Types of Spill Control
Spill Control Types
Absorbents are one of the most cost effective and efficient ways of containing and recovering spilt liquids. Having the correct type of products on site will allow you to manage any potential workplace spillage.
To ensure that you chose the correct type of absorbent, we've outlined a simple guide to the colour coding of absorbent products as per the standard BS 7959-3:2007.
Maintenance Grey/Black: For use inside on spills of non-aggressive Water and Oil based fluids and Mild Chemicals.
Oil Only White: For the preferential absorption of Oil based liquids on land or water. Including Vegetable Oil, Mineral Oil and most Hydrocarbon derivatives.
Chemical Yellow: For use on spills of aggressive liquids i.e. Acids and Alkalis. Can be safely used on Water and Oil based spills. For use on land only.
Cromwell have a wide selection of spill control products and equipment, from absorbent granules to fully stocked spill kits to ensure you are fully protected in your work environment and our expert guide provides you with the legislation and information you need to select the right products.
Types of Spill Control Equipment
We've outlined some key spill control equipment types and their uses below
The type of spil control product you may need in the event of a spill, is largely dependent on the speed, type and size of the spilled substance. Often, spill control products are used in conjunction with one another to maximise safety and effective clean up. Below, we have listed some commonly used types of spill control equipment.
- Absorbent Granules: These are materials designed to quickly and effectively absorb liquids, such as oils, chemicals, and other hazardous substances, in the event of a spill. These granules are typically made from natural or synthetic materials such as clay or recycled materials that have a high absorbency capacity, allowing them to soak up spilled liquids efficiently.
- Absorbent Pads & Mats: Absorbent pads are designed to effectively soak up and retain small to medium spillages. These pads absorb potentially hazardous liquids and prevent the contamination of waterways and other bodies of water to help protect the environment from pollution.
- Absorbent Rolls: Absorbent Rolls are designed for slow moving or stationary spills or leaks and can be cut to size depending on the type and size of spill that you encounter.
- Absorbent Pillows: Also suited primarily for slow moving or stationary spills and leaks, absorbent pillows offer quick absorption and minimise cleanup efforts.
- Absorbent Socks & Booms: Socks and booms create a physical barrier around spills, preventing them from spreading and containing them within a designated area. They are flexible and fast absorbing.
- Covers, Seals & Barriers: Covers, seals and barriers are products that are designed primarily to protect or block off drains to allow you to effectively contain potentially harmful spills in the workplace. They are not always absorbent.
- Leak Diverters: Leak diverters are suited for containing and managing leaks from various sources, including roof leaks, pipe leaks, HVAC system leaks, and ceiling leaks.
- Secondary Containment Storage: Secondary containment storage products are designed to provide an additional layer of protection against spills, leaks, and other hazardous material releases. They are particularly useful for storing drums, barrels, tanks, IBC totes, and other containers that hold hazardous materials.
- Spill Kits & Spill Kit Refills: Spill kits typically include multiple spill control products such as pads, socks, pillows, and booms, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE), containment barriers, disposal bags, and instructions for spill response. These components are packaged together in a portable container, such as a bucket, tote bag, or wheeled cart, for easy storage and deployment.
Risk Assesment
Conducting a thorough risk assessment is the first step in ensuring workplace safety. Identify potential hazards, evaluate the risks, and implement measures to control these risks. Regular risk assessments can help prevent accidents and create a safer working environment. Conducting a risk assessment for spill control equipment involves several steps
- Identify Potential Hazards: Review procedures and tasks to determine if there are substances around your workplace that could be dangerous if spilled. This includes substances including acids, alkalis, coolants, fuels, mild acids, mild alkalis, petroleum, oils and solvents including petrol based solvents.
- Observe the Workplace: Observe the people working to determine the existence of unsafe or potentially unsafe conditions
- Evaluate Risk: Identify who might be harmed by those hazards and evaluate the risk in terms of severity and likelihood
- Establish Suitable Precautions: Implement controls and record your findings
- Review and Re-assess: Regularly review your assessment and re-assess if necessary
To find out more about risk assessments visit The Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Alternatively Our fully qualified Technical Safety Team are always available to support you with your safety needs and are on hand to help you choose the right level of safety equipment for you and your requirements. Ask Our Experts
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