Have you ever wondered…
- What exactly is a spill kit and what are they used for?
- What types of spill kits are available?
- Does my workplace even require a spill kit?
- Which kit is right for my business?
- How to use a spill kit and develop a spill response plan?
We will answer these questions in the article below.
Let us start at the very beginning… what is a spill kit? Basically, they are kits created for emergency situations that stock absorbent materials that can be used to clean and soak up spills of any kind. Aside from not spilling chemicals on your site, they are the most effective way to mitigate pollution in the environment and maintain a safe and hazard-free construction site.
Spill Kit Contents
While spill kits do vary based on their intended application most spill kits contain one or more of the following spill response products:
- Mini Booms: For blocking spills from entering the stormwater network.
- Absorbent pads: For placing directly over the spill for effective absorption.
- Safety gloves: Required for handling spill response products that become contaminated.
- Sorbent or floor sweep: For absorbing and encapsulating spills such as hydrocarbons from hard surfaces that can also leave a residue.
- Disposal bags: For safe disposal of contaminants.
- Spill response instructions: Generally printed on a spill kit to ensure best practices are followed.
Do we even need a spill kit?
Silly question, right?! We think so, but unfortunately, there are some businesses that think this is an optional item rather than a necessity. So, in a simple word, YES. If you carry any chemicals, you should carry a spill kit.
How do I know which one is right for my business?
The right spill kit or kits for your workplace will depend on your requirements and can be easily identified by considering three (3) key factors: the type of liquid to absorb, the largest ‘likely’ spill, and portability.
What type of liquid(s) do I need to absorb?
Knowing the type of liquids used in your facility will help you to correctly select the right kit. Each Kit has Absorbent Powder, Mats & Socks that are specific to the type of liquid you need to absorb. Essentially, there are three types of liquids you may need to absorb: Hydrocarbons (fuels, oils); Non-aggressive Chemicals (Coolants, Agricultural Chemicals), and Aggressive Chemicals.
What is the largest capacity I need to absorb?
Once you know which kit to choose, you need to know how big it must be. Deciding that is easy. Simply base the size of your kit on the size of the largest potential spill. Find the largest drum of potentially offending liquid on-site and that’s the size of your spill kit. E.g.: if most of your liquids are stored in drums, then the largest likely spill would be 205L or the size of the drum.
Where are spills likely to occur?
All that is left to do now is determine the nature of your response. Does your kit need to be mobile? Is it in an easily accessible location? Can you respond quickly enough in an emergency?
The smallest kits are ideal for vehicles and quick clean-ups of small spills. Larger kits come with containers suitable for shipping off-site once the liquid has been effectively cleaned up. Make sure your kit size and portability match your best response.
Summary
Bastion Systems specializes in the construction industry. We are familiar with site requirements including the kinds of chemicals that can be found. Our team will visit your site for an assessment and recommend a solution that is most suited to your business and situation.
If you would like to discuss further or arrange a site visit, contact our friendly team today.
