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What Are Spill Kits?
A spill kit is a packaged selection of materials designed to control and absorb chemical spills as quickly, safely, and efficiently as possible. They’re essential for any site that handles or stores hazardous chemicals and are available in different sizes and varieties depending on the size of the venue and the types of chemicals held on site.
Are Spill Kits Mandatory?
According to Section 357 and 360 of the Work Health and Safety regulations a worksite that uses, handles, generates, or stores hazardous chemicals must ensure that equipment is always available for use in an emergency. This includes containing and cleaning up spills. Equipment must be located so it’s readily accessible for all workers if an emergency arises. Failure to comply will result in a fine, and can escalate depending on the outcome of the spill and any issues arising as a result.
➤ Work Health and Safety Regulation Section 357 (Containing and Managing Spills) and 360 (Emergency Equipment)
➤ Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace 2021 (Section 6.2. Emergency equipment and safety equipment)
What’s in a Kit and How Do I Store it?
Spill kits should be kept in a location that’s easy to access and in the general area where spills are likely to occur. They can be kept inside or outside as long as the contents are protected from the weather and other contaminants and it’s clearly identifiable.
Specific areas include:
• within 15m of a vehicle tank fill point.
• readily available where flammable or combustible liquids are stored, dispensed, or in transit storage.
The contents of the kit will vary based on each venues particular circumstances and requirements and must be compatible with the liquids stored. Typical equipment includes:
• ABSORBENT POWDER/GRANULES - Sprinkled over a spill to quickly absorb it and allowing it to be swept up. Similar to how kitty litter works.
• ABSORBENT PADS/MATS/PILLOWS - For placing over the spill and directly soaked up into the mat, much like a big sponge.
• CONTAINMENT BOOMS OR SOCKS – For placing around the perimeter of the spill to secure the area and prevent it from spreading further.
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – Such as PVC gloves, safety glasses, face shield, disposable overalls, rubber boots, and respiratory protection.
• NEUTRALISING MATERIALS – Available in various forms. Designed to ‘weaken’ the chemical strength to avoid further damage or corrosion and make it safer to handle.
• WASTE DISPOSAL BAGS - For securing and removing soiled absorbant materials.
• PLUG AND DIKE – Clay like material used to temporarily plug small holes.
• DRAIN PLUGS AND/OR MATS – To prevent chemicals from entering drains and waterways.
• SAFETY SIGNAGE – Warning signs, barrier tape, etc.
Refer to the Australian Standards AS1940:2017 section 9.4 for more information on the full detail of spill response kit contents required for your application.
Different Types of Spill Kits
There are three main types of spill kits however there are variations of each in a variety of sizes depending on the requirements of the particular site/location. Australian Standards and WHS regulations state that the size of the spill kit will need to be able to clean up a spill from the largest container on site.
1. General Purpose – A universal kit designed to absorb non-aggressive liquids and contains equipment suited to absorbing fuel, coolants, hydraulic fluids, solvents and other common workshop liquids. Often found in workshops, factories and loading docks.
2. Marine Spill Kits, also known as Oil and Fuel Spill Kits - Designed to handle diesel, petrol, oils, and oil-based liquids. The absorbents in these spill kits repel water and are suited for absorbing oils and fuels in both wet and dry conditions and also on bodies of water such as the ocean.
3. Hazchem Spill Kits - Equipped to contain and absorb spills of hazardous and aggressive chemicals such as acids, caustics, and agricultural chemicals as well as hydrocarbons such as solvents and fuels. Chemical spill kit contents can be customised to suit the unique requirements of a workplace.
Staff Training and Spill Kit Inspections
Staff need to be trained in spill management and understand how and when to use each component of the spill kit. You should also write your own procedure suited to your sites particular circumstances. Emergency situations can be stressful and you need your staff to know what to do and how to react in such circumstances.
It’s recommended that spill kits be inspected every three months to identify any damage, spoilage, missing items, and accessibility. A good idea is to combine this with a staff toolbox/training session. It’ll give you the opportunity to go through the kit to check the contents and also explain each component to staff members at the same time.
Spill Control Procedure
1. Analyse and Control
➤ Before jumping straight in, it’s important to assess the situation first. Identify the source, the substance, and cause and check if another hazard exists as a result of the spill. Is it near live wires or seeping into electrical circuits? is it flammable and close to an ignition source? has it mixed with an incompatible substance?
➤ Put on the appropriate PPE and shut of the source if possible. It may involve rotating a drum or closing a valve.
➤ Look to see where it is draining to. You may need to cover drains, remove objects, or divert the spill.
➤ Check ventilation and increase airflow if safe to do so.
➤ If chemical has been identified then refer to the SDS for further advice. Otherwise, treat it as the worst case scenario.
2. Contain the Spill and Clean Up
➤ Access the spill kit making sure it’s compatible with the substance being cleaned up. If the spill is still flowing, place containment booms/socks around the perimeter to contain it.
➤ Use absorbent mats and pads to soak up the liquid. The absorbent powder can be used to sprinkle over areas that are hard to access or over effected carpet areas.
➤ Once the chemical has been absorbed, place used material into the disposal bags and secure the opening. Sweep up any powder/granules if used. Refer to Section 6 of the SDS for disposal guidance.
3. Review and Restock
➤ Inspect area for damage and confirm if it’s safe to continue with usual work routine.
➤ Replace or re-order any used equipment, materials, and PPE and notify relevant personnel if applicable.
➤ Review the cause of the incident, complete required documentation, and take any necessary steps to reduce future risks. This may involve a review of workplace procedures and re-training staff members.
The above Chemical Spill Control Poster can be downloaded as a PDF by clicking on it.
Spill Containment in Storage Areas
Section 357 of the Work Health and Safety regulation states that where there’s a risk from a spill or leak of a hazardous chemical that provision is made for a spill containment system that contains within the workplace any part of the hazardous chemical that spills or leaks, and any resulting effluent.
There are many styles of chemical bunds designed to contain leaks and spills during storage and they are the easiest and quickest method for implementing a containment system.
Storage Cabinets are a safe and secure means for isolating and containing dangerous goods. They’re available with built-in bunding, lockable, and have varieties that can be stored outside.
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