How much spill response equipment do I need?

Having a spill kit on site is a good start, but have you really got sufficient coverage in the event of an emergency spill? There is no hard and fast rule on how much is enough, realistically you need manage the risk. For example if your using 200L drums, one 240L spill kit may suffice in case of total containment loss. However, if you have 1000L IBCs on site, would one 240L spill kit be able to contain and clean any hazardous materials? Possibly, but probably not in a worst case scenario.

How do you decide what is sufficient for your spill risks?

When conducting your spill risk assessment, it's important to identify potential hazards and assess the likelihood of risks on site. Understanding the volume of liquids that could potentially spill in different areas of your site will help determine the necessary spill equipment to have on hand near potential spill hazards.

For example, you do not need a 1000L spill kit for every IBC you have on site, this would be an unnecessary expense and probably never required.

For high levels of risk it's best to have a spill kit assigned specifically to that risk. For example a diesel tank or dispensing area.

Where lower risks are present such as storage areas for containers that are rarely moved, a spill could still occur but its less likely. In this scenario we would suggest you have multiple, strategically placed spill kits around the area that are well sign posted. In this instance if a small spill was to occur you could collect the nearest kit to contain and clean the spill. If a larger incident occurred such as a full 1000ltr IBC failed, you could call upon multiple spill kits. You would contain the spread of the spill with the nearest spill kit, then collect the next nearest spill kit to absorb the spill and so on until you have enough to absorb the spill.

Is it just spill kits that we need?

Spill kits are designed for emergency spills. Usually as the result on an accident, such as a container failure, or a vehicle mishap. Emergency spill kits should be available for these instances and should always be replenished and available for the risks they are there to protect. Other equipment is available for day to day leaks and spills such as spill stations and cabinets. 

To ensure you do not use your emergency equipment for day to day leaks and spills, you should consider alternatives to any risks highlighted. Such as

Regular process leaks in day to day activities – spill station for easy access to absorbents

Overspray from machinery processes – spill station for easy access to absorbents

Flood risk – Floodsax or sandbags

Leaking roof – leak diverter

Drains in spill risk areas – drain protection

Rainfall or a water leak on site - mop and bucket

Assessing your risks and using the correct equipment for the situation will ensure you have sufficient equipment on hand in case of an emergency spill.

How do I know what size spill kits I need?

Spill kits vary depending on supplier, there is no overall rule of what needs to be included in a spill kit. It is, therefore important to do your research when purchasing spill kits to understand the contents, as these vary hugely depending on your supplier.

Absorbent products have different capacities and will vary depending on the liquid you are absorbing.

The sizing of our spill kits is based on the general containers you may have on site, small containers, standard drums and IBCs, and will provide enough absorbent to contain the spill, if used correctly.

So how much spill response equipment do I need?

Carry out your spill risk assessment, making a note of any hazardous liquids and their quantities. If the risks cannot be removed and need to be managed, spill equipment should be utilised.

Highlight against each risk the best product to manage the risk, taking into account the best type of absorbent (chemical, general purpose or oil) and the best equipment such as a spill station or spill kit. Once you have your complete report, check to see if any areas could benefit from one centralised spill kit. 

Looking for additional support?

Risk assessments are often best conducted with a fresh perspective. Sometimes, those familiar with the site may overlook issues until it's too late. If you need assistance with your spill assessment, our complimentary spill survey could be the solution for you. We provide free spill surveys (subject to availability) to help identify potential hazards and suggest solutions. If you're interested in exploring this option, please reach out to our team, and we can discuss your needs.