One of the most common problems with emergency spill kits, is the desire for many to use them as a dustbin.
Could this be because many spill kits are provided in a wheelie bin container? Quite possibly.
The reality is a spill kit needs to be waterproof and easy to move in an emergency, so a wheelie bin makes an ideal, cost effective solution for a spill kit. It’s reassuring that people who visit your site are responsible to seek out a bin for their rubbish but we need to educate people that these containers are not for rubbish.
Education
Yes they do look like your household waste bin but its important that you take the time to train your teams to understand that they are spill kits, for emergency situations and shouldn’t be used for any other situation. Industry standard for spill kits are bright yellow bins to ensure they stand out on site. Spill kits should be clearly labelled on the kit and around the kit if possible to ensure your business is ready for spills.
Convenience
Spill kits are often placed in easily accessible locations, such as near workstations, which can make them convenient receptacles for rubbish. In busy environments, workers might opt for the nearest available bin, not realizing the spill kit’s importance.
Neglect
If spill kits are left and not regularly maintained, staff and visitors may assume its not useful as a spill kit and use it for rubbish, leading to their misuse going unnoticed until an emergency occurs.
This misuse can be problematic because it means the spill kit may not be fully equipped and ready to handle a real emergency when it occurs, potentially leading to greater risks and hazards.
One of the most common questions we can asked by customers when enquiring about spill kits is, “How do I stop people putting rubbish in my spill kits?” It is more common than you may realise
We suggest training, clear labelling/signage, and regular inspections to help prevent this issue
We would recommend regular checks of your spill equipment and ideally a tagging system, so you can tag them to say they have been checked. Audit tags also act as a deterrent for rubbish, as the perpetrator would need to break the tag in order to open the lid, often enough to deter them.
Another option that our customers find useful are audit covers. The thick, elasticated PVC cover fits over the spill kit, protecting it from the weather and misuse.
Training your team in the importance of being prepared for spills and the consequences if you are not should ensure they are more aware of the emergency spill kits importance and less like to misuse it.
Labelling and signage should be clear, vibrant and consistent so employees and visitors can see the Emergency Spill Kit and differentiate it from a rubbish bin.
Additional support
If you would like to understand more about spill training options available or an outsourced spill management service, we would be happy to discuss the options through with you. Please feel free to contact the team on 01606 352 679 and we can talk you through the options.