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.