A spill kit will have everything you need in the event of a chemical leak or spill. They should be in any building or workplace that either handles or stores chemicals. There are different types of spill kits; however, the contents are very similar. They all will contain different types of absorbents, and they just are specific to different kinds of chemical spills.
The three main types of spill kits are universal, oil-only, and hazmat. Each will contain the same types of absorbents, but will have different colors and be used for different kinds of chemicals. Each kit will have a combination of pads, rolls, mats, booms or socks, pillows, and loose absorbents. Universal absorbents are grey, oil-only are white, and hazmat are either yellow or pink.
Pads/mats- They come in squares and can be placed over a spill or leak. They are also good for wiping down equipment that may have been exposed to a chemical.
Rolls- They look similar to paper towel rolls. They have perforated edges so you can tear off how much absorbent you need. They are versatile, because you can tear off one sheet for a small spill or use many sheets for a bigger spill.
Booms/Socks- They are used to create barriers that will keep a chemical spill from reaching a drain or contain a liquid to an area. They can be hooked together to make a larger barrier and are super absorbent.
Pillows- They are used for larger spills and can pull up a spill from the ground. They are also useful for placing under a leak to catch the drops. Depending on size, pillows can absorb between 10 and 30 gallons of liquid.
Loose Absorbents- Are great for any size spill. You can prevent a spill from spreading quickly by sprinkling the absorbent over the chemical, and it will turn into a gel. The gel is then easily cleaned up and disposed of.
The spill kits will also include personal protective equipment, such as gloves, glasses, and sometimes a Tyvek suit. There will also be a guide for identifying spills along with a neutralizer to apply to the spill. Lastly, there will be a drum, bucket, or bag that can be used to dispose of the chemical after cleanup with labels for identification.
Be sure that your building or workplace has the appropriate spill kits. A spill can prevent a spill or leak from causing serious injury or environmental issues. Be sure employees are trained to identify spills and use the different types of absorbents correctly.
1 comment
Daniel
Dec 31, 2012
Briefly and nicely discussed!!! It depends on the hazardous environment to make out the kits accordingly to action with right weapons. Absorbents are of different types to attack the harmful spills but to utilize the right stuff at right area is a matter of concern.