Spill kit

A typical kit includes absorbent pads, socks or granules, gloves, goggles, a protective apron or coveralls, a scoop and brush, labeled waste bags or a pail and warning signs. Some kits are general purpose, while others are made for specific hazards, such as acids, bases, solvents, mercury or oils. The wrong absorbent can create new problems, and certain materials can react with strong oxidizers or acids.

The kit should be located near where spills are likely to occur and where it can be reached without walking through the spill. All workers in the area should know where it is and when to use it. Small, manageable spills of known materials may be handled by trained staff, while large spills, unknown chemicals, highly toxic or reactive materials, or spills that threaten drains and the environment call for evacuation and calling the emergency response team.

The SDS guides the response. Section 6 describes how to contain and clean up a release, which materials to avoid and what protective equipment to wear. A Neutralization agent may be included for acids or bases, but it must be used as directed because the reaction can produce heat. Flammable liquid spills also require removing ignition sources.

Used absorbent and contaminated gear usually become chemical waste and must be handled under the site disposal procedures. Kits should be inspected regularly and restocked immediately after use. Pair kit placement with Secondary containment to keep spills from spreading in the first place.