Spill Kits

There are many types of spill response equipment, but a typical spill kit will include a mobile bin with a lid containing oil- or chemical-absorbent pads, inert absorbent such as granules and plastic bin bags to store the spill.

One way to decide how to stock a spill kit is to carry out a spill risk assessment based on answers to the following questions:

• How much would I spill in a worst-case scenario?
• Who would be expected to clean it?
• How would they go about it?
• What is the potential pollution linkage, including source, pathway and receptor, for the spill?
• What do I need to deal with the spill? For example mop, bucket, dust pan, vacuum cleaner, personal protective equipment, barrier tapes, warning signs, SDS availability/disposal containers.
  Could the spill involve special considerations such as confined space working, or a need for breathing apparatus?
• Where will a spill kit be most easily accessible?
• How will I maintain the kit?
• What training should I give to employees to use the kit in an effective and safe manner?
• Does my spill response procedure specify the location of the spill kit and how to replenish it.

Learning curve

In some cases, spills may become reportable to the authorities under regulations such as the Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 in the UK. Therefore, a formal reporting system for spills is required to record and assist with legal requirements.In case of doubt, it is better to report an incident that looks like it may meet the criteria than not report it at all.

Systematic reporting of spill incidents helps to detect any adverse trends and identify underlying causes. After a serious near-miss or incident, a formal summary of lessons learned is good practice, taking care to keep it simple and accurate and avoid naming individuals.

Contact us should you require assistance.