Spill kits and their uses
What are Spill Kits?
Spill Kits are an emergency pack that allows you to have an immediate response to a variety of spills that can be a health and safety risk in the workplace. Spill kits come in a wide range of forms depending on the type and size of spill you might need to deal with. Essentially, they provide the tools to deal with a spill quickly and effectively and are usually stored in close proximity to the hazard so that they can be quickly deployed. The kits may contain absorbents, barriers to further spread, safe handling, as well as personal protection equipment.
Why do I need a Spill kit?
The penalties for causing any form of pollution are becoming greater. Any prosecution can result in large fines and the cost of restitution. It may also result in bad publicity for your company. Also the cost of lost production or loss if use of a facility can severely damage your business. Spill kits are an essential part of any response to a spill. If you have a spill hazard, it is also important that spill kits are available before the spill occurs ¨C once a spill has happened it may be too late! The Spill Kit may also need to be augmented with containment booms and absorbent pads, again within easy reach. You should also ensure that your staff are trained to use the spill kit and that there is clear documentation available.
What type of Spill Kit do I need?
In general, they come in four types:
? General Spill Kits can be used in the absorption of oils, water based fluids and mild chemicals. They are generally designed to be used inside a factory, warehouse and workshop where they will not get saturated with rain. Spill Kits should be manufactured to ISO 9001:2000 quality standards and accord with BS7959 Parts I, II, and III.
? Oil Only Spill Kits can absorb only oil and fuels. They will usually repel water so that they can also be used to absorb oil off a water surface without sinking. They are designed to be used outside where rainwater will be repelled, and to remove oil off of water e.g. rivers, canals, harbours or the sea.
? Chemical Spill Kits can absorb more aggressive or dangerous chemicals including strong acids and alkalis. They should also provide personal protection with the appropriate gloves and goggles. You may find it useful to refer to this Chemical Compatibility Chart when considering the correct type of chemical spill kit.
? Specialist Spill Kits are designed to deal with very specific types of spill that pose a sanitary or infectious hazard and are very unpleasant to handle. These might be for spills of mercury, battery acid, sanitary spills, vomit, urine, blood, or beverages. This type of spill kit may also be deodorizing to remove the ensuing smell from the spill.
Do I need any additional equipment?
You should carry out a full risk assessment and produce a material safety sheet to determine what other equipment may be needed. It is quite possible that additional equipment may be needed depending on characteristics and hazards posed by the materials you are handling. Personal protective clothing may be needed if the substance is corrosive. This need should again be assessed using a full risk assessment as Health and Safety legislation require you to have a duty of care towards your employees and anyone who may be in close proximity with hazardous materials that you use.
If you have substances or liquids that could be spilled, then you may find it sensible and cost effective to utilise spill containment equipment such as spill pallets. If the spill has the potential to get into drains and gulleys, you might want to consider providing barriers such as absorbent pillows, drain covers or booms.
Conclusion
Spills will almost certainly happen if you are handling substances of liquids as part of your business. It is important that you avoid any serious repercussions by having the correct spill kits available to deal with these accidents. Spill Kits will reduce the cost of dealing with spills and possible pollution.
Tag
