Whether you’re a small business owner or a safety manager, you know how important it is to have a spill kit on hand in case of an emergency. However, determining which kind of spill kit is right for your business’s hazardous materials can be difficult to figure out. OSHA has clear guidelines that can help, in addition to the information provided in this article.
The Types of Spill Kits and OSHA’s Requirements
Generally speaking, a spill kit is a set of equipment that can be used to remove any hazardous substances in the event of a spill. The main types of spill kits that we’ll focus on are universal spill kits, biohazard spill kits, chemical spill kits, and oil spill kits. Let’s take a look at what OSHA requires to be included in each type of kit.
Universal Spill Kits
Universal spill kits are a versatile option to have on hand because they can clean up a range of chemical spills including those that are oil- or water-based. Here are OSHA’s requirements for universal spill kits.
Required equipment:
Sorbent and absorbent pads
Safety goggles
Nitrile safety gloves
Disposable bags or bins
Shoe or boot covers
Spill containment handbook
Biohazard Spill Kits
If your employees are at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens or other bodily fluids, then you should ensure a biohazard spill kit is on hand. Here are OSHA’s requirements for biohazard spill kits.
Required equipment:
Sorbent and absorbent pads
Safety goggles
Nitrile safety gloves
Disposable bags or bins
Shoe or boot covers
Neoprene gloves with long sleeves
Biohazard sorbents such as pillows or mats
Spill containment handbook
Sanitizing surface wipes
Sanitizing hand wipes
Chemical Spill Kits
Depending on the types of chemicals you’re working with, you can start with the supplies in a universal spill kit, and customize your kit to your facility’s needs.
Required equipment:
Sorbent and absorbent pads
Safety goggles
Nitrile safety gloves
Disposable bags or bins
Shoe or boot covers
Spill containment handbook
Oil Spill Kits
Oil spill kits are not required by OSHA. However, here are some materials that can help in the event of a spill.
Recommended equipment:
Sorbent and absorbent pads
Safety goggles
Nitrile safety gloves
Disposable bags or bins
Shoe or boot covers
Wet mop
Plugging device for leaks
Drain protectors
Containment berms
Pump
| Universal Spill Kit | Biohazard Spill Kit | Chemical Spill Kit | Oil Spill Kit |
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Training Your Emergency Spill Response Team
Before a spill even happens, it’s imperative that you accurately label any chemicals and post signage where chemicals are present in your facility. In addition, you’ll need to assemble a spill response team and have them undergo Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training in order to be prepared in the event of an emergency spill. Learn more about HAZWOPER training here. Make sure your emergency spill response team has refresher training every year.
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Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.