absorbent socks | Spill Containment Blog

Don’t Cry Over Spilled Fluids — Recover Them!

November 5, 2023 by Travis Zdrazil

Unlock the Power of Wringers for Absorbents in Your Workplace

The Extractor Pro is a cost-effective and compact wringer for absorbents

Picture this: You just had a little accident in your workplace, and unexpectedly spilled a container of fluid. You’ve diligently followed safety procedures, and reached for your trusty sorbent mat, towel, or rag to deal with the mess. However, after cleaning the spill up, there’s a lingering feeling that you’ve lost a valuable resource that could have been put to better use. Is it truly impossible to recover the fluid you’ve just spilled?

No matter how careful you are, accidents are an inevitable part of any workplace. Spills are not only hazardous but also result in the wastage of precious resources. Fortunately, there’s a solution that can help you recover a significant portion of the spilled fluid and save your business money in the process. Enter wringers for absorbents – your secret weapon against wasteful spills.

The Business Benefits of Using Wringers for Absorbents

Did you know that wringers for absorbents can recover up to 90% of absorbed fluids from most sorbent mats, towels, or rags? That elevates wringers as one of the true unsung heroes of the workplace. When paired with reusable absorbent pads, a wringer can greatly reduce spill costs and chemical fluid waste for your facility.

Cost Savings: According to a 1993 project by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), using a wringer could save a company 51 to 75% a year—mainly by reducing sorbent pad disposal costs. Furthermore, the initial investment in a wringer can pay for itself in a remarkably short span; typically within 2.8 to 5 weeks!
Environmental Responsibility: By recovering and reusing absorbed fluids, you contribute to a greener and more sustainable workplace. This not only aligns with modern environmental standards but also enhances your company’s reputation as a responsible corporate citizen.

Introducing the Pro Model Wringer

Our heavy-duty wringer has 19-inch rollers capable of accommodating 18-inch absorbent pads without any need for folding. Thanks to its adjustable chemical resistant rollers, you can also use it to wring out up to four 3-inch absorbent socks, as well as absorbent booms. The all-steel frame is rust-proof, and you can mount this wringer to a closed-head 55-gallon drum for easy fluid collection. A built–in anti–spill/fluid indicator valve warns you when a five-gallon capacity remains in drum.

For added convenience, we offer an optional hands-free electric motor drive for this model. At AbsorbentsOnline, we understand that different workplaces have unique requirements, so we can provide the wringer with custom extractor widths and voltages to suit your specialized needs.

Squeeze Extra Performance Out of Your Absorbents: Order Your Wringer Today!

The next time you face a fluid spill in your facility, there’s no need to panic. Instead, reach for a wringer – a solution that benefits both the environment and your bottom line.

AbsorbentsOnline is here to assist you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to contact us via email or give us a call toll-free at (800) 869-9633. With wringers for absorbents, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle spills efficiently, responsibly, and cost-effectively.

This is a revision to a blog post with an original publication date of December 17, 2014.

Time to Put Away the Boat? Don’t Forget the Marine Absorbents!

October 18, 2023 by Travis Zdrazil

Breeze through winterization with our absorbents and maintenance tips for boaters

Ah, the bittersweet end of summer – the time when you reluctantly bid adieu to those sun-soaked days on the open water… School is long back in-session, and in many areas, warmer weather is quickly coming to an end. For boat owners, this heralds the end of the sailing season and means it’s about time to store your skiff until next spring’s adventures.

Regardless of whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or rely on the expertise of a marine mechanic, preparing a boat for hibernation can be a messy affair. Spills and leaks are a common occurrence, from fuel and oil to transmission fluids.

But worry not; with the right products at your disposal, you can swiftly and efficiently tackle these mishaps. Being prepared to respond to a marine spill is not just a responsible practice; it can also help you avoid potential environmental repercussions.

Here’s everything you need to know about marine absorbents and how to make them an essential part of your boat maintenance toolkit.

Review Your Winterization To-do List

Before you put the boat into storage, you’ll likely need to perform some winterizing tasks. Because boats and engines differ greatly, it’s always a good idea to first start by checking your owner’s manual for specific winterization instructions. But, a few of the more common activities you’ll likely need to complete include:

draining fuel lines;
draining the fuel tank or, alternatively, filling it and adding stabilizer;
changing the oil and transmission fluid;
draining and refilling gear case lubricant; and
removing the battery, charging it, and storing it.

Whether doing these tasks yourself or using specialized marine services, it’s very easy — and common — for fuel or other fluids to spill in the water or on land. Therefore, both boat owners and marine mechanics need to make sure they have the appropriate products on hand to quickly respond to such accidental marine spills. We’ll take a look at some of those items in more detail next.

Marine Absorbent Must-Haves

To keep your watercraft in ship-shape condition and adhere to federal regulations regarding marine oil spills, having the right marine absorbents on hand is a must.

Conveniently, the same products used to clean up large ocean oil spills are available for boat owners and mechanics alike. These products will absorb hydrocarbons, like oil and gasoline, but have hydrophobic properties — meaning they repel water.

Here are a few versatile marine oil-only products that should be part of your arsenal, for maintenance needs and more:

Oil Absorbent Pads

Pads and rolls are perfect for applications that demand low-lint or to mop up smaller spills.
Specially designed to absorb hydrocarbons like oil and gasoline while repelling water, they’re an indispensable tool for preventing environmental damage.

✅ Use pads to wipe down equipment, greasy hands, or to lift oily sheen off the water’s surface.

Oil Absorbent Socks

Made from non-biodegradable materials, these flexible, floating socks can absorb up to 15 times their weight in oil spills.
Their buoyancy ensures they stay afloat even when saturated, making them ideal for quick spill response.

✅ Wrap one or more sock around a spill’s perimeter — be it on land or water — to prevent it from spreading.

Oil Absorbent Pillows

Perfect for tight spaces, compressible pillows are designed to quickly and efficiently absorb leaking fluids.
Their compact size makes them a go-to choice for dealing with those hard-to-reach spills.

✅ Soak up spillages by tossing a pillow directly on top, or, wedge one in a corner and under leaky hoses in lieu of a pan.

Oil Absorbent Booms

Specialty oil booms are designed to float on water while effectively absorbing hydrocarbon spills; all without sinking.
In the event of a spill, booms are a lifeline for preventing contamination and environmental harm.

✅ Connect one or more boom together to encircle a larger spill if it exceeds the clean-up capabilities of socks or pads.

Bilge Booms and Bags

Bilge boom and net bag marine oil absorbents for boaters

Stout and sturdy marine booms and bags are ideal for removing oil — not water — from your bilge, sump, or tank.
They’re wringable, dustless, and will float indefinitely as a convenient and eco-conscious option.

✅ Deploy bilge booms or bags inside any engine compartment or tank to keep it free of oily pollutants.

You might also want to explore the large selection of oil-only spill kits available that contain one or more of these absorbent solutions. They can prove an invaluable solution to keep on board in case of an emergency spill or unexpected leak.

The best part? These marine oil-absorbent products are not just effective; they are also incredibly affordable. For both boat owners and marine mechanics, having these items on hand year-round is a smart investment. With these marine oil spill kits and absorbents, you or your mechanic can take care of an engine leak or a spill before it becomes an environmental problem.

Meeting Federal Regulations for Marine Oil Spills

Understanding and complying with federal regulations related to marine oil spills is a responsibility that every boat owner and marine mechanic must take seriously. The United States has stringent laws in place to safeguard our waters and aquatic ecosystems from the adverse effects of oil spills. One such regulation is the Oil Pollution Act (OPA) of 1990.

The OPA established the framework for responding to oil spills and preventing them in the first place. It mandates that vessel owners and operators must have a plan in place to mitigate oil spills and outlines the actions to be taken when a spill occurs. By having a supply of marine absorbents on hand, you not only meet OPA requirements but also demonstrate your commitment to environmental stewardship.

AbsorbentsOnline: Your Go-To Source for Marine Absorbents

To ensure you’re always prepared for any marine spill, AbsorbentsOnline is your trusted partner. Whether you’re a seasoned boat owner or a marine mechanic, we offer a wide range of marine oil absorbents to keep your vessel clean and environmentally responsible.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for any questions or assistance. You can contact us via email or call toll free at (800) 869-9633.

This is a revision to a blog post with an original publication date of September 24, 2014.

What Are the Best Industrial Products for At-Home Messes?

September 6, 2023 by Travis Zdrazil

Upgrade Your Home Cleanup Game with These Industrial-Grade Solutions!

repair tools beside a rag and oily puddle

Explore solutions to keep spills and leaks around your home in check

No one would argue that paper towels have their uses. However, they also have limitations. Some of the best products for managing life at home can’t be found at the grocery store.

For example, the common household solution for protecting floors from spills when you’re working is a tarp. But a tarp doesn’t absorb spills; it simply collects them. The most efficient way to protect your floors from paint and oil is an absorbent mat.

The bad news: These mats aren’t usually marketed outside industrial applications. The good news: You can buy them for your home anyway! The same is also true for versatile absorbent socks (no, not those ones that you’re used to dealing with on laundry day).

Here, we take a look at two handy products that go beyond traditional household supplies. Both can help simplify your life by managing everyday messes and protect your home from stains or leaks.

What is an Abzorb Mat?

Keep your garage floor dry and free of oily leaks with an Abzorb Mat

Abzorb Mats feature a top layer made of a universal absorbent capable of containing all kinds of liquids. This lightly textured surface is dark gray to disguise stains and help prolong its use. The bottom layer has a non-penetrable vinyl backing that’s skid-resistant and will stop absorbed liquids from leaking through the mat and damaging the floor below.

The Abzorb Mat is specially designed to lay flat without curling or buckling, which helps prevent trips and falls. Our “stain stopper” backing is so tough that we guarantee it against leaks, cracks, and tears for three years.

Available in 3-foot and 6-foot widths, you can even get custom lengths if you need a specific mat size.

What is an Abzorb Mat for?

There are countless uses for this flexible mat in your home or garage!

Try placing it underneath where you park or work on your car to catch oil or antifreeze drips and prevent concrete strains. If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow in winter, the Abzorb Mat is perfect for catching melting snow runoff from vehicles, snow removal equipment, and even boots in the entryway or mudroom.

The Abzorb mat’s anti-slip properties make it great for back doors and garage doors. You can use it as a work bench cover, shelf liner, paint mat, craft mat, as well as underneath pet food and water bowls. Curtail expensive cabinet damage due to pesky cleaning container spills or faucet leaks—cut one to size and place it under your kitchen or laundry sink.

These mats may be designed for industrial purposes, but you can find plenty of useful implementations in your own home.

What is an Absorbent Sock?

Featuring heavy-duty construction, universal socks are long tubes filled with super absorbent materials like cellulose. Their flexible nature allows you to contour and snugly conform them to just about any shape or area. When a leak or spill occurs, the sock efficiently absorbs the liquid while creating a barrier to prevent it from spreading.

Available in 4, 8, and 12-foot lengths, these highly absorbent socks can be used to soak up water, oil, or just about any other household spill you can think of. Just one 8-foot sock can absorb over 1.5 gallons of liquids!

What are Absorbent Socks for?

You’ll be surprised just how many places you can use absorbent socks. Lay them along doors and window seals to stop drafts and make your home more comfortable year-round. Because they’re absorbent, they’ll also help avoid seepage during a driving rainstorm.

Wrap them around your water heater, washing machine, A/C, or water filtration system. Then relax in peace of mind should that machine or equipment create condensation puddles or spring an unexpected slow leak. Leaking toilet cistern? Keep your bathroom floor dry and slip-free by wrapping a sock around your toilet pan until you have time to call the plumber (or fix the issue yourself).

Best of all, absorbent socks are reusable. Simply wring out any excess moisture by hand, then let them air dry before using them again and again.

Ready to Make Your Life Simpler?

If you’re ready to simplify your life and protect your home from everyday messes and mishaps, these industrial-grade products have got you covered. Whether it’s the Abzorb Mat’s versatility or the Absorbent Sock’s ability to prevent and contain leaks, these solutions go beyond what traditional household items can offer.

Still, you might have questions about which at-home absorbents are right for your specific needs. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered there too! You can contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or give him a call at (800) 869-9633. Travis is a seasoned expert in absorbent products and can provide you with personalized advice to ensure you choose the right solutions.

For more valuable insights into protecting your home and discovering unique products you won’t find on your typical store shelves, check out our other posts:

This is a revision to a blog post with an original publication date of January 31, 2017.

Color-Code Your Spill Cleanup

March 8, 2021 by Travis Zdrazil

How to choose the right absorbent socks for cleaning up spills

Absorbent socks come in different colors to safely clean up specific types of spills

When you reach for an absorbent sock to contain spilled or leaking fluid, do you stop to think about the sock’s color? You should!

Color coding doesn’t just look nice. It has a serious purpose: to help workers respond to a spill quickly and clean it up safely. Each chemical color code indicates the sock’s purpose and serves as a safety precaution for workers in the spill area.

In this post, we’ll explain the different types, absorbency, and uses of these handy spill clean-up tools.

What are absorbent socks?

Absorbent socks are long polypropylene tubes containing high absorbency materials like cellulose or corn cob filler. Their uses span general-purpose sorbents to containment dikes that stop spills from spreading.

Absorbent polypropylene socks are a staple item in many spill clean-up kits

Different types of socks can handle various liquids including water, solvent, coolant, and oil spills. They come in lengths of 4′ to 12′ and one sock absorbs up to 2.5 gallons of fluids.

Socks are similar in appearance — and use applications — to absorbent booms. Check out our previous post where we explain the differences in absorbent booms versus socks.

Along with absorbent pads and pillows, socks are a common item in most overpack spill kits. Next, we’ll discuss why these spill supplies come in different colors.

Benefits of spill kit color coding

Color coding your absorbent kit contents offers several advantages. First, the sock color informs workers at a glance about the spill type. For instance, alerting them to steer clear of dangerous spills if they do not have the right safety equipment.

Second, color coding can help you train new employees about spills. For example, which socks they’ll need to use when cleaning up different substances. This can be crucial for facilities that handle multiple kinds of chemical fluids.

Finally, the color-coding system can save you money. Using the wrong sock for a spill is a waste of resources. However, when the color clearly indicates the sock’s purpose, mistakes are less likely to happen.

Color coding systems can vary between businesses. But, AbsorbentsOnline has fine-tuned a smart, easy-to-understand scheme. And it applies to all our super absorbent pads, rolls, chemical socks, and pillows.

Hazmat spills – yellow socks

Bright yellow indicates this absorbent sock is for use on hazmat chemical spills

Yellow indicates the chemical spill absorbent sock is for aggressive and non-aggressive fluids. Although yellow socks are typically for acids and bases, you can also use them with unknown liquids.

The bright yellow color makes a hazmat chemical absorbent sock stand out from its surroundings. This helps warn employees to avoid coming into contact with the sock and spill unless they’re wearing the proper PPE equipment.

Note: yellow socks are not compatible with sulfuric acid. Instead, keep a supply of acid spill neutralizer socks on hand.

Oil-only spills – white socks

White oil-absorbent spill socks are for cleaning up oily fluids

Use white oil-absorbent socks to soak up oil-based fluids (hydrocarbons). They also repel water, and will not sink even when saturated with oil. As well, the bright white color means they are easy to see.

Use oil-only absorbent socks to dike and absorb spilled oils. Because they’re hydrophobic, and float on water, they’re a great choice for marine applications. For instance, to help soak up waterborne hydrocarbons and oily sheens.

Universal spills – grey socks

Grey polypropylene socks contain absorbent fillings of either corn cob or cellulose

Grey universal absorbent socks are for general-purpose uses. They are the best choice for industrial applications and containing non-aggressive fluids. This covers everything from water-based liquids to solvents, coolants, and oil spills.

The grey color indicates to workers that the absorbed fluids are not dangerous to handle. Grey also helps hide dirt and blends in with the surroundings. This means these heavy-duty socks are ideal to position around leaky equipment and machinery.

How do you use absorbent socks?

In the workplace, super-absorbent socks help keep spills and leaks in check. This is why these handy sorbents are essential in many maintenance shops and industrial facilities.

Use socks to create a barrier that confines and absorbs spills

Because they’re flexible, socks are a great way to quickly confine and absorb fluids. For example, wrap universal absorbent socks around the base of coolers or A/C units to soak up condensation puddles.

You can also use them to prevent spills from spreading and becoming a slip hazard. By laying socks around a spill you create a diking dam that also soaks up the liquid. Like encircling a leaky sump pump or IBC tank to create a temporary spill control barrier.

Are absorbent socks reusable?

You can reuse your heavy-duty socks with a hand-wringer for absorbents

In short, yes! Specifically, mildew-resistant absorbent socks made of non-biodegradable fillers like cellulose are reusable. You can wring them out and reuse them after they air-dry.

This not only saves you money by recovering the fluid spill but also on purchasing socks themselves.

Your spill control, cleanup, and sorbent specialists

If you don’t already use color coding in your facility, take advantage of AbsorbentsOnline’s effective system for spill clean-up. Your employees — and your wallet — will be better off for it.

AbsorbentsOnline offers a wide range of absorbent rolls, socks, and clean-up supplies. All at affordable pricing. Contact us by email or call toll-free at (800) 869-9633.

This is a revision to a blog post with an original publication date of March 11, 2015

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

Which Spill Response Kit Belongs in Your Facility?

July 27, 2019 by Travis Zdrazil

One Size Spill Kit Doesn’t Fit All

5 gal. bucket kit with universal absorbents

Being prepared with a well-equipped spill kit is just as important as having a fully stocked first aid kit: No matter where you are, no matter what you do … spills happen. It’s a natural fact of life! But in your place of business, it’s especially important to have the correct tools on hand to clean up spills before they cause damage or injuries to personnel or plant.

It’s a no-brainer that quick response is key to addressing any spill scenario. But what are “the correct tools” for an emergency response to surprise spills? And, what’s the best approach for spill control and remediation?

Spill response kits (not to mention the spills themselves) are not one size fits all. You need to ensure that you are prepared for exactly the type of spill that you will be facing. Only when you have the appropriate spill kits for your facility, and the materials you use there, will you be able to face any potential disaster with confidence.

What spill risks exist at your job site?

Your facility is unique — and along with that unique identity come unique potential issues. There are many different risk factors for you to look at and think about. Which equipment, machinery, or areas are particularly prone to spills? What kinds of liquids do you have on-site? How many volumes of materials are you storing? Where and how do you house or transport those fluids? Forklifts moving pallets, IBC totes, and other large storage containers around can present a prime hazard for punctures!

Other things to consider are the location and potential size of your spills — will you need to clean up small leaks, or massive spills? Keep in mind the requirements for your industry and the type of spill kit container you will need. Does your spill response kit need to be used outdoors, or inside? Different types of containers will be best suited for different spill volumes (for instance, bagged or bucket spill kits will do fine for small spills, but large-volume spills might require a drum or a mobile spill kit in a wheeled cart).

You’ll want to review all of these things—and more—before you go looking for the right spill kit. Make sure to consider the worst-case quantities that could be spilled in various different locations.

What items are necessary in a spill response kit?

Once you know what your facility’s risks are, you can find the spill kit that matches them. What materials will you need in your kit? Perhaps pads and rolls, absorbent pillows, or absorbent socks. Each material has its own strengths, so you should read up on the particular uses for each type to determine which is best for you.

Safety gloves, goggles, sorbent pads, disposal bags and more come in battery acid spill response kits

Besides absorbents, other spill kit contents usually include things like disposal bags for soiled clean-up materials, nitrile gloves for safe material handling, and goggles for eye protection.

Spill kit refill materials are often available to purchase separately, so you can re-stock or augment your kit as necessary.

Select the right spill kit for the job

Just like your facility is unique, so is each spill kit. There are different kit types designed to most efficiently handle small to large spills of different liquid categories.

The three main types of spill cleanup kits tend to be color coded, to help easily identify and use the right kit for the right spill cleanup. The kit types include:

Universal or General Purpose Kits

65 gal. drum universal spill kit

These cleanup kits can handle both water-based fluids and hydrocarbons. The universal absorbents and cleaning materials in these kits are usually gray.

Universal spill kits are a good option for locations storing or using coolants, paints, solvents, and other non-hazardous materials and chemicals.
Oil Only Spill Kits

Mobile cart kit for oil spills

Dealing with hydrocarbons? The absorbent pads and contents in Oil only kits are generally white in color. The materials repel water and can be used to clean up motor oil, jet fuel, diesel, gasoline, lubricants, and hydraulic oil spills, among others.

An oil-only kit is an obvious choice for automotive/mechanical equipment shops as well as marine locations.
Hazmat/Chemical Spill Kits

Hazmat spill kit in a duffel bag

Hazmat kits will allow you to clean aggressive fluids such as acids and solvents. Absorbents in these kits are typically yellow in color and are for both hydrocarbons and water-based fluids.

This type of kit is great for labs and other sites handling or storing hazardous materials and chemicals to meet OSHA requirements.

Spill kit container and size options

Various size drum spill kit options exist to cater to large spills, including a 95-gallon spill kit with contents in a poly drum, ready to handle volumes up to 84 gallons. And don’t forget about mobile spill kits: overpack drums or large carts that feature caster wheels on the base for fast and easy transport to spill sites.

A duffel bag or fleet spill kit might be best for smaller spills, or, stashing inside emergency response vehicles. Bucket-style spill kits also make a convenient, grab-and-go option that is highly portable for attending to mid-size spill cleanups.

What other spill response kit options are there?

Spill response kit to safely clean up mercury

In addition to the three main kit types above, there are also various specialty kits available for fast spill containment and response. These options include kits for hazardous waste (such as body fluid kits for biohazard materials), mercury spill kits, as well as spill kits for battery acid.

Remember: workplaces will often need one or more types of spill kits on hand. It’s important to regularly inspect spill kits for missing or damaged items and then order refill kit items, as necessary.

If none of these kits seem like the right match for you, don’t worry! Talk to AbsorbentsOnline and we can build a custom kit that meets all your needs and leaves you confident in your ability to handle any spill.

We also have a wide range of other spill response products for convenient and quick order, to store in your safety cabinet or janitorial closet. Just a few suggestions to consider are wipers, drain plugs, drip pans, and containment berms.

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

This is a revision to a post with an original publication date of July 10, 2015.