A Guide to Choosing the Correct Spill Kit

As a supplier of spill response and liquid containment products throughout the Asia-Pacific region, the team at SpillShop is dedicated to helping our customers prepare for, prevent, and minimise the environmental and financial consequences of spills and other pollution incidents. One vital piece of spill containment equipment that should always be on-site at your facility or business is a spill kit. SpillShop stocks different formats and grades of spill kit, which contain absorbents specifically developed to absorb particular types of liquids.

This month, we present a guide to choosing the right spill kit for your facility:

Correct Spill Kits for Your Facility

Formats

Generally, spill kits come in two different formats – Wheelie Bin Spill Kits and Vehicle Spill Kits. The first format of spill kit is designed to be a self-contained spill response measure, with the wheelie bin able to be quickly and easily transported to the site of the spill. These spill kits can be found on most construction and industrial sites, and come in a variety of sizes packed with a particular selection of absorbents depending on the grade. Wheelie Bin Spill Kits are suitable for a range of businesses including council depots, mechanical workshops, service stations, and mining, oil and gas sites.

The second format of spill kit is the Vehicle Spill Kit, commonly used as a first response measure during an incident. These spill kits are designed to be easily stored in service vehicles and tool lockers, and contain a smaller quantity of absorbents packed in a soft bag. The compact size of these spill kits means that they can be stored behind seats or in toolboxes.  They are suitable for both facilities such as construction companies and waste management services, as well as mobile workplaces such as freight and fuel transporters, and mobile mechanics. However, please note that Vehicle Spill Kits are designed for basic first response measures, and that additional spill kits and absorbents should be kept on site.

Grades

Spill kits also come in three different grades.These are general purpose, oil and fuel, and chemical. The components of each spill kit have been developed to contain and absorb the types of liquids covered in its grade. For example, general purpose spill kits can absorb most types of liquid spills, including oils, fuels, solvents, mild alkalis and acids, and water. In comparison, oil and fuel spill kits have been designed specifically for absorbing hydrocarbons including oils, fuels, and solvents, but to repel water, while chemical spill kits can absorb virtually any liquid spill, including most aggressive chemicals. Spill kits are colour coded according to their grade for easier selection, with blue signifying general purpose, yellow for oil and fuel, and red for chemical.

Components

Spill kits are made up of specific components to facilitate the spill response and containment process. Common components for spill kits include pads, mini-booms, pillows, gloves, disposal bags, cable ties, absorbents, and a set of laminated instructions for correct use. The absorbents included in a spill kit are also colour coded for ease of use, with grey representing a general purpose all-liquid absorbent, white signifying an oil-only absorbent, and yellow a chemical absorbent.

At SpillShop, we not only supply a range of spill kits but also a complete range of components needed to restock your spill kit after an incident, including replacement wheelie bins, disposal bags, security tags, dustpan and brush sets, and personal protective equipment.

Not sure which format of spill kit is required for your business? Visit our FAQ page for more information, or Contact Us directly if you would like to discuss your needs further.

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