Spills happen. If and when they do, a quick and appropriate response will make a world of difference, averting what would otherwise be a situation where your staff get into slip accidents, or the spills damage your surfaces or your merchandise. That you need to be prepared with a well-equipped spill response kit is, therefore, a no-brainer.

What exactly does “well-equipped” mean? It comes down to understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all with spill response kits. You need to make sure that you are equipped for exactly the kind of spills that may happen in your commercial or industrial space or facility.

To identify what type of spill-response kit you need, you will first have to do a comprehensive risk assessment around your facility.  What liquids do you have on site? Which machines are more prone to spills? Which areas around your facility are more prone to these spills.

As pointed out, your choice of spill-response kit must match your facility’s unique needs. That said, here is a breakdown of the three main types of kits that you may need for your facility

• General Purpose Spill Kits

These are also known as universal spill kits. These kits are great for hydrocarbons as well as water-based fluid. You can use these clean-up kits on non-hazardous materials such as paint and solvents.

• Oil –Only Clean-Up Kits

The absorbent pads in these clean-up kits clean up oil spills, be it lubricants, diesel, motor oil and other such spills.

• Chemical Spill Kits 

Chemical spill kits, are the perfect choice for aggressive fluids, both water-based and hydrocarbons, including acids. These are also known as Hazmat kits and a requirement for OSHA compliance if your facility handles chemicals and hazardous materials.

There are a number of specialty chemical spill kits including mercury spill kits and body fluids kits, which are used to clean up biohazard materials.

Readying For Use

These main types of spill response kits come color-coded. The benefit of the color-coding is that it makes it easier for anyone to identify the different types , ensuring that the right kit is used for the different spill clean up jobs. To avoid any confusion or mix-ups, it is crucial to ensure that you walk every new employee through the different types as color coded.

Think that figuring out how to use the different items in the spill clean up kits is straightforward? You may want to think again. For the best results, and  to make sure that everyone using the kits stays safe while at it, ensure that you have a proper training program. Again, you may also want to implement a policy where only specific personnel, that is, those with the training, to handle such jobs.

An Expert’s Input 

 The contents of the various kits include absorbent pads, rolls, socks and pillows, safety gloves, eye goggles, and disposal bags. It is important to ensure that each kit has all that you will need for the job.

More likely than not, you will need a combination of the different types of spill-response kits. You have every reason to prepare for the worst possible scenario at all times.

Experts such as the professional team at Ur Next Cleaning Services can help with assessing the risk factors at your facility and advice you on the types of spill response kits you may require. It’s also worth noting that as an industry leader, the company has no doubt interacted with products from different manufacturers and supplies, and are therefore in a position to give an expert’s opinion on what would be the best choice for you. You may also benefit from advice on which supplies offer the most competitive rates, not to mention that you may be able to ride on the network already established to get a discount.

Final Thoughts

On matters spill cleanups, there are some spills that you can clean on your own, while you will have to call in the experts for other jobs. On those occasions when you do have to clean up yourself, having the right tools certainly goes a long way into ensuring that you get the best results.

It is for this reason that you have to have the right spill clean up kits. As outlined, identifying the spills you may have to deal with is the first step towards getting the right kit. As always, do not hesitate to ask for an expert’s opinion on what kits to get and from which supplier among other pertinent questions.