When a spill that occurs in your workplace is not well managed, it can result in issues for your workers as well as the environment. So if you store, use or move hazardous materials, it’s important to have the right procedures on hand to manage these spills.
As part of these procedures, you’re likely to need a spill kit.
What’s A Spill Kit?
A spill kit is a transportable kit that contains everything you need to safely manage and remove a spill with ease and efficiency. They are designed to be easy to use, and easy to see, so even a layman can use them properly.
In Australia, there are three main types of spill kits that a business may want to use. It’s important to make sure you choose the right type of spill kit for the right needs. This will be dependent on the hazard in your workplace, and their quantities.
These spill kit types include:
- General Spill Kits: for cleaning non-aggressive or non-hazardous liquids of all types.
- Chemical Spill Kits: for cleaning aggressive and hazardous chemicals safely.
- Oil & Fuel Spill Kits: for the cleaning of fuel, grease and oil-based liquids.
Beyond the above types of spill kits, there are also spill kits to clean spills that may occur in labs, which may require cleaning of blood, and also marine spill kits, which are made to be used on water, as well as many others.
Your Spill Kit Should Contain:
A Wheelie Bin: This is what houses your spill kit. It must be the right colour, easily spotted and easily accessible near any spills and be fully stocked at all times.
Absorbent Socks: These are flexible tubes made of absorbent materials that you place around a spill to contain it.
Absorbent Cushions: These are often used to catch run off and bring the liquid back into the absorbent socks for clean-up.
Absorbent Pads: This is what you place over the spill itself to soak up all the liquid. This must be aligned with the type of spill, for example, oil spill kits repel water, but won’t be useful for water-based solvents.
Disposal Bags: Once you have the spill managed, you need to collect the used absorbent materials and place them into labelled disposable bags, which are then tied and correctly disposed of.
Personal Protective Equipment. These are in the spill kit for the safety of your workers and include gloves, goggles and sometimes an apron.
A good spill kit provider will only ever offer you compliant spill kits which come with all these things already provided, so you don’t have to worry.
Look Out for These Features
Easy To Move
When a spill happens, it needs to be moved quickly, so always opt for wheelie bins over heavy carry bags or utilise permanent cabinets for larger spill kits. This will save time and effort.
Correct Instructions
Even if your workers aren’t trained in using the kit, they should be able to respond to the hazard. So, opt for spill kits that come with a laminated instruction card, so anyone can help if a spill occurs.
Easy Storage
Workplaces are busy, so you don’t want your spill kit to be in the way, or hinder work. Look for easy-to-spot spaces that also double as safe storage.
Easy Refill
After the spill has occurred and you use the kit it needs to be refilled, so make sure you choose a kit that is easy to maintain, refill and keep track of these refills to make sure you’re always compliant.
Easy to Buy
If you’re in need of a spill kit, you can’t ignore Spill Station for quality chemical spill kits near you. No matter what your safety needs are, Spill Station has the compliant solution ready to go.
