Do I need a Spill Kit?

If you work in an industry that handles or stores any liquids with a potential to spill, having a spill kit available is good practice. If any of these liquids are hazardous in nature, Australian regulations and standards require you to keep a suitable spill kit onsite. Being prepared for spills is essential in securing a safe working environment and in this article we’re going to help you identify whether you need a spill kit and if so, which will suit your needs.

What types of liquids?

Not all fluid spills in the workplace will be hazardous liquids, however they can still be a slip hazard and require clean up. Smaller spills, leaks and drips can often be cleaned without deploying a spill kit. Stratex has absorbent rolls and pads that are available in handy dispensers to manage day to day spills, leaving your spill kit fully-stocked for emergencies. For large and emergency hazardous liquid spills, a suitable spill kit is essential. Understanding which types of liquids that are stored and handled will help you in selecting the correct kit for your workplace.

Note: if you are ever unsure as to what type of fluid has been spilled, using a chemical spill kit is recommended.

What size spill kit do I need?

It’s good practice to select a spill kit that can absorb your maximum likely spill, rather than your total liquid onsite. For example, if your largest fluid containers are 200 litre drums, your spill kits should have at least 200 litres of total absorbent capacity. Also consider how quickly you can respond to spills across a large area – wheeled bin kits stored in multiple locations may be more effective than a single locker spill kit.

Spill kit components

120L Oil & Fuel Spill Kit is ideal for outdoor use. SKU: K26-4212P

Most spill kits will contain the same key components:

1. Absorbent socks are used around the spill to stop the spread and contain the area.
2. Absorbent cushions can be placed under drips and used to absorb pooled liquid.
3. Absorbent pads are ideal for usage on sealed surfaces (such concrete and painted floors)
4. Granular absorbents are best suited to unsealed or rough surfaces (such as gravel and bitumen)
5. Contaminated waste disposal bags for safe disposal of the contaminated waste.
6. Personal Protective Equipment including gloves, eyewear and coveralls.

Note the composition of these components will differ depending on the type of kit.

Where will it be used?

If your spill is likely to occur outdoors or in a marine environment, an oil and fuel spill kit is recommended. Absorbents in these kits will float on water, soaking up oils and fuels on the surface. Similarly any spills will not be affected by rain or puddles.

For indoor use, general purpose and chemical spill kits can absorb almost all fluids, reducing any potential slip hazards.

In Summary

• General Purpose Spill Kits (Blue Bin) – will absorb all fluids, with the exception of aggressive acids or alkalis. Not suitable for marine spills.
• Chemical Spill Kits (Red Bin) – will absorb all fluids and come packed in a red bin to highlight the dangers that a chemical spill can present.
• Oil and Fuel Spill Kits (Yellow Bin) – will absorb fuels and oils, and are ‘hydrophobic’, meaning they will not absorb water. Suitable for marine spills.

Stratex stocks a wide range of wheeled bin, carry bag, locker spill kits and trailers – we can also customise a solution to suit your unique requirements.
To find out more contact us on 1300 991 180 or email [email protected].

Oil and fuel spill kits can be used to absorb diesel spills on water.

Looking for a specialised spill kit? Stratex also offer bio hazard, acid and alkali, cytotoxic and body fluid spill kits, ideal for healthcare use. Click the link to see our full range below.