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Spill Containment and Spill Cleanup Solutions

Where Should Spill Kits Be Located?

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If your business deals with any kind of hazardous material, then you know the importance of having a spill kit on hand. And that’s because the proper supplies can help avoid damage and costs that a spill may bring with it.

But have you put much thought into where these spill cleanup kits should be located?

An emergency spill kit located on a warehouse wall

In this post, we’ll explore the best places to put a kit to ensure that it is quick and easy to access in case of an emergency. Along with some of the most common locations spill kits are found, and tips on how to choose the right spot for your own facility.

The Kit Location Will Vary Depending on the Type of Business

When it comes to spill kits, one size does not fit all. And that’s because not all businesses deal with the same types of liquids and chemicals. Or, keep the same quantity or volume of these fluids on site. Not to mention, the physical footprint and layout of individual facilities can vary greatly.

Which means that different types of spill kits, and the best place to store them, is specific to each individual business.

Common Places to Find and Store A Spill Kit

As you’re no doubt aware, spills can—and will—happen anywhere. Therefore, kits for cleaning up spills can also be placed anywhere around the workplace.

Be it on a wall, under a workbench, or even inside the cab of a truck. From laboratory areas to outdoor storage tanks. In waste collection areas, on fuel pumps, and just about everywhere else you can think of!

So, let’s take a look at common sites where spill response kits might be found, in and around different types of workplaces.

Automotive and Machine Maintenance Shops

What comes to mind when you think about an auto maintenance or machine shop? Perhaps a busy workshop floor staging vehicles and machinery that runs on fuel, oils, lubricants, and coolants. Or, motor engines powered by batteries containing corrosive acid.

All of these pieces of equipment can leak, or, encounter a spillage. Especially when fluids are being replaced or faulty parts are being worked on in different areas of the shop floor.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to place a specialty kit for battery acid leaks on a wall near charging stations. Meanwhile, keep a 55-gallon drum oil spill kit beside storage areas that house large volumes of hydrocarbons. Conversely, stage smaller kits on your workbench for handling solvent or coolant spills.

Manufacturing and Industrial Sites

Industrial and manufacturing facilities usually have various potentially hazardous materials on site. Often in large volumes (think drums and IBC containers filled with all types of liquids). When these materials are moved or mishandled, leaks and spills can occur.

In which case, kits for hazardous chemical spills can be mounted to the wall in storage locations (and likely spill zones). Or, use jumbo kits in a mobile cart that can be easily wheeled around a warehouse floor for fast emergency response. Small, portable kits can also be stored on things like forklifts for operators who may be the first to notice a spill.

Transportation Fleets and Loading Docks

On any given day, companies move countless items around the country, and world. Shipping logistics can involve all manner of vehicles: trucks, ships, trains, planes, vans, trailers, and more.

Containers of all sizes and shape can shift during transit, which means there is always a chance of something getting damaged and leaking. Likewise, docks are incredibly busy places when it comes to loading and unloading those shipped goods.

Having an accessible kit on the wall or floor of your docking bays means that spills can be taken care of immediately. Similarly, a small spill kit stowed in a truck cab provides cleanup materials in the event of a spill on-the-go.

Laboratories and Medical Facilities

A lab-pack spill kit stored under a workbench

When it comes to lab safety, kits for spill cleanup should be as synonymous to these facilities as white lab coats. Along with personal protective equipment (PPE) like nitrile gloves to minimize exposure to harmful liquid spills.

That’s because these environments often house hazmat materials like acids, or could even have a mercury spill. So it is important that lab facilities have specialized chemical spill kits. For instance, kits containing PPE, granular absorbent materials and neutralizing agents. Plus a chemical-resistant dustpan to sweep everything up. Even dealing with a small spill can put employee health and safety at risk, otherwise.

Convenient lab pack kits are a great option to tuck under benches and work stations. They contain items like absorbent socks and pads that can be used to quickly wrap around and soak up spills.

Likewise, you can store a body fluid cleanup kit onboard medical carts to safely clean up biohazards like blood.

Fluid Dispensing Stations and Fuel Pumps

Spills are common when transferring materials between containers. Especially when fuel pumps or drum faucets are involved.

So, naturally, a spill control kit is especially important in these types of locations. The absorbents in it can help prevent spills from entering drain systems or other sensitive areas.

Large lidded drum kits make an excellent choice for these sites. Position the kit beside the fuel station and then use the chemical resistant container to toss soiled sorbent materials.

Marina and Boating Areas

Oil spill kits containing sorbents that float on water while absorbing hydrocarbons are ideal for marine sites. Oil and water don’t mix. So kits containing absorbent pads, socks, or booms are perfect for soaking oily sheen off the water’s surface.

Tuck an oil absorbent kit inside a motorized vessels’ cabin where it’s easy to grab. Or, near its engine and fueling zone where leaks might occur.

A mobile caddie is a handy way to transport supplies that are staged in a port building entry to spills on water.

Tips For Deciding Where to Keep a Spill Kit

Tip #1: Understand Potential Spill Sites in Your Workplace

A key component of a company’s spill containment plan is documenting all the different liquids your facility uses and where they are kept. Use this information as your starting point to map out the best locations to position spill kits. After all, one of the best ways to decide where you need a kit is to look at where you’re most likely to have spills occur.

It’s easy to think of hazardous chemical or bulk material storage areas. But don’t forget about less obvious locations as well. For instance, janitorial cupboards will likely contain a variety of solutions. Like bleach, disinfectant, and other potentially hazardous liquid cleaners.

A diagram drawing of the facility can help identify the locations of each kind of container and how much material is stored there.

Tip #2: Keep Your Kit Accessible

As outlined above, it is best practice to store kits near the location where spills can happen. But, it is equally important to keep a kit for an emergency spill in a place where employees can easily access it. And not locked away in a cupboard, for instance.

Fortunately, there are many types of spill kits available offering quick and easy access. Including those that are designed to be placed under the counter. As well as kits that can be situated on the floor, wall, or be carried around in a bag.

It might seem practical to keep all your employee health and safety equipment in one location. Such as an area with a safety shower, spill and first aid kit. However, you want to avoid creating secondary hazards.

Consider an emergency where one worker needs materials to respond to a spill. Meanwhile, another person needs first aid to treat an injury caused by the spill. Immediate access to emergency response supplies could be compromised if everything is stored in one spot.

Tip #3: Make Sure Kits Are Visible

Often, chemical spill kits come with a bright colored red or yellow container. (That can double as a place to put soiled hazardous waste materials after the clean up is done). This can help make sure they are easily seen on a wall or shelf.

Granular spill kit contents with bright red duffle bag
A bright red portable duffle bag spill kit

Otherwise, large wall or floor signs can also act as useful reminders of where spill kits are located. Signage can be particularly useful for kits kept in less obvious locations, like under a workbench.

Lastly, the container itself should also have a large label detailing what type of kit it is. For example if it’s a chemical, oil, universal or specialty kit for things like corrosive acids or blood. An itemized list of the kit’s contents can also be useful, along with any specific instructions inside.

Tip #4: Remember to Train and Maintain

Employees should always receive training on where spill response equipment is located at work. As well as refresher training on spill clean-up procedures. Practice spill drills to properly prepare employees for hazardous emergencies.

Dealing with a smaller spill might be as straightforward as using a broom, dustpan and absorbent materials. However, biohazard and acid spills are more complex. Employees need to know how to use all necessary personal protective equipment—like respirators—in a hazmat kit.

Additionally, it’s also important for employees to familiarize themselves with safety data sheets for the various materials used at a job site. This should help inform them about whether a chemical or oil spill kit is the appropriate choice for response.

Finally, it is essential to periodically check and maintain your emergency spill kit contents. For instance, some PPE—like nitrile gloves—can degrade when kits are not kept in climate controlled locations. And absorbent pads and other absorbent materials may need replacing if the kit it is stored in a wet environment. Especially if it has an inadequately sealed container.

Final Thoughts

Having an appropriate plan for liquid spills and clean-up procedures is essential for a safe workplace. It’s also an OSHA requirement for hazardous substances. So, in the event of a spill you need to be ready with good spill containment and cleanup materials.

However, depending on the type of facility you work in, there will be different designated places for spill kits. In general, they should be placed near potential spill sites, but not so close that they could become a secondary hazard.

If you’re not sure what type of kit you need, or where to put it, get in touch with AbsorbentsOnline for help making an informed decision. You can also find answers to common queries about spill control kits and supplies, below:

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a Spill Kit?
  2. What Should a Spill Kit Contain?
  3. Which Spill Response Kit Belongs in Your Facility?
  4. How to Choose the Best Spill Kit?
  5. How Do I Use a Spill Kit?
  6. What’s In an Acid Spill Kit?

What Do Spill Kits Contain?

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Spill kits are an essential bit of equipment that are used to contain and clean up liquid spills.

Like first aid supplies, these handy tool kits are useful to have pretty much anywhere. From the workplace to public areas where a slippery floor can lead to accidents and injury.

Absorbent pillows and pads in a warehouse wall-mount spill response kit

Spill clean up kits are also extremely important to have in places where people work with potentially hazardous liquids – this includes labs, warehouses, hospitals, and even restaurant kitchens.

However, not all kits have the same things inside them and certain types contain specialized items. That’s because spill kit requirements depend on the environment that they will be used in, and the kinds of spills that they will potentially need to clean up.

Using the right type of spill kit is important.

If you’re unfamiliar with spill kits and want to make sure that you’re getting the right type (or if you’re just curious about what they contain), then don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything a spill kit contains so you know what you’re getting.

We’ll also look at some different kinds of spill kits to help you learn the differences between them, and which kit is right for you!

What Is A Spill Kit?

As mentioned before, spill kits are a collection of absorbent materials and other supplies that are used to mop up and contain spills.

They aren’t the same as just a mop and a bucket – there are many different components in spill kits that make them capable of tackling all sorts of spills for emergency response. Including oil, chemical spills, and other hazardous liquids like an acid spill or body fluids.

In addition to regular cleaning tools, spill kits contain specialist spill clean up products along with protective equipment; additionally, a kit comes with its own bin to make disposing of the used materials much simpler and safer.

Spill kits come in several varieties, and these can contain different items depending on their intended purpose. However, most kits will contain similar things with a few changes for their specific application.

There are three main varieties of spill kits: general purpose universal spill kits, oil spill kits, and hazmat spill kits.

Kits also come in different sizes, depending on the site or volume of the spill. For example, small fleet spill kits that tuck inside a vehicle trunk or truck cab. All the way up to large mobile spill kits, and those than can handle spills from a 50 gallon drum.

We’ll take a closer look at each type soon, but first, let’s take a look at the most common items you’ll find inside a spill kit.

What Does a Spill Kit Contain?

While there are some differences between various types of spill kits, there are many things that stay the same between them.

All spill kits will typically contain the following cleanup materials:

Absorbent Pads

One of the most important items for dealing with liquid spills is a way to soak them up. Which is why absorbent pads are so useful to throw on top of spills.

Absorbent material pads are designed to soak up as much liquid as possible—without dripping—and contain it for disposal.

The type of absorbent pad depends on the specific spill kit you’re using, as not all pads work with every liquid (for example, dangerous chemicals need a chemical-resistant pad to mop them up safely).

This is indicated by the color of the absorbent pad, which is specific to the spill kit type.

Absorbent Socks

If you’ve ever seen a large spill in a store, then you might have seen absorbent socks being used to block the bottom of shelves.

These long, thin tubes are used as absorbent dikes for spill control. And are meant to keep liquids from traveling under hard-to-move surfaces or between rooms.

Like absorbent pads, they come in different colors specific to the spill response kit type.

Disposable Bags

When you’ve used up your cleaning materials, you need to dispose of them properly.

Just tossing them in a plastic bag and into the garbage isn’t safe (especially if the sorbent materials been used to mop up chemicals or biohazards like blood).

Therefore, specialty-marked disposable bags are included in spill kit contents so you’re able to safely get rid of clean up materials.

Safety Goggles

Wearing the right personal protective equipment (PPE) when dealing with spills is important. Safety goggles are required to protect your eyes from hazardous liquids and other materials.

They also keep your eyes safe from fumes, which is particularly important when dealing with spilled chemicals or other hazardous materials.

However, you should wear safety goggles for protection even when dealing with everyday spills.

Gloves

Like safety goggles, protective gloves are another important form of PPE while dealing with spills.

The type of gloves in a spill kit can differ based on what kind of spill you’ll be dealing with. But they’re usually some form of sturdy waterproof or nitrile glove that is intended to protect your hands against potentially dangerous liquids.

Disposal Container

Finally, you’ve got the actual container that the spill kit comes in. Typically, spill kit contents will come inside some kind of plastic bucket for storing items.

Not only is this handy for keeping the kit tidied away, but it also functions as a container for disposing of the used cleaning materials.

Other designs of spill kit containers include wheeled carts for easier transportation, or drum versions to carry more supplies.

The contents inside a universal spill kit
Absorbent pads, pillows, socks, and PPE contents inside a universal spill kit

Types Of Spill Kit

As mentioned earlier, there are some differences between the three primary kinds of spill kits.

It isn’t just the type and color of the absorbent that changes – there are also some additional things in each type of kit that make it more specialized for its intended job.

General Purpose Spill Kit

The general purpose, or universal spill kit, is the most common type of spill kit. That’s because they are suitable for mopping up most kinds of spills.

They contain the usual cleaning materials found in all spill kits and are designed for cleaning water-based spills as well as hydrocarbons.

The absorbents used in universal spill kits are gray, and they are capable of mopping up nearly all liquids including oils.

Oil Spill Kit

As the name suggests, oil spill kits are intended to clean up spilled hydrocarbons. Oil sorbent materials are colored white.

They are buoyant, so particularly effective at removing oil from the surface of water. Which is because they are hydrophobic (or repel water); letting them absorb oil without taking on water and sinking.

As such, they make an ideal spill kit for marine locations.

Chemical Spill Kit

Chemical spill kits are intended for use on hazardous materials, such as corrosive acids, and solvents.

These are dangerous materials to deal with, so using the right PPE and chemical resistant equipment is important to comply with OSHA regulations. As a result, many hazmat spill kits come with additional PPE such as a mask or perhaps even a respirator.

Absorbents in these kits are yellow and are made out of materials that will not react with any hazardous chemicals.

It’s important to take care when dealing with hazardous waste, so be sure to use the appropriate PPE and be careful to dispose of waste materials properly.

Specialty Kits

Lastly, specialty spill kit contents include items for handling specialized emergency spill response.

These types of kits have sorbents for spill containment and cleanup of specific fluids. Such as neutralizing agents for acid spills, or disinfectants for biohazards like blood.

In the case of mercury spills, items like a dustpan and brush are necessary to sweep up absorbent cleanup powder.

Final Thoughts

Spill kits are a great way to keep messes contained and under control.

As long as you have the right kind of spill clean up kit, you should be able to handle almost any situation without having to worry about ruining your floor or risking injury.

Using the appropriate kit will make sure that spills are sorted effectively.

So now you know a bit more about what spill control kits are, what they contain, and some differences between the types of spill kits.

What Should a Spill Kit Contain?

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What is a Spill Kit and what contents should it include?

bucket spill kit bucket

Spill kit contents include absorbents and clean up equipment

A spill kit is an all-in-one container that stores gear and equipment used for cleaning up hazardous material spills. Typical contents inside a spill kit are PPE, sorbents, and other clean-up supplies.

The EPA‘s Spill Prevention Countermeasure and Control Planning guidelines state that companies that deal with hazardous materials must have the appropriate spill kits ready as a precautionary measure. If a corrosive chemical were to spill, kits such as these will allow workers to better control and contain it.

But just what exactly should your workplace spill kit contain? Read on to find out.

The Different Types of Spill Kits

Spill kits are generally broken down into one of three different categories: general purpose, oil, and hazmat. It’s important for company owners to carefully identify their particular needs before choosing a spill kit.

While a general-purpose kit may suffice for some companies, others may require a hazmat kit. Look below for a quick comparison of the three different types of spill kits.

lab pack spill kitGeneral Purpose Spill Kits

As the name suggests, this type of spill kit is designed for both water-based liquids as well as hydrocarbons.

General-purpose spill kits are made with gray absorbents, making them effective for cleaning up water and oils.

Oil Only Spill Kits

oil spill kit bagAn oil spill kit contains white absorbents and is designed to clean up hydrocarbons such as oil and gasoline.

The absorbents found in this kit are hydrophobic. That means they repel and float on water for more effective cleanup contact with the hydrocarbons.

Hazmat Spill Kits

spill kit caddie contentsThe third type of spill kit is a hazmat kit, which is designed for spills involving highly corrosive acids and solvents.

Hazmat spill kits contain yellow-colored absorbents for dealing with hazardous chemicals.

Contents of a Spill Kit

spill kit contents

A spill kit will contain specialty absorbents and cleaning gear

The exact contents of a spill kit will vary depending on the particular model you choose; however, there are several key items found in most kits. Some of the most common contents found in spill kits include:

  • Safety goggles,
  • Gloves,
  • Disposable bags,
  • Absorbent pads, and
  • Absorbent socks.

How to Select the Right Spill Kit Contents

Before purchasing a new spill containment kit, check its contents to ensure it’s an acceptable match for your company’s needs. For example, kits are available to handle everything from chemical spills to blood and body fluids. After identifying the chemicals used in your workplace, you can then choose the right type of spill kit.

Along with the contents, you should also consider the size of a spill kit. A bucket-sized spill kit is perfectly fine for smaller work areas, but larger work areas will require a larger spill kit. A step up from the bucket-sized spill kit is the drum model. Going up even further is the mobile cart spill kit. The mobile cart spill kit contains wheels for easier transportation.

Have questions about which spill kit contents are right for your business? 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 September 5, 2013

Get the Essential Absorbents for Your Machine Shop

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Sorbents and blue shop towel grime-fighters help keep your workplace clean and dry

blue shop towel

Blue shop towels are great for greasy machinery and automotive parts

Day-to-day work in machine shops can include contact with any number of hazardous materials. When it comes to liquids that often means solvents, coolants, and lubricants. Spilling any of these fluids can present dangers to employees and equipment. Just as bad, you may run the risk of contaminating local water supplies if any wash down the drain.

That’s why quick and efficient spill clean up is a necessity when it comes to running a safe, clean machine shop. Of course, that’s only possible if you have the right absorbent materials on hand. Which demands a heavier duty product than your standard roll of Scott or Kimberly-Clark kitchen paper towels.

Here, we’ll help you discover various multi-purpose sorbents for your workplace. From the ubiquitous blue shop towel and beyond.

Absorbents 101

absorbents for dummies book cover

AbsorbentsOnline can help you learn the basics about sorbents for your shop

Determining which materials to use for which spills can be confusing for a first timer. For example, choosing among pads and rolls, mats, socks, pillows, and granular sorbents.

If that isn’t confounding enough, products vary depending on the types of liquids you may be dealing with. For instance, you’ll need a different absorbent for coolant than you will for oil.

Besides big spills, you’ll likely have to deal with plenty of smaller everyday grease or drips. That’s when quick cleanup materials like shop wipes, rags, and towels come in handy.

Or, why not make it easy on yourself with spill kits. A kit solution combines different types of sorbents together into one convenient package.

Read up about each type of absorbing product below to figure out which ones best suit your needs. Soon, choosing will be as simple as picking out grocery store paper towels or toilet paper!

Pad and roll sorbents

oil absorbent pads and rolls

Color code your sorbents: white is for oil-base liquids

Roll and pad sorbents typically feature strong polypropylene construction materials. Unlike regular paper towel products, this means they won’t fall apart when wet.

Normally you’ll use pads to deal with smaller spills, and rolls to tackle larger surface area jobs. For instance, rolls are great for lining your workbench to soak up overspray and drips.

Rolls and pads come in several different colors, sizes, shapes, and absorbencies. White designates use for oils like hydraulic fluids, hydrocarbons and diesel fuels. Yellow pads and rolls are purpose made for soaking up hazardous chemical spills, including acids and solvents. Grey is for general purpose use, such as absorbing water and hydrocarbon fluids.

Absorbent matting

Heavy-duty industrial mats help keep floor areas clean and dry. They can be cut to length and have a non-skid, non-penetrable backing. To help extend service life, the dark gray color is excellent for disguising grime – a bonus for most machine and automotive shops!

Matting can be helpful soaking up motor oil drips under motorized machinery and other large equipment. As well as preventing slips in busy foot traffic areas like factory floors, entry ways and corridors.

Socks and pillows

sock and pillow absorbents

Use socks or pillows to soak up leaks under and around shop machinery

Polypropylene pillows and socks are soft yet bulky sorbents that quickly soak up larger spills. Both products contain multiple units per pack, with competitive pricing available when you purchase in bulk. A sorbent hand wringer potentially makes your socks and pillows reusable, to help save you money.

Pillows are ideal for squashing into tight corners and spaces beneath machinery or industrial stoves. Likewise, socks come in different lengths so are easy to wrap around shop equipment, or, to create a dike. They come in yellow, white, and grey for chemical, oil, and universal applications.

Granular sorbents

Looking for a more environmentally friendly line for absorbing spills? Then granular sorbents may be the product for you. Biodegradable materials include peat moss, corn cob, and papermill waste by-product. You can shop granular sorbents in bags, sold by the pallet, or smaller shaker cartons.

Granular sorbents are ideal for routine cleaning maintenance. They even increase floor traction, and help prevent slips, in the process. Simply pour these products over any wet area then sweep up and dispose. This ease of application makes it a popular choice for machine shops as well as general automotive maintenance uses.

Spill kits

spill kit cart

Spill kits combine a variety of sorbents into a convenient package

These kits include all the basics for spill cleanup in one convenient container. Choose whatever size kit and contents that best fits your shop’s needs. For instance, a small portable bucket, up to large cart kits on wheels. Each kit will contain a selection of different sorbents we outline above.

You can pick up a general, multi-purpose kit for water-based fluid and hydrocarbon spills. In addition, oil-only or hazmat kits are also available. If you need something specific in your spill kit, you can even create custom DIY kits.

Shop towels and wipers

Heavy duty, lint-free shop towel rolls are available in either white or blue paper wipers. These strong paper towel style products contain up to 40% recycled materials. They’re made in the United States using a latex binder and double re-crepe (DRC) construction. This ensures superior absorbency to regular paper towels found in home kitchens. And means you can use a white or blue shop towel wet because it won’t dissolve or fall apart.

shop towels and rags productsBesides standard rolls, disposable towels also come in pad, pop-up, and bucket dispensers. A wall or benchtop mount towel holder is a handy way to keep towels within easy reach. They make a great towel to wipe down cutting tool equipment and parts. In addition, they’re soft yet strong enough for cleaning your dirty hands or face.

Shop rags

Reusable shop rags come in several microfiber, fleece, and cotton knit fabric options. The soft material is ideal for polishing and wiping down machinery and parts. Rags come in large 25 or 50 pound dispenser boxes, offering great value for money. Choose from standard white, or, assorted color rags for dirty cleaning jobs.

Beyond absorbents

Of course, you don’t always need to absorb a spill — sometimes you just need to contain it. That’s where containment berms come in. These lightweight, easy-to-use barriers allow quick and easy leak containment or redirection.

Likewise, drain covers are another useful containment product. They help prevent contaminants from washing into the stormwater system.

PPE safety gear

PPE safety gear is the perfect partner to shop absorbents

It’s also important to stay safe while handling spills, which is why you’ll need personal protective equipment, or PPE. Some of the liquids you work with may be most safely handled when wearing clothes, goggles or face masks. Conveniently, many spill kits also include basic PPE in their contents.

Finally, once you clean spills up, you need to put those used products somewhere safe where they won’t cause further contamination. Oily waste cans and biohazard waste containers provide safe, convenient ways to dispose of sensitive waste.

You should be able to focus on machining in your machine shop. With the right absorbents on hand, you don’t have to worry about spill threats.

When you’re ready to equip your machine shop with the absorbents you need, the professionals at AbsorbentsOnline can help. Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

This is a revision to a blog post with an original publish date of May 24, 2017

Fuel Spill Containment Plan: Is Your Company Prepared?

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Tips on Fuel Leak Containment Systems and Spill Prevention

gas station fueling pumps

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?

55 gallon drum spill pallet

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?

drain cover mat

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

fuel tank spill containment unit

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

fuel spill containment dike

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.

tanker fuel spill berm

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

spill kit contents

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

fuel tank emergency leak repair kit

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

The Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Up a Liquid Mercury Spill

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Everything you need to know about mercury spill kits and safe clean up

mercury thermometer

Mercury may be in thermometers, electrical components or dental fillings

Also referred to as quicksilver, liquid mercury is a highly toxic chemical that’s often found in a variety of workplace devices. Just a few examples include thermometers, barometers, and float valves. Often electric components, like switches and relays, contain mercury. It also remains in use in some fluorescent lighting and dental amalgam fillings. As well as scientific research laboratories, of course.

Have you ever seen this fascinating liquid metal in a school science lab? If so, you’ll remember it’s a completely unique substance to observe. It certainly behaves unlike most fluids or metals at room temperature.

But, it’s due to these unique characteristics that mercury spills require a different clean up approach. In the event of a spill, it’s important to follow proper mercury cleanup procedure. Otherwise, there’s a greater risk of mercury poisoning for anyone who comes into contact with it. Poisoning can occur through direct skin contact, absorption, vapor inhalation, or, ingestion.

Even minimum exposure to mercury can be deadly. Which is why specialty equipment is necessary for mercury spill control and clean up. That’s because this silver liquid metal easily breaks into small droplets and “scatters”. Using a mercury spill kit to absorb, neutralize and suppress mercury vapor is essential to minimize danger.

So to learn more about the do’s and don’ts of cleaning up a liquid mercury spill, keep reading.

Don’t: Use a vacuum cleaner on mercury spills

pouring liquid mercury

Liquid mercury has unique properties. It rolls over surfaces and breaks into droplets

Never attempt to clean a liquid mercury spill using a vacuum cleaner. A vacuum’s suction pressure will force microscopic mercury particles into the air rather than containing it. This results in higher mercury exposure to anyone in the surrounding area.

A vacuum cleaner might seem like a good idea initially, but it’s far too dangerous to use with mercury. Spreading the mercury into the air creates a significantly more dangerous hazmat environment. So, keep the vacuum turned off!

Don’t: Sweep mercury with a broom

Another common mistake when cleaning liquid mercury spills is sweeping it with a broom. As previously stated, mercury possesses unique characteristics. One of which is the ability to ‘ball’ up rather than spread evenly, like water or water-based substances.

If you attempt to sweep liquid mercury with a broom, chances are you’ll only spread it around. Rather than having just a few large drops bunched together, you’ll have dozens or even hundreds of smaller drops scattered across the floor.

Do: Wear protective gear during mercury spill clean up

ppe eye goggles with gloves

Thick latex or nitrile gloves and goggles are essentials when working with mercury spills

Always wear protective gear before attempting to clean up a mercury spill. Due to the high toxicity of liquid mercury, even skin contact is toxic. Don a pair of thick, professional-grade latex gloves along with protective safety goggles.

And remember that even with this PPE gear, you should avoid direct contact with liquid mercury.

Do: Use a squeegee for mercury cleanup

If you aren’t supposed to use a vacuum cleaner or broom, how exactly do you clean liquid mercury spills? Fortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offer helpful instructions about how to safely clean up mercury spills.

For example, it recommends using a squeegee or piece of cardboard to push mercury into a single pile. Next, use an eyedropper to transfer it into a damp paper towel. You can then place the mercury-filled paper towel into a sealed plastic bag. Lastly, contact your local health or fire department to have them properly dispose of the liquid mercury biohazard.

Mercury clean up kits 101

mercury spill kit

Keep a mercury spill kit on hand for safe clean up of this hazardous material

If your workplace has any equipment that contains mercury, having a specialized spill kit on site is a no brainer. Next, we’ll outline some of the basics about clean up kits and safely dealing with a mercury spill.

What’s in a mercury spill clean up kit?

A mercury spill kit contains all the essentials to safely clean, decontaminate, and dispose of the hazardous waste. The main content is typically a mercury absorbent, encapsulating, or amalgamation powder. Clean up tools will include a scraper, wipers, dust pan and disposal bags. Some types of kits may contain things like chemical sponges, aspirator bottle, or spatulas. All kits will contain appropriate PPE, such as thick nitrile gloves and goggles.

How do I use a mercury spill kit?

First, put on safety goggles and gloves. Next, sprinkle absorbency powder around the spill site to completely cover the mercury. The mercury absorbent powder bonds to, and transforms, droplets into a solid material like zinc amalgam. It also acts as a vapor suppressor to limit exposure to this toxic substance.

After a few minutes, sweep up the stabilized mercury using a hand broom and dust pan. Decontaminate the spill surface area with mercury clean up wipers to remove any residues. Finally, transfer all used kit hazmat materials into a disposal bag and seal it with a twist tie.

Shop chemical spill kits and more at AbsorbentsOnline.com

red spill kit bucket

We offer a wide variety of spill kits to help keep your workplace safe

We offer a wide range of spill containment and hazmat clean up products for quick order.

Browse our mobile spill kits, battery acid spill kits, indicator powder neutralizers. Find spill control products like containment berms, absorbents, and wipers. We also stock containment pallets for IBC totes and overpacks. Not to mention a wide selection of safety cabinets and safety cans!

Contact us for advice about anything from storing hazardous materials, to spill containment.

This is a revision to a post with an original publish date of October 17, 2013

Is Your Workplace Prepared to Handle Emergencies?

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Learn the essentials for workplace emergency preparedness

Workplace emergency exit sign

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.

emergency responders in full PPE suits

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

danger acid wall sign

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.

lightning strike in sky

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

95 gallon overpack drum spill kit

Workplace emergency preparedness spill kit

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

Angie MezaDo 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.

Which Spill Response Kit Belongs in Your Facility?

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One Size Spill Kit Doesn’t Fit All

bucket spill kit bucket

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.

Battery acid spill cleanup equipment

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

    Sock and pad universal absorbent drum spill kit

    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 spill response

    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

    Duffel bag and hazmat spill response equipment

    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?

Mercury spill response equipment kit

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.

Travis ZdrazilHave 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.

All-in-One Spill Kits Prepare You for Anything

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swiss army knife with AbsorbentsOnline logoIn the event of a spill, you need to act fast. But you don’t just need the right absorbents for the job — you also need the right equipment and safety gear, you need to know how to use them, and you need to know where to find all these things quickly when you need them.

Does that sound overwhelming? Don’t worry! You don’t need to be a spill cleanup expert to be well prepared for accidents. All you need is an all-in-one spill kit. These kits usually include absorbents, safety gear like goggles and gloves, bags for the disposal of used absorbents, and instructions for their use.

Spill kits make it easy to be prepared

An all-in-one spill kit is designed to have everything you need to clean up a spill of any kind, whether in your home or workplace. Having one — or even a few so there’s always one close at hand — means you’re always ready to tackle any spill.

drain-cover-seal-oil absorbents

Depending on which liquids you have and may need to clean up, different types of kits are available. Universal or general-purpose spill kits, which are usually gray in color, are appropriate for water-based spills as well as hydrocarbons. Oil-only kits, which are white, repel water while absorbing hydrocarbons like oil, gasoline, and diesel. If you’re dealing with aggressive fluids like acids and solvents, a hazmat kit, which generally includes yellow absorbents, is a must for safe cleanup. There are even specialty spill kits available, in case you’re dealing with potentially dangerous fluids, like battery acid or mercury.

Too big, too small, or just right?

Once you’ve decided which type of kit is best for your situation, it’s time to select a size. All-in-one spill kits come in a wide variety of sizes so you don’t need to try and tackle a small spill with an oversized kit — or tackle a large spill without adequate absorbents. Once you’ve determined what your maximum potential spill volume is, you can select the perfect-sized spill kit to prepare you for it.

shop portable spill kitsSmall kits are great for mobile applications or for spaces where your potential spills will be small. For example, an economy portable spill kit is perfect to keep in a vehicle, camper, or to tuck into convenient places around your facility or home for quick cleanups. Or, if you want something a little more heavy-duty, a duffle bag spill cleanup kit is easy to bring along if you’re moving from place to place. It has convenient straps so you can hang it on equipment or wall hooks near potential spill sites.

For larger spills, drum spill kits are great options. These kits come in chemical- and water-resistant drums that are easy to store on a shelf or in a cabinet. Best of all, they’re available in everything from 20 gallon to 95 gallon sizes so you can pick the drum spill kit that best suits your needs.

If you may be dealing with very large volume spills, a mobile spill cart might be the best solution. These carts are wheeled so you can easily move them to spill sites and are bright yellow to make them easy to find in case of emergency.

If your home, garage, or facility requires something specific, you don’t have to go with “good enough” — you can work with an absorbent expert to build a custom spill kit based on your needs.

At AbsorbentsOnline, we would love to work with you to provide the right spill kits to make sure you’re prepared for anything! Ready to set up your first auto-shipment of absorbents and save 10% on every order? Contact our sales team at sales@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

What’s in Your Acid Spill Kit?

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Contents of spill kit for battery acid cleanup.

Acids and corrosive substances are on hand at many worksites — automobile repair shops, heavy equipment storage yards, and manufacturing facilities, to name just a few. However, the corrosive materials these and other businesses depend on can be dangerous — and even deadly — if a spill occurs and they’re caught unprepared. Having the proper spill kit materials on hand to respond to an acid spill is imperative.

What you need
Your worksite should have spill kits placed in all areas where acids are used. These kits should include acid neutralizers and absorbents that are specifically made for acids and corrosives, as well as other basic items for spill cleanup.

Make sure your acid spill kit includes the following items:

  • An appropriate container: You need a container that can hold acids or other aggressive fluids, like the bucket in the Battery Acid Spill Kit. This container is labeled and highly visible, waterproof, and can be used to store contaminated sorbents until they can be disposed of properly.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE): Depending on the materials handled at your site, your acid spill kit may need a variety of PPE to protect users from aggressive liquids. Basic PPE may include safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, aprons, boot covers, and a respirator.
  • Absorbent materials: Hazmat spill kits should include absorbent pads and rolls, and hazmat absorbent. Your kit may also need an acid neutralizer, which absorbs and solidifies acids and then changes colors to signify complete neutralization. (Note that acid neutralizers may not be safe for all acids. Contact AbsorbentsOnline’s knowledgeable staff for answers to any questions you have about which absorbents are suitable for your environment.)
  • Cleaning supplies: Hand brooms or scoops can help spread and clean up absorbent neutralizers. You’ll also need disposal bags to hold used absorbents and contaminated materials.

Your source for spill solutions
AbsorbentsOnline sells many of these items individually, or you can take advantage of our Battery Acid Spill Kits that include PPE and cleanup tools as well as acid-specific absorbents.

You can also contact us about making custom spill kits to meet your needs. Get in touch by email or call toll free at (800) 869-9633. We have hundreds of customers that order special spill kits, and we’re always available to develop the perfect spill solution for your unique business.