A chemical spill kit is designed for a particular type of liquid and spill response. Choosing a kit that does not match the substance can leave staff without the right absorbents or protective equipment when they need them. This guide explains the main spill kit types, what their contents are for and how to choose a suitable format for a warehouse, vehicle or yard. It also covers when a spill should be handled by trained responders rather than cleaned up by site staff.
What this article covers
- What a spill kit is and the role it plays in site planning
- How universal, oil and chemical kits differ
- What to check in spill kit contents and product specifications
- How to select and use a kit safely
- Ways to reduce spill risk around storage and handling areas
What is a spill kit?
A spill kit is a set of absorbents and other response equipment kept where a spill could happen. Its purpose is to help trained staff contain and clean up a spill when it is safe for them to do so and the incident fits the site’s response procedure.
A kit is only useful if its absorbents suit the liquid, its size suits the likely spill, and staff know where it is and how to use it. A universal kit, for example, should not automatically be used on every chemical.
A chemical spill kit is one category of kit. For chemical incidents, the product’s safety data sheet (SDS) and the site’s risk assessment should guide the response, including the absorbent and protective equipment required. An SDS helps inform a risk assessment; it does not replace one. HSE explains how to use safety data sheets as part of assessing chemical risks.
The three main types of spill kit
| Kit type | Common colour convention | What it is intended to absorb | Common setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal | Grey | Many non-aggressive liquids, including water-based liquids, coolants and some oils | Warehouses, workshops, vehicles and general storage areas |
| Oil and fuel | White | Oil and fuel, with absorbents designed to favour hydrocarbons over water | Yards, forecourts, loading areas and other locations exposed to rain or surface water |
| Chemical | Yellow | Chemicals that require a compatible, chemically resistant absorbent | Chemical storage, manufacturing and handling areas |
Colour coding is a common industry convention, but it can vary between suppliers. Always check the label and product instructions, and confirm the colour system with the supplier. Colour alone does not confirm that an absorbent is suitable for a particular chemical.
Universal spill kit
A universal spill kit is intended for a range of common, non-aggressive liquids. It can be a practical option for a site that handles water, coolants and other liquids where a specialist absorbent is not required.
Oakland’s universal EVO range includes 10, 20 and 30-litre break packs and a 50-litre shoulder bag. The kits are designed to be compact and stowable, including for vehicles. The product listing specifies an absorbent, a disposal bag and tie, and an instruction sheet. Prices start at £16.50 ex VAT, with a listed delivery lead time of 3 to 5 days. See Oakland’s spill kits for current options.
Oil and fuel spill kit
An oil spill kit uses oil-preferential absorbents for oil and fuel spills. These absorbents are designed to take up hydrocarbons while being less likely to absorb water, which can make them useful in outdoor areas where rain or surface water may be present. Check the specific kit’s instructions before use.
Oakland’s OSK range includes 20 and 30-litre break packs, a 50-litre shoulder bag, and 120 and 240-litre yellow wheelie bins. Oakland states that its spill kit absorbents are made from recycled cotton fibres and absorb over 25% more than standard polypropylene absorbents. This is Oakland’s product claim; check the current product information for the kit you select.
Chemical spill kit
A chemical spill kit is selected for the properties of the chemical, not simply because it is labelled “chemical”. Acids, alkalis, solvents and other substances can need different absorbents and protective equipment. Some substances may react with unsuitable materials, so check the SDS and the site’s risk assessment before a kit is specified.
The SDS should inform the response plan, including what to do in the event of a spill, what protective equipment is suitable and how used absorbents should be managed. HSE says COSHH assessments should include arrangements for incidents and emergencies, such as serious spillages, and that staff need suitable information and training. Read HSE guidance on COSHH risk assessment and emergency planning.
Oakland’s current online spill kit range lists universal and oil and fuel options. It does not list a chemical-specific kit. Where the SDS calls for a specialist chemical absorbent, choose a kit from a supplier that can confirm its compatibility with the substance.
What are spill kit contents designed to do?
The right contents depend on the kit type and the spill it is designed for. Absorbent pads are commonly used to take up liquid from a contained area. Socks or booms can help contain a spill and limit its movement, while absorbent pillows can be useful where liquid has pooled.
A kit may also include disposal bags and ties, instructions and protective equipment. These items should not be assumed to be included in every model. Oakland’s universal kit listing specifies a disposal bag and tie and an instruction sheet, so check the product listing for the exact contents of each option.
For additional absorbents, see Oakland’s spill pads and granules. Before relying on any item, check that it is appropriate for the liquid and that staff have the protective equipment and training required by the site procedure.
How to choose the right spill kit
Match the kit to the liquid
Start with the product label and SDS. Identify what has spilled, whether it is hazardous and whether a standard universal absorbent is suitable. If the substance is unknown, or the SDS calls for a specialist response, do not guess based on the colour or appearance of the liquid.
Keep the product information accessible where the substance is stored or used. A kit should be chosen for the actual materials on site, including any liquids created by a process.
Size the kit for the likely spill
Consider the largest spill that staff are expected to handle under the site procedure. This may relate to a container size, a transfer point or a particular piece of equipment. A small vehicle kit may not have enough absorbent for a leak from a larger container.
If the likely spill is beyond the capacity of a portable kit, the response plan should specify who to contact and how to isolate the area. A spill kit is not a substitute for suitable containment or an emergency response plan.
Choose a format and position
Break packs can be stored in vehicles or close to smaller spill risks. Shoulder bags can be moved to a work area, while a wheelie bin can provide a larger, visible store near a yard or bulk storage location.
Place kits where staff can reach them without entering a spill area. Consider the route staff would take to get the kit, whether the location is protected from damage and whether the contents will remain accessible. The spill kit requirements for a site should follow its risk assessment and emergency arrangements rather than an assumed kit count.
How to use a spill kit
Only trained staff should clean up a spill when the site procedure says it is safe to do so. If the substance is unknown, the spill is large, vapours are present, there is a risk of fire or reaction, or anyone has been exposed, raise the alarm and follow the site emergency plan. Do not attempt a clean-up that exceeds staff training or the equipment available.
For a spill that is within the site’s response procedure:
- Identify the substance and check the relevant SDS and site spill procedure. If the substance cannot be identified or its hazards are unclear, keep people away and escalate the incident.
- Put on the protective equipment specified for the task. Do not assume the PPE included with a kit is suitable for every spill.
- Stop the source only if it is safe to do so and staff are trained for the task. Keep other people away from the affected area.
- Protect nearby drains if this can be done safely. Use the containment equipment specified by the site procedure to limit the spread of the liquid.
- Apply the compatible absorbent as directed by the product instructions. Work in a controlled way to contain the spill and avoid contact with the liquid.
- Collect used absorbents with suitable tools and place them in the waste container or bag specified by the procedure. Manage the waste according to the SDS and site waste arrangements.
- Report the incident, arrange any further cleaning or investigation required, and replace used kit contents so the equipment is ready for the next response.
Follow the SDS and local procedure throughout. Do not wash contaminated material into a drain or dispose of it with general waste unless the site’s waste arrangements confirm that this is appropriate.
Preventing spills before they happen
Spill readiness starts with storage and handling. Keep containers in good condition, secure valves and fittings when they are not in use, and make sure staff know how liquids are transferred and where spills could travel.
Use suitable secondary containment for containers where a leak could reach a drain, vehicle route or other sensitive area. Spill trays can help catch drips beneath machinery or containers when the selected tray is compatible with the liquid and large enough for the risk.
For outdoor areas where oil or fuel leaks could spread, a SpillMat absorbent mat is designed to absorb oil and fuel while helping to contain the liquid. Choose it for the application described by its product information, and maintain spill kits and other response equipment as part of the site’s routine checks.
Common questions about spill kits
What colour is a chemical spill kit?
Chemical spill kits are commonly identified as yellow, but colour conventions can vary. Check the product label and supplier information before use.
Can a universal spill kit be used on chemicals?
Not automatically. Check the chemical’s SDS and the kit’s compatibility information. Use a chemical-specific absorbent where the assessment or product instructions require one.
How many spill kits does a site need?
The number and location depend on the site’s risks, substances, layout and response arrangements. A risk assessment should identify foreseeable spill scenarios and the equipment and trained staff needed to respond.
How should used spill kit absorbents be disposed of?
Treat used absorbents as contaminated with the liquid they have collected. Follow the SDS, site waste procedure and applicable disposal requirements.
Why you can trust Oakland Industrial
Oakland Industrial is a UK manufacturer and supplier of warehouse safety, goods protection and environmental products, based in Bognor Regis. It is Sedex certified and supplies businesses including GXO, Unipart, Royal Mail and Tesco.
Its own brands include PalBand, Crofton, GabbroGrip and Lanmat. Oakland offers personal account management, technical advice and bespoke manufacturing, with phone support Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm, on 020 8080 9848.
Choosing a spill kit starts with the liquid, the likely spill and the response staff are trained to carry out. Explore Oakland’s spill kits or request a quote to discuss the available universal and oil and fuel options.
NOT SURE WHICH SPILL KIT YOU NEED? CALL OUR TEAM ON 020 8080 9848