A women removing spill containment equipment

What Should a Spill Kit Contain?

Workplace safety is about ensuring that you are equipped with a well-stocked amount of equipment to treat accidents. In this regard, where liquid is used, spill kits are essential for compliance and the prevention of accidents. This guide will navigate you through the critical components of a standard spill kit, as well as additional items that may be included based on the kit’s specific purpose.

Spill Kit Essentials

Absorbent Pads

Absorbent pads are a fundamental element of any spill kit. These products are designed to soak up spillages promptly, making them indispensable during an emergency. Moreover, they are practical for dismantling lubricated equipment and capturing spillages before they contact surfaces, thereby maintaining a clean and safe work environment.

Absorbent Socks

Absorbent spill socks are particularly useful around the base of machinery, preventing leaks from spreading across walkways. They can also be deployed to form a perimeter containment band, effectively halting the spread of large spills by trapping them in a circle of socks. These socks are available in specialised versions for different substances, including chemicals, oil and fuel, EVO, and AdBlue.

Disposal Bags & Ties

For safe disposal, used absorbents should be placed in disposal bags. These bags, along with secure ties, ensure that all used materials are contained and can be safely transported to the disposal unit, preventing any further contamination.

Contents & Instructions Sheet

Each spill kit should include an instructions sheet, providing clear guidelines on how to control and clean up a spill. A contents sheet is also essential, enabling users to monitor stock levels. SpillShop offers convenient refill options, allowing businesses to replenish supplies without the need to purchase a new storage package.

Other Items that May Be Included in Your Spill Kit

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal safety is paramount when dealing with potentially hazardous spills. Personal protective equipment, such as PVC gauntlet gloves or protective aprons, shields the skin and hands from harmful chemicals and bodily fluids. The first step in addressing a spill should always be to equip oneself with the necessary PPE to ensure personal safety.

Absorbent Rolls

Absorbent rolls offer a versatile solution for larger spills and equipment protection. They can be torn to short lengths for use as continuous spill pads or to long lengths to cover workbenches during disassembly or messy jobs. Wider rolls are particularly beneficial for floor use, such as along lathes or milling machines, preventing slippery conditions and potential accidents.

Plugging Granules

Plugging granules provides an immediate solution for container breaches or to prevent spills from contaminating watercourses. These granules can be mixed with water to temporarily seal leaks from holes, tears, and ruptures, even on rusty surfaces. At SpillShop, our spill kits typically include 1kg tubs of plugging and sealing putty.

Drain Covers

In areas where drains pose a risk during spills, securing them promptly is crucial. Spill kits may contain various types of drain covers:

  • Single-use moldable drain covers are ideal for smaller, awkward drains.
  • Reusable lightweight drain and gulley covers are made of neoprene, a synthetic rubber material which is best used on even surfaces when laid flat over drains or gullies.
  • Reusable heavyweight drain covers are made of urethane, resistant to oil, water, and most chemicals and durable for use on various drain sizes.

Drip Trays

Drip and drainage trays are placed under leaking equipment to catch excess liquids, thereby preventing slip hazards. These trays are typically large, made from impact-resistant plastic, and possess good chemical compatibility.

Hazard Barrier Tape

To cordon off hazardous areas and alert others, hazard barrier tape is used. This should be done after donning PPE but before starting any spill containment activities. By marking the area, the risk of slippage and further spread of the spill is significantly reduced.

Dustpan & Brush

Included in body fluid spill kits and asphalt cleaning kits, a dustpan and brush are used to clear the area of solid debris, ensuring a clean environment.

Antiviral Spray

For body fluid spills, antiviral spray is designed to disinfect and absorb hazardous fluids, eliminating the risk of cross-infection and easing disposal. Alternatively, body fluid spill kits might include body fluid powder to solidify and disinfect spills.

Choose SpillShop for Quality Spillage Control

For businesses in need of dependable spill control solutions, SpillShop offers an extensive range of products designed to ensure workplace safety and compliance. From small oil spill kits to large-scale industrial options, our offerings cater to the diverse needs of our clients. Contact SpillShop today to learn more about our spill control solutions and how we can assist in preparing your workplace for any incident.