, and pillows

Absorbent oil containment booms float on water and quickly soak up spills

If you need to absorb more oil than a pad can handle, oil absorbent pillows or absorbent socks can be good choices. Ideal for hard-to-reach areas, you can wedge them under and around machinery or into tight corners.

To prevent a marine spill from spreading, link absorbent booms together to float on the surface of the water. These long sleeves will contain the oil, absorb the hydrocarbons but repel water.

Specialty marine and water sorbents

Sweeps, bilge booms, net bags and pom poms are specialty marine oil spill absorbents

In addition to booms, several other floating absorbent products are ideal for marine applications. For example, drawing a 100 foot polypropylene sweep over water will remove any oily surface sheen.

Oil snare pom poms feature thousands of polypropylene strands for high surface area absorbency. While net bags, bilge booms, and catch basin skimmers are other lightweight products that remove hydrocarbons and oil from water.

Absorbent mats

A semi-permanent solution for floors, reusable absorbent mats offer convenient spill response for small spills and oil drips. Simply park forklifts, vehicles and other machinery or equipment right over the mat.

As well as water-base liquids, these mats also soak up other common hazmat leaks like solvents and coolants. Which makes them a popular option for automotive shops.

Granular spill absorbents

Granular cellulose absorbents are suitable for cleaning up oil leaks on land

Loose material granular absorbing products are another top seller for automotive workshop floor spills. Just shake or apply these single-use materials directly onto oil leaks.

Because they are often made with bio-degradable contents like peat moss or sawdust, they can be messy to dispose of. And are most suitable for land spills only.

Spill kits

To be fully prepared for spills, an oil spill containment kit is often the easiest option. As the name implies, spill kits contain the absorbents you need to clean up spills and hazardous materials. They also include equipment necessary for your personnel to use those absorbents safely.

Oil spill clean-up kits come in a variety of sizes and different selection of products we outline above. This means you can pick a kit to handle your worst-case spill scenario and keep it on hand in case of emergency. If you need something very specific for your facility, we can even create custom spill kits here in the United States.

Spill containment

Another method of cleanup is containment; that is, confining a spill so it can’t spread. Once you contain the oil, you can remove it more easily.

To contain a spill on land, use oil conta inment spill berms. They come in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Often berms are set up to house and safeguard against large container leaks. Alternatively, a flexible berm lets you create an emergency containment dike barrier wall around a spill.

Oil containment and absorbent booms can work well together

To contain an oil spill on water, use oil containment booms. Booms come in reusable non-absorbent options as well as heavy duty absorbency models.

One you are able to contain the spill, use any number of the products above to absorb the oil.

Become a spill expert

Oil spills can be catastrophic, and even the safest, most prepared professionals can experience accidents. Make sure you’re ready to tackle any spill with the right plan, training, and materials.

Are you ready for an oil spill? To determine which oil spill absorbents are best for your facility, contact Angie Meza at angie@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

This is a revision to a blog post with an original publish date of April 11, 2017

Fuel Spill Containment Plan: Is Your Company Prepared?

January 15, 2020 by Travis Zdrazil

Tips on Fuel Leak Containment Systems and Spill Prevention

Where there’s fuel, there’s a danger of leaks. Is your company ready to deal with spills?

Does your company have a fuel containment plan in the event of a spill? Whether it’s petrol-based gasoline, diesel or kerosene, fuel is a highly flammable liquid that can lead to fires and explosions. And since most industrial businesses use fuel to power machines and vehicles, spills are an all-too-common occurrence.

Allowing fuel to spread unchecked poses many undesirable outcomes. Firstly, it places nearby employees at risk for injury. This violates Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Large fuel leaks can also create environmental pollution, leading to expensive clean-up activities. Worse, breaching Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules can lead to hefty fines.

These are all very important reasons is why it’s imperative for companies to have a fuel spill containment plan in place. In fact, having such a plan is a requirement for EPA Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC).

So, be smart and be SPCC ready! In this article you will learn more about preparing for spill response to fuel leaks.

How does your site store and use fuel?

Spill pallets are a practical containment tray option for fuel drums

From construction to farming, if your industry requires fueling equipment then you’ll likely have a fuel storage tank on site. Also likely is that you’re transporting this hazardous liquid around. For example, to refuel tractors, trucks and other machinery. Your fuel spill containment plan needs to cover both of these situations.

All fuel storage containers must have secondary containment and overfill protections in place. This includes your fuel tanks, intermediate bulk containers (IBC), totes, and drums. Spill containment pallets, spill decks, and spill containment berms are popular options for these large containers.

Likewise, you must have spill control systems when using mobile fuel refilling equipment. Drip pans or portable containment trays are practical solutions to capture fuel overflows. And let’s not forget about using gas cans with the Department of Transportation (DOT) stamp of approval. As well, be sure to house your fuel and combustible cans in a secure, leak-proof chemical storage safety cabinet.

Are there drains nearby that fuel can spill into?

Covering storm drains can protect against potential fuel and chemical spills

When you’re creating a fuel spill containment plan for your company, check to see if there are any stormwater drains nearby. If fuel were to spill and travel down a storm drain, it could end up polluting nearby ponds, rivers, lakes and water reservoirs. As well as damaging the eco-system, this leaves your company vulnerable to fines and sanctions handed down by the EPA.

Covering a drain is a quick and easy process that takes less than a minute. You can read more about drain covers in our previous blog post. But, the idea is to cover drains with a mat made of professional-grade polyurethane. Once the mat lays over the drain, it creates a waterproof barrier which prevents any liquid, including fuel, from passing through. It’s not a bad idea to keep drain cover mats around each of the stormwater drains in your workplace.

Using secondary containment systems and fuel spill products

Heavy duty containment tub for fuel tank storage

From heavy duty fuel tank containment tubs to portable spill dikes, there’s a huge variety of containment products out there.

Next, we’ll break down a few of the different options available on the market.

Containing fuel leaks with spill berms, dikes and booms

Dikes can create an effective containment wall around fuel leaks or spills

The first step to preventing a spill or fuel cleanup event is containment. The farther a spill spreads, the more damage it will do. So, how do you contain a spill? One solution to leaks on land, is a spill containment berm or dike. The equivalent product in marine environments is a spill boom.

Basically, these devices create an impenetrable perimeter around a fuel container or storage tank. That is, the wrapping forms a containment area so that potential spills remain inside.

Fuel, like oil, floats to the top of water, which is why some of these containment units don’t have a bottom. As fuel floats on the surface, it becomes trapped by the containment unit sides or walls which makes the spill easier to control and clean up.

A berm with self-rising walls is a great option for containing tanker fuel spills

Spill containment units come in a wide variety of styles and size options. Some require assembly, and use brackets to hold up the containment walls. Other spill containment berms are portable, or, have flexible walls that automatically rise in the event of a fuel leak.

With so many choices, you’re sure to find a solution for your facility – no matter what type of fuel container you have, or where you store it.

Fuel spill cleanup solutions

Keep a spill kit onsite and make sure you replace contents as necessary

With fuel safely contained inside a spill berm, your next step in a fuel spill containment plan is to then remove or recover it. There are several different ways to approach this scenario. Depending on the type of container, you may be able to install and use a drainage sump. Or, absorbent pads, pillows, booms and spill kits can help soak up the fuel.

Choose the method that’s best suited towards your particular needs. And when in doubt, stick with a universal spill kit that can handle both fuel and water-based liquids.

Spill prevention and planning overview

Remember, the best way to deal with a spill is to stop it before it even happens. That’s why critical planning is so important. Here’s a high level outline of some key steps to prepare and maintain your spill containment plan.

Review and assess your facility at least once a year

Identify possible spill locations and types that exist at your location. This could include any new equipment or fuel storage areas you may have set up. Inspect all fuel storage containers to identify potential pinhole leaks before a major rupture occurs. Take stock of existing containment products and spill kits. Ensure contents are complete and in good working condition.

Put spill and leak countermeasures in place

Keep a tank repair kit onsite to help prepare for surprise fuel leaks

Prepare for the unexpected with an emergency leak repair kit for any container damage. Use absorbents and secondary containment systems we outline above for spill response at your facility. Keep a list of local agency contacts, like the fire department, if it is necessary to communicate a spill incident.

Conduct frequent training

Now your site has all the necessary equipment in place, does your staff know how to access and use it? Time is of the essence when it comes to spills. So, it’s essential that your team is familiar with relevant products and process.

Take note of any applicable SPCC regulation updates

As we mention before, Federal and local State guidelines mandate many rules and requirements when it comes to fuel and oil spills. Ensure your business stays up to date on any changes or updates that may affect your facility.

Update your containment and prevention plan

With the above steps complete, be sure to document any changes and update your plan as necessary. Think of your plan as containing dynamic content that will evolve and change over time.

The bottom line? Planning is key when it comes to spill control and spill response. Make sure your company is capable of containing and cleaning up fuel—or any hazardous material—should a workplace spill occur.

AbsorbentsOnline.com – Your Secondary Containment and Absorbent Experts

Questions about spill containment or cleanup equipment for your company? Talk to us! Proudly delivering our United States customers with excellent service and products since 1985.

This is a revision to a blog post with an original publish date of October 29, 2013

Are You Prepared for Hazmat Spills?

January 15, 2018 by Travis Zdrazil

There are plenty of absorbents designed for multipurpose use. These types of absorbents — labeled “universal” — are appropriate for oil, water, and various chemicals. But there’s one type of spill your average absorbents simply can’t safely clean up: hazardous materials.

What makes hazmat absorbents special?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines hazardous waste as any material “with properties that make it dangerous or capable of having a harmful effect on human health or the environment.” For this reason, regulations surrounding working with hazardous materials and cleaning up hazardous spills or leaks are different from regulations on other spill cleanups. If you work with hazardous materials daily, you need to be prepared for potential accidents and emergencies.

The Operational Safety and Health Association’s (OSHA) compliance guidelines include a requirement that any business in which employees could be exposed to hazardous materials as a result of spills must have a spill containment program. These programs require facilities be stocked with necessary materials and absorbents to clean up hazmat spills. The appropriate absorbents are designed for aggressive fluids and usually come in bright yellow to indicate caution around the spill and make them easy to identify in case of emergency.

Hazmat absorbents in the news

Hazardous material spills can happen in a wide variety of circumstances and industries, and someone must be responsible for dealing with any potential accidents.

For example, the Los Angeles Fire Department dispatched specialty hazmat units to a Walgreens parking lot in November 2017 when a truck leaked 10 gallons of diesel fuel into a parking lot just a hundred yards from the Santa Clarita River. The units used hazmat absorbents to soak up all the fuel in a 12-hour ordeal — and ultimately prevented the leaked diesel from traveling through storm drains and contaminating the nearby river.

A few months earlier and just on the other side of the river, hazmat teams weren’t so lucky containing a diesel spill 10 times the size of that in the Walgreens parking lot. Despite the Los Angeles Fire Department’s prompt five-minute response time, up to 100 gallons of diesel spilled into nearby storm drains.

But diesel isn’t the only hazardous material that can create dangerous spills that require hazmat absorbents. Recently, a hazmat team responded to a call regarding a chemical spill at a hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. The spill involved about five gallons of xylene, a chemical used in labs. Exposure to xylene can cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting, among other side effects. The team used absorbent materials to soak up the spill, then ensured the used materials were properly contained and safely disposed of.

Finding the best hazmat absorbents for the job

If you’re looking for the best hazmat absorbents to stock in your facility or fleet of vehicles, AbsorbentsOnline has what you need. Our hazmat chemical absorbent socks, chemical spill absorbent pads and rolls, and hazmat absorbent pillows are the perfect all-purpose hazardous material absorbents to keep on hand in case of emergency. And once you’ve soaked up any spills, it’s important to ensure you have the appropriate hazardous waste containers to allow for proper disposal of used materials.

If, like the recent spills near the Santa Clarita River, you might experience an outdoor spill that could threaten local bodies of water, it’s also important to be prepared to guard nearby storm drains. Drain protectors and spill containment dikes are just some of the stormwater management products available for this purpose.

Do you have the right materials ready to handle hazardous material spills? If you’re ready to set up your first auto-shipment of hazmat absorbents, contact our sales team at sales@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

Can Granular Sorbents Be Eco-Friendly?

August 27, 2014 by Travis Zdrazil

Green leaf symbol.

When you clean up an oil spill, chemical spill, or other type of spill, you want to avoid or minimize environmental damage. That’s why it’s important to make sure that the absorbent material you use to clean a spill up doesn’t add to the ecological hazards created by spilled substances.

Take clay, for example. Clay has long been a mainstay of spill cleanups, but it’s both environmentally unsound and impractical. It takes a lot of clay to remove a spill — ten pounds for every one gallon of spilled oil, to be exact. Plus, it isn’t really an absorbent; spilled liquid simply coats the clay particles, meaning the hazardous material can easily be leaked or spilled again during the disposal process. Furthermore, clay poses respiratory dangers to those using it, and the material isn’t recyclable or renewable.

However, there are several affordable, earth-friendly alternatives to clay. Industrial absorbents made from renewable, recycled, or environmentally safe sources offer a solution for handling spill containment in a healthier, more effective, and ecologically sound way

Eco-friendly granular sorbent products

One option is to use granular sorbents. Made from recycled or natural material, these highly absorbent products make spill cleanup and disposal safe and easy:

Gran-sorb — With a one-to-one, weight-to-weight absorbency, it doesn’t take a lot of this fiber-based absorbent to soak up your non-aggressive liquids. It’s also made from 100% recycled post-consumer paper waste, and it’s 100% biodegradable, fire resistant, and free of hazardous materials.
Super Sorbent — This absorbent is environmentally safe, nontoxic, non-flammable, inorganic, and non-reactive. And to help you ensure you’re always prepared for any oil, coolant, solvent, or water spill, this product is packaged in separate cartons that can be placed throughout your facility.
Peat Moss Absorbent — Used exclusively for oils, this handy absorbent soaks up oil spills on any hard surface. It’s biodegradable and can be incinerated.
Corn Cob Absorbent — This universal absorbent is made from ground-up corn cobs, which hold approximately four times their weight in fluids. In addition to packing some major absorbing power, it’s also inert, nontoxic, biodegradable, and can be incinerated.

Absorbent socks offer an alternative to granular sorbents. A great option is the Corn Cob Absorbent Sock, which is composed of the same super-absorbent ground corn cobs that are in the granular sorbent, but are housed in a polypropylene skin. These absorbent socks are an economical option for handling non-aggressive fluids. The filler is recycled, organic, renewable, and boasts impressive soaking power: A 3 inches by 4 feet corn cob absorbent sock absorbs 1/2 gallon of liquid.

With so many environmentally friendly products available at budget-friendly prices, there’s no excuse not to “go green” when you’re selecting your industrial absorbents.

Cleaning Up Workplace Chemical Spills on a Budget

June 26, 2014 by Travis Zdrazil

Who says cleaning up chemical spills in the workplace has to cost an arm and a leg? With proper planning, and using the right tools, workers can effectively clean water, oil, acids, and other chemicals without spending a fortune. For some helpful tips on how to clean workplace chemical spills on a budget, keep reading.

Chemical Spill Prevention

Before we go into specific techniques regarding the cleanup of workplace chemical spills, I must emphasize the importance of prevention. Most spills, whether it’s motor oil, solvents, acids, etc., can be prevented through proper training and following protocol. Worker negligence is the most common cause of chemical spills in the workplace, so make sure workers whom are responsible for handling chemicals are fully trained.

Here are some tips to prevent workplace chemical spills:

Have machines and equipment routinely inspected for signs of damage.
Only store aggressive chemicals in approved containers.
Require workers whom transport or otherwise handle chemicals to undergo training.
Create a safety bulletin board in the workplace to display new, tips, and other information regarding chemical safety.
Lay absorbent mats down in areas of high risk for chemical spills.

You can read through some of our previous posts here at the AbsorbentsOnline.com blog for more chemical spill prevention tips.

Absorbent Pads

One of the most effective “budget-friendly” solutions to cleaning up a workplace chemical spill is to use absorbent pads. The Economy Spill Cleanup Pads, for instance, are made of polypropylene and can be used to absorb practically all petroleum-based liquids, including paints, vegetable oils, solvents, gas and more. Their ultra-fast wicking action makes them incredibly effective at containing and cleaning up chemical spills in a short amount of time.

Time is of the essence when it comes to cleaning up a chemical spill. The longer a chemical is left on the floor, the greater the risk of a worker spilling and injuring him or herself. Thankfully, absorbent pads offer a fast and easy solution for cleaning up chemical spills. Just toss the pads directly on the liquid and it will instantly begin to absorb it.

Absorbent Pillows

Another inexpensive method for cleaning up a workplace chemical spill is to use absorbent pillows. These pillows work in a similar manner as cleanup pads, absorbing spilled chemicals and liquids almost instantly. And depending on the particular type, some absorbent pillows can even be used to absorb acids.

Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes When Cleaning a Chemical Spill

June 17, 2014 by Travis Zdrazil

Nearly every company that uses, stores, transports, or otherwise handles chemicals will experience a spill at some point in time. It may consist of nothing more than a couple drops of spilled motor oil, or it can be more severe, such as the massive 7,5000-gallon leak of 4-methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCHM) that left hundreds of thousands of West Virginia residents without clean water for days. Whether it’s minor or severe, though, you’ll want to avoid making the following mistakes when cleaning chemical spills.

Adding Chemicals To The Spill

It’s not uncommon for workers to clean spilled chemicals using other chemicals, such as bleach or similar cleaning agents. However, the mixture of two or more chemicals can change the composition of the spill, potentially making it even more dangerous. Unless the a product is designed specifically for cleaning the respective spilled chemical, it should not be used.

Failure To Notify Nearby Workers

Another all-too-common mistake workers make when attempting to clean a spilled chemical in the workplace is failure to notify other workers and personnel. The Occupational Safety and Healthy Administration (OSHA) mandates that all nearby workers are informed in the event of a chemical spill. This is done to protect their safety and to help control the spill.

Not Acting Fast Enough

When a chemical spill occurs in the workplace, time is of the essence. The longer you wait, the larger the spill will become. And larger spills require more time, energy, and resources to clean. Act fast to contain and ultimately clean the spilled chemical. This is why it’s important to have a step-by-step plan in place on how to clean spilled chemicals; otherwise, workers are left scratching their heads regarding the best course of action.

Not Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Before you attempt to clean spilled chemical, you should first don the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This gear is used to protect workers from the potentially harmful effects of exposure to chemicals. Failure to gear up in PPE before cleaning or otherwise handling a chemical spill could place the worker at risk for serious injury or illness.

Failure To Remove Contaminated Clothing

If a hazardous chemical leaks or spills on a worker’s clothing, he or she should immediately remove the contaminated clothing. Even small amounts can place worker at risk for injury and/or illness. The bottom line is that all contaminated clothing should be removed promptly to ensure the safety of workers.

Tips To Prevent Hazardous Chemical Spills In The Workplace

June 10, 2014 by Travis Zdrazil

Why chemical spill prevention is important for your facility

metal barrel chemical drums Chemical spills or leaks can pose a direct threat to workers’ health, the environment, and nearby animals. This is why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have strict rules in place. For both the prevention and cleanup of workplace hazardous chemical leaks or spills.

When you’re running a business, it can be easy to overlook the fundamentals of maintaining a safe working environment. But companies storing, transporting, using or handling hazardous chemicals must take precautionary measures.

And that’s because failing to take preventive measures against chemical spills could place your company at risk. Including OSHA and/or EPA fines. Not to mention placing your workers’ health and well-being in jeopardy.

Some people assume that only large-scale chemical leaks—like the one in West Virginia in 2014—are dangerous. But in reality, it’s often smaller leaks that prove more harmful to workers and the environment. So read on to see our three tips for reducing chemical spill risks in your facility.

1. Store hazardous chemicals under cover outdoors

To protect against rainfall, always store your hazardous chemicals in a covered area outdoors. If rainwater mixes with a hazardous chemical, it can dilute it. And so contaminate the workplace or become a storm-water pollutant. Granted, chemicals diluted with water are typically weaker. But this also means there’s more of it. Which means response teams have to work extra hard to clean up hazardous chemical spills mixed in with rainwater.

There are a number of different outdoor drum storage solutions available. Including lockable units with hard or roll tops. As well as larger shed buildings that can hold up to 20 drums.

What is a hazardous chemical?

A hazardous chemical can include any of the following products that are commonly found in many workplaces:

Flammables
Corrosives
Oils
Solvents
Explosives
Combustibles

2. Properly label all hazardous chemicals

OSHA requires companies to properly label any hazardous chemical that it stores or uses in the workplace. Each type of chemical must have a clear and accurate label describing its contents. For instance, whether it is flammable, corrosive, oil or another chemical type in the list above. Color coding your safety cans is one helpful way to quickly ID its contents.

Why is correct labeling necessary? Well, that’s because it helps ensure safe response in the event of an accidental spill. By understanding the type of chemical spill, responders can use the correct clean up materials. As well as knowing which level of personal protective equipment (PPE) they need to wear.

3. Train workers in chemical spill prevention

Of course, a very important step in preventing workplace spills involves employee training. You should train workers how to properly handle respective chemicals to minimize risks. This includes everything from which container to store chemicals in, to what PPE to wear while using them.

Finally, ensure your staff know the proper cleanup procedures in the event of a spill. Including which type and color absorbents to use. See our post to learn how to choose the right spill containment kit for your facility.

Have questions about which chemical spill containment or absorbent products to purchase? Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

Should I Contain or Absorb Spilled Liquids?

May 20, 2014 by Travis Zdrazil

Sign caution wet floor

One of the decisions you’ll have to make when handling a chemical spill in the workplace is whether to contain or absorb it. Some products are designed strictly for containing liquids, whereas others actually absorb liquids. Being that each and every situation is different, there’s no universal “right” way to handle a chemical spill. With that said, there are some general tips that can help you decide which course of action is right for your chemical spill.

The first step in handling a workplace spill is to identify the chemical. Attempting to contain and/or absorb an unknown agent is both careless and dangerous. If the liquid is highly corrosive and comes into contact with your skin — or if you inhale it — it could result in serious injury. Before you even think of attempting to contain a spill, identify the type of chemical. This will give you a better understanding of its properties and how to protect yourself from injury.

Spills involving non-invasive water-based liquids are easily cleaned using absorbent socks, pillows and wipes. Rather than worrying about containing the liquid, go ahead and work to absorb it using the previously mentioned products. Placing several corn cob universal absorbent socks directly into the “heart” of a water-based spill will instantly soak it up. And when the absorbent socks have worked their magic, you can simply toss them in the trash.

Of course, spills involving aggressive chemicals require a more cautious and methodical approach. If the chemical is deemed “hazardous,” only a qualified worker with knowledge and training experience of the chemical should handle it. The first course of action involving spills of aggressive chemicals in the workplace is to contain them so they don’t spread to other areas. Berms offer a fast and effective way to contain aggressive chemicals without placing the well-being of workers in jeopardy. Containment booms can also be used to contain chemicals to a particular area.

Spill response varies depending on the type of chemical/liquid spilled and the surrounding environment. However, it’s important to note that workers should always gear up in the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) before handling any spilled chemicals. The employer is responsible for providing this equipment based on OSHA’s specifications. When the worker is geared up, he or she can then decide whether to contain or absorb the spilled liquid.