Rug cleaning maintenance

Spill kits and the spill response required

/in /by

When there is an emergency and a chemical is spilled, immediate and appropriate action needs to be implemented to prevent injury to workers and damage to other facilities and materials. Poor spill management may result in toxic workplaces, environmental issues and other related consequences. Hence, having a proper method and equipment for proper disposal of a spill can help in managing them safely. Using spill kits and knowing essential spill control solutions can help employees of an industry manage a spill successfully.

Types of spill kits

Industries may or may not be equipped with their own spill stations or spill control solutions. However, organisations such as Spill Station in Australia can provide training regarding how to get the best out of your spill response equipment. There are different types of spill kits. These are:

  • General spill kits: Such spill kits are used to clean non-hazardous spills, mostly liquid spills.
  • Oil-only spill kits: They can clean up oil or grease-based liquids.
  • Chemical spill kits: Spill kits to clean aggressive or harmful liquids.
  • Laboratory/medical spill kits: for use in clinical environments and small lab spills

Besides these, there are various other spill kits used to contain specific substances which may require more specific equipment.

Contents of a spill kit

A spill kit should always contain various equipment required to help in cleaning up a spill effectively. There are some essentials a spill kit should have. These are as follows:

  • Weather Resistant Container :The spill kit container should be labelled properly and be easily accessible. It should contain the supply of spill kit contents. If the contents are used up, ensure the contents are replaced at the earliest to tackle any emergency spill situations that may occur.
  • Absorbent Pads : Absorbent pads are placed over the spill to soak up pooled liquid. Make sure to use a compatible pad according to the spill. For example: oil-only absorbent pads won’t be ideal to clean a spill of hazardous chemicals. The right pad for the right job will give you the right outcome.
  • Absorbent Cushions :Have a stock of absorbent cushions. They can catch small run offs of the spill and drag it back to the body of the spill. Ensure you use compatible absorbent cushions based on the spill.
  • Absorbent Booms : These are flexible tubes that should be placed around the edges of or in the path of a spill. As the absorbent booms contain an absorbent material they can be used to prevent a spill from spreading. Using compatible absorbent socks can help in managing the spill effectively.
  • Personal Protective Equipment : Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the protective gear such as goggles and gloves that the employees or experts in spill management use for protection from harmful chemicals or the content of the spill.
  • Disposal Bags and Ties :Once the spill is soaked up and the area of the spill is clean, make sure that the absorbent materials are properly collected and placed in properly labelled bags. There should be enough disposable bags and ties to hold the absorbent materials. Used absorbents should be treated with care and the spill waste should be disposed of safely and appropriately.

Steps to respond to a spill 

  • Communicate the issue :When a spill occurs, notify the concerned authorities as soon as possible. If the contents of the spill seem to be a health hazard, immediately evacuate the area. If concerned authorities are unable to control the spill, call in spill management experts who can offer Spill Control Solutions and assistance in emergency situations. If anyone is harmed or injured, take them to a safer place, flush the affected body part with water for at least 15 minutes and wait for the medical personnel to provide immediate assistance.
  • Control the spill at the Source :Once the issue is communicated and the area is evacuated, implement steps to contain the spill which may otherwise worsen the situation. If there is a leak, make sure to wear appropriate PPE (consider taking respiratory protection if necessary) and close the valve or take care of the leak or spill. If any source of heat or ignition is close by, make certain that it is turned off or is placed at a safe distance. Increase ventilation to the area to avoid the possibility of fire. If the area cannot be contained and is a threat or hazard to the area and people, isolate the area by closing the doors and windows; shut and evacuate the place at the earliest to protect the lives of people.
  • Contain the hazard :Once the situation is under control, adopt necessary steps to contain the spill from spreading or contaminating the surface nearby.  Depending on the situation, separating the spilled area using absorbent or neutralizer can be a solution for minor and less hazardous spills. Prevent the spill from expanding using absorbent booms or by spreading the absorbent materials around the spill and work the way to centre of the spill. If it is a major spill, make sure to block access to the spilled area using caution tapes or some other methods that can warn and prevent others from entering the area or building.
  • Clean up the spill or take care of the damage :Once the spill has been absorbed into a solid form, place the waste into waste bags and dispose the material used to neutralise the spill in an appropriate manner. Larger spill absorbents may require drums or pails. In some cases, brooms or dustpans used to contain the spill will also need proper disposal. If the material that contained the spill is a hazardous material, make sure to label it accordingly prior to disposal. Also, dispose of the spill absorbent or other materials adhering to local laws and environment regulations.

Conclusion

Your best outcome is achieved through ensuring you have the right equipment onsite and staff have been trained in how to use it. Contact a reputable spill company and get advice on the best solution for your site.