Spill Containment Blog

Spill Containment Blog

Spill Containment and Spill Cleanup Solutions

What Type of Spill Kit Do We Need?

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Red bucket containing cleaning supplies

If chemical liquids are used and stored onsite at your workplace, you need to have the right equipment and materials on hand to clean up leaks or spills.

A spill kit’s contents depend on the type of spills they will be used for — for example, oil-based, water-based, corrosive, or another material. Your workplace spill kit should include all the items you will need in the event of a spill. Spill kits can include any of the following:

Absorbent material

This absorbs and may also neutralize or contain the spill. Here are the types of absorbent material:

  • Universal or General Purpose: Usually gray, these absorbents are intended to clean up both water-based fluids and hydrocarbons.
  • Oil Only: These white absorbents that repel and float on water are used to clean up hydrocarbons only (motor oil, jet fuel, diesel, gasoline, hydraulic oil, etc.).
  • Hazmat: These yellow absorbents are used to clean up aggressive fluids, such as acids and solvents. Hazmat kits will absorb hydrocarbons as well as water-based fluids.

Other types of absorbent may need will depend on type and size of spill the absorbent will be used for — for example, acid neutralizer for an acid spill; or mercury solution for a mercury spill.

A bucket, plastic bags, or a drum or wheeled cart to hold debris.

Personal protective equipment such as gloves and safety glasses. Additional protective covering such as an apron, protective suit, respirator mask, or boot covers may be needed for certain chemicals.

Labels to mark hazardous waste containers.

When putting together a spill kit for your facility, consider these factors:

  • Are there specific regulations or requirements in your industry for how a spill should be cleaned? (Specifically, do industry standards prescribe certain materials for absorption and cleanup, as well as how to safely quarantine the area?)
  • Do you just need general-purpose kits for a variety of more benign spills, or do you need a spill kit specific to oil or aggressive fluids such as acids and solvents?
  • What is the maximum size of a spill you could face? Make sure your spill kit can accommodate this size.
  • Will the spill kits be stored inside or outside?

Make sure that all employees are aware of the location of the spill kits and how to use the cleanup items.

Note that even among spill kits of a specific type or purpose, not all kits contain the same quantity of items. Be sure to check how many pads, socks, and pillows are included, as well as whether goggles, gloves, or other safety items for employees are included. Not all kits are created equal.

Because spill kits are unique to the facility they’re in, a customized spill kit — such as those AbsorbentsOnline builds for our customers who request it — can help you ensure that you have the materials and equipment needed to quickly and safely clean up spills at your work site.

Tip For Cleaning Up An Acid Chemical Spill

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Warning sign danger acid stored here

Companies that produce, transport, store or otherwise handle acids in the workplace should create a plan for safely cleaning up chemical spills. Whether they’re small or large, all chemical spills involving acids require a different approach to cleaning. Acids can burn the skin, eyes, irritate the respiratory system, create a fire hazard, and even pollute the atmosphere. This is why it’s important for companies to use extra caution when dealing with acid chemical spills. For some helpful tips on how to safely clean up an acid chemical spill, keep reading.

Wear The Right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

One important tip for cleaning up acid chemical spills is to wear the right personal protective equipment (PPE). Just as the name suggests, PPE is gear that’s designed to protect the wearer from chemical-related bodily harm. Since acids are highly corrosive, users need must wear PPE that’s able to withstand it’s corrosive power. See the list below for a brief overview of the appropriate PPE for chemical spills involving corrosive acids.

  • Eyewear – chemical safety goggles with a face shield.
  • Respiratory – air purifying respirator with acid cartridge.
  • Skin – professional-grade rubber (or similar synthetic material designed specifically for acids) boots, gloves, and suit.

Key Items Required For an Acid Chemical Spill

There are a couple of items recommended for cleaning up acid chemical spills, one of which is absorbent pads. These pads are designed to soak up the spill so it doesn’t spread to other parts of the workplace. Absorbent pads are highly effective at cleaning up a wide variety of chemicals, including acids. You simply place them directly in the spill and they’ll gradually ‘absorb’ its contents. The exact size and amount of absorbent pads depends to the size of your spill. Small spills may only require a few similarly small pads, while larger spills may require half a dozen or more. Be sure to check out the current selection of absorbent pads and rolls here.

Of course, acid neutralizers and agents are also recommended when cleaning up acid chemical spills. Having a bucket of acid neutralizer readily available in your workplace could mean the difference between cleaning up a chemical spill yourself, or having to call the local fire department to send a hazmat team down (in which you may be responsible for the bill). Using an acid neutralizer is as easy as sprinkling the powder-like substance over the acid spill. Please note, however, these are not intended for use in spills involving hydrofluoric acid.