In Australia, industrial businesses must follow strict Work Health and Safety (WHS) guidelines. These rules and regulations help to keep workers safe, ensuring everybody can earn a living and go home safely to their families. In industrial settings, these guidelines are crucial because there are plenty of risks. Spills are commonplace in industries, which is why oil and water spill kits are such a vital piece of operating equipment. You may not need them every day, but when you do, it’s important to know how to use them.

This article will look at what oil and water spill kits are, how to use them, and how to maintain them to ensure you’re ready in the event of a spill. From choosing the right kits to keeping them ready, read on to find out more.

What Should Be Included in Oil and Water Spill Kits?

Spill kits may look different in every business, but there are two major components that all industrial operations should have on hand. Ideally, each kit should include rolls of absorbent material used for soaking up spills. These aren’t standard materials; they are made from super-absorbent material that can contain water- and petroleum-based spills.

While the material can be torn from the roll easily, your spill kit should also include absorbent pads. They are made from much the same material as the roll, but they are more convenient, especially for containing smaller spills.

When putting together your spill kit, you should also consider other protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety goggles and bags for disposing of soiled spill material. You may also like to keep ‘wet floor’ caution signs in the same place for easy access in the event of a spill.

What are Oil and Water Spill Kits Used for?

As the name suggests, oil and water spill kits are used to manage spills in commercial environments. Typically consisting of ultra-absorbent material rolls and pads, a spill kit has more uses than just mopping up liquids. Of course, the main role of a spill kit is to clean an area after a spill, returning it to a safe, dry working environment.

The other main reason businesses need spill kits on hand is for environmental reasons. While spilling some water may not be a huge issue for the environment, oil spills certainly can be. In addition to WHS guidelines, Australian businesses also have environmental guidelines to follow. So, when oil or another potentially hazardous liquid is spilled, it must be contained and cleaned immediately.

Choosing the Right Kit for Your Needs

When choosing a spill kit, it’s important to look at the types of work you do and the materials you work with. Most industrial businesses use water and petroleum-based liquids. You can choose to have separate kits for water and oil, or you can just combine the two. Some companies use different filter material rolls and pads for different liquids, but modern spill kits can usually handle both types of spills. You can set your kit up according to individual needs, but ensure that it has all of the items you may need in case of a spill.

Also, it pays to invest in quality. Look for material that comfortably absorbs oil-based liquids, retaining the oil for easy disposal. Ensure the roll sizes suit your needs, and that fibres maintain their structure to avoid linting and other material deposits being left behind.

How to Use Oil and Water Spill Kits

The good news is that oil and water spill kits are typically very easy to use. Every business has different protocols for managing risks, hazards and spills. So, you should always have a plan in place for a spill event. In your spill kit, you should even include instructions for managing the spill.

Firstly, you should secure the area either with signage or even block the area off completely. Use absorbent pads or material rolls from your spill kit. Simply tear off the amount you need and cover the spill. Depending on how big the spill is, you may need multiple attempts to soak up all the liquid.

Always remember to use appropriate safety clothing when dealing with workplace hazards and follow WHS guidelines to ensure your workplace is safe and compliant.

Spill Kit Maintenance

Looking after your spill kit is crucial because even though it may not be used frequently, it’s a vital piece of equipment when you need it. Essentially, spill kit maintenance is quite simple and doesn’t require much effort except ensuring supplies are well-stocked.

Each time you use the spill kit, carefully check the items when you put them back. For example, if you’re running low on material rolls, order some more. The same goes for absorbent spill pads and any other PPE you may have in the kit.

The Importance of Being Prepared for Spills

With any luck, your spill kit will only come out once in a blue moon. But the reality is, spills are common, and you need to be prepared. If a spill is left unchecked, it becomes a hazard that can cause serious injury or death. As such, all businesses must ensure spill kits are easily accessible. Also, ensure that all staff know how to use a spill kit safely and appropriately.

In addition to employee safety, there are huge financial ramifications for companies that breach WHS or environmental guidelines. To avoid fines and other penalties, you should always be prepared. For more information on setting up oil and water spill kits, contact the experts at Interfil today.

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