Waste & spills
What belongs in a spill kit, and why you never use sawdust on oxidisers
A spill kit is only useful if it is in the right place, matches the chemicals nearby, and still has everything in it.
Every chemical store, laboratory, workshop with chemicals, decanting point and chemical transport vehicle should have a spill kit suited to the chemicals there. A generic oil kit next to an acid store does not do the job.
Minimum contents
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene, as SDS Section 8 specifies) | Hand protection during clean-up |
| Goggles or a face shield | Splash protection |
| Shoe covers or chemical-resistant boots | Stop contamination being tracked away |
| Absorbent pads, socks and pillows | Contain and soak up liquids; socks form a barrier around the spill |
| Loose inert absorbent (sand, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth) | Large or irregular spills, and oxidisers |
| Neutralising agents for acids and alkalis, where relevant | Reduce the corrosive hazard before collection |
| Drain cover or mat | Keep spilled liquid out of drains |
| Non-sparking brush and dustpan | Collect absorbent safely near flammables |
| Heavy-duty disposal bags, drum liners and labels | Package the waste |
| A 20 L (5-gallon) UN-rated container | Hold liquid residues and contaminated absorbent |
| Barrier tape and a laminated instruction card | Isolate the area and guide the response |
Match the absorbent to the chemical
- Oxidisers (peroxides, nitrates, chlorates, permanganates, concentrated nitric acid): use only inert, non-combustible absorbents such as sand or vermiculite. Never use sawdust, paper, rags or other organic material. An oxidiser soaked into combustible absorbent can catch fire or burn violently.
- Flammable liquids: use non-combustible absorbents and non-sparking tools, and remove ignition sources first.
- Acids and alkalis: neutralise if trained and the kit allows; otherwise use acid- or alkali-rated absorbents.
- Oils and fuels: oil-only (hydrophobic) pads and booms pick up oil and repel water, so they suit wet ground and water surfaces.
Keep kits ready
- Seal kits with a numbered tag, so a broken seal shows the kit has been used.
- Check them monthly and after every use, and restock straight away.
- Mark where each kit is on site plans, and keep access clear.
- Train staff on the kit next to where they work, not a generic one.
What to do
- Audit every kit against the chemicals within reach of it.
- Remove any combustible absorbent from areas where oxidisers are stored.
- Add spill kits to vehicle pre-start checks for chemical deliveries.
How INRC can help
Our occupational health and safety inspections audit each spill kit against the chemicals within reach of it, and our training teaches staff to use the kit next to where they work. Contact us to discuss your site.
This article is general guidance, not legal advice. Check current legislation and regulations for your specific project.