What does SPCC stand for?

SPCC stands for spill prevention, control, and countermeasure. It is a system designed to provide instructions to companies that work with large amounts of oil. One gallon of oil spilled into water can contaminate up to one million gallons of water, which is why it is so important to have the right processes in place. The main goal of SPCC

What are the benefits of having spill kits?

Probably the most beneficial component of a spill kit is that they are pre-packaged with all the materials that will be needed in the spill clean-up procedure. Once a spill occurs time is of the essence and being able to quickly grab the kit will ensure the spill is addressed immediately and effectively. Workers should be able to locate a

What are the specific steps to containing a spill?

When it comes to cleaning up chemical spills, we’ve outlined handling the spill in nine simple steps, as follows: Evaluate the risk: Immediately after a spill occur you will want to ask yourself a few questions that will determine your actions in the next steps. First, identify the liquid. Is it dangerous to breathe? Is it flammable? Where is it

What are types of spills that have specific clean-up procedures?

Usually, a universal spill kit, a biohazard spill kit, or an oil spill kit, will get the job done of absorbing and cleaning up a spill. The following six substances however require specific tools or procedures to be used in the clean-up process. (Remember to refer to Safety Data Sheet’s and OSHA’s guidelines to these specific chemicals if you have

What are different absorbents used for spill clean-up?

Sorbents, also referred to as absorbents, are specifically formulated for the spill they are intended to clean the spill. Absorbents are any materials that have the ability to quickly soak up a type of liquid. The following are four different categories of sorbents that can often be found in a spill kit. Mats, pads, and rolls: Sorbent rolls can either

What PPE is included in spill kits?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a crucial component in any spill kit whether it is a universal kit or a biohazard kit. The following are examples of PPE (from Creative Safety Supply’s Spill Kit User Guide) that can be found in a variety of kits and should be considered during the purchasing process. Eye and face protection: This type of

What should I include in spill kit training?

Like any other safety or hazardous material program in place, an employer or safety manager will need to have a training program specifically focused on spill kits and spill response operations. These trainings will need to be documented and thorough as those who understand procedures are less likely to panic in an emergency. The training and plans put in place

How do I choose the right spill kit for my facility?

The first step in choosing an appropriate spill kit that suits the needs of the workplace is to take an in-depth assessment of the facility. In this step it will be determined the kind(s) of spill kits that are needed, the size(s) they should be, and how many will be necessary. The following are steps that should be taken in to

What is in a biohazard spill kit?

Biological hazards present a unique set of risks because they pose a threat to the health of a living organism, most often humans. Because there is a risk of potentially infectious materials (including but not limited to blood, body tissues, organs, and other bodily fluids), it is important to plan and be prepared for a biohazard spill. In the case of

Does OSHA have spill kit requirements?

Although OSHA recognizes that hazardous site clean-up plans and procedures will be specific to the workplace, OSHA has published the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) that applies largely to operations regarding hazardous substances. These standards include a written and implemented safety and health program comprised of the following, as from the HAZWOPER informational booklet: “An organizational workplan,

How many times can a spill kit be used?

Spill kits are designed for one-time use and one-time use only. The contents of a spill kit, and the spill kit itself are all designed for one-time use. The PPE included in a kit (save for respirators which should be stored elsewhere) is developed to be used in the event of a spill and to be properly disposed of afterward.

Where should spill kits be located?

Firstly, the items of a spill kit should be stored in a container large enough for the spill and made out of an appropriate material to store the contents. Spill kits are ineffective if they are kept in remote corners or hidden away in a closet, or if an employee does not know where they are located. Spill kits should

What does a spill kit usually always include?

While spill kits are designed for certain spills, all spill kits usually consist of the same three elements: PPE, sorbents, and clean-up items. Workers should be trained on the differences between materials and the limits of PPE included to ensure safety. These items include the following: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Whether the kit is designed for oils pills or a

What does a universal spill kit contain?

Universal spill kits are the most commonly found type of spill kit in the workplace because of its ability to clean a wide range of liquids. These kits are not designed for a specific type of spill but works well to clean up oil-based products, water-based products, as well as a variety of chemicals. The typical OSHA approved universal spill

What are different types of spill kits?

There are several different types of spill kits depending on the liquid that is spilled. To ensure safety and prevent injuries, it is crucial to have a spill kit that can handle the spill effectively. It is also advised to keep multiple kits on site due to the fact that spill kits are a one-time use. At Creative Safety Supply, we

What does spill clean-up entail?

A spill in the workplace can cause a variety of hazards and risks to employees. Spilling chemicals or other corrosives pose an obvious threat, but spills also pose a slipping hazard. It is important for a facility to be prepared for a spill at any given moment, and for workers to understand the proper procedures that cleaning a spill effectively

Spill Cleanup Questions and Answers

Spill Cleanup

Spills in the workplace can pose a serious health and safety risk to employees when they are not cleaned up properly. Whether it’s an oil or chemical spill, it is extremely important to have the proper supplies to address the spill and fully clean it up to avoid problems. Personal injury is not the only hazard spills can pose, as many liquids are corrosive or highly flammable.

Spill clean-up encompasses a wide range of topics, not just spill kits. Training is essential to absorbing and containing a spill adequately as well as having the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Having an appropriate kit on hand in the right size and containing the right materials can reduce harm to both workers and the facility.

Topics covered:
In these Q&A posts learn the answers to the most commonly asked questions when it comes to spill kits and spill clean-up. Some of the topics we will discuss include:

Spill containment steps: We will go over the steps for cleaning up a spill all the way from the beginning of evaluating the risk to the end with restocking the spill kit.
Various types of Absorbents: There are numerous different ways of cleaning up a spill, but you need the right absorbents for the specific type of spill. There are spill kits for every hazardous material you can think of, whether that be oil or heavy metals like mercury.
Implementing spill clean-up training: Training employees on how to clean spills will not only protect their well-being but also will prevent building damage and even fatalities. This is an essential part of hazard/emergency training for everyone in your facility.

We will look at the contents of spill kits, how to choose the right kit for your facility, and so much more!

Spill Cleanup Questions and Answers

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