Editor’s note: Welcome to the 10th post in our series on Absorbent Training. We hope you find the series to be helpful in explaining the basics of absorbents. Links to the previous and next post in the series, if applicable, are at the bottom of the posts.
It’s not uncommon to find spill supplies locked up or kept in remote locations. That makes about as much sense as wings on a turnip. The point of having a spill kit is being able to grab it to respond to a spill quickly. So it stands to reason that if you’ve gone to the expense of purchasing spill supplies and training people to use them, they should be accessible and ready to use, right? That means the best place for a spill kit is close to where a spill is most likely to occur…
There are different schools of thought on how to choose spill kits and where to put them. Some facilities determine the volume of their “worst-case scenario” spill and buy one large kit that can be wheeled to wherever it is needed. Other facilities look at the spill most likely to happen in each area and buy several kits to position throughout the facility.
If we were starting from scratch, we’d consider spill kits for the following locations:
1. Production Lines / Manufacturing Areas
Hydraulic lines burst, buckets get knocked over and tanks and containers spring leaks. A spill kit on the wall or tucked under a workbench allows employees to respond quickly.
2. Loading Docks
Docks are busy places. It’s not uncommon for a forklift to graze a container and cause a spill. Even if that’s not a big issue, packages shift during transit, and you can never be too sure what’s going to happen when you open a trailer door. A spill kit at the loading dock means fast cleanup so things don’t back up.
3. Fuel Pumps
Nonretail, onsite fleet fueling pumps can be subject to SPCC and Stormwater Regulations. Spill supplies in these areas can help maintain compliance and keep spills out of drains and other sensitive areas.
4. Outdoor Storage Tanks
Bulk fluid transfers typically happen without a hitch, but if a connection fails or a hose breaks, the resulting spill can be pretty big. A spill kit stored near outdoor tanks can help quickly contain the spill and keep it from expanding.
5. Fluid Dispensing Stations
Pumps and drum faucets aren’t always the neatest ways to move fluids from one container to another, making small leaks and spills common in fluid dispensing areas. A spill kit containing small sheets of mat and wipers and a waste container for spent materials can help to keep these areas cleaner and neater.
6. Forklifts
Forklift operators are often the first people to discover a spill. And sometimes, the spill is caused by forklift operations. Tucking a small kit behind a seat or on the back of a forklift helps the operator contain a spill quickly until additional resources can be brought to the area.
7. Warehouses
It’s not always possible to spot a “bad” container before it’s put into a rack, and it may not leak for days or weeks — but when it does let loose, it’s nice to have a spill kit ready to tackle the mess.
8. Laboratories
OSHA’s chemical hygiene plan states that employers must “determine and implement control measures to reduce employee exposure to hazardous chemicals.” A spill kit is a great tool to have in a lab to help control a spill and reduce exposure risks.
9. Battery Storage Areas
Forklift charging areas are not often “showcased” areas of a facility. But OSHA’s powered industrial truck standard requires areas where batteries are stored to have provisions for taking care of electrolyte spills. A spill kit with neutralizer, goggles, gloves and an apron is a good way to be prepared.
10. Fleet Vehicles
The EPA requires any vehicle that is transporting hazardous waste to be prepared for spills that may occur during transport. Even if you’re not in the business of transporting hazardous waste, a leaky saddle tank can quickly create a big mess. Tucking a spill kit in the cab can help the driver quickly contain a spill until help arrives.
11. Maintenance Lockers
Think of a spill kit as a tool. Wherever hammers, wrenches, vacuums and other tools are kept, spill kits may be a good addition.
12. Waste Collection Areas
Not many facilities offer tours of their waste collection areas. Have you ever tried to empty a five-gallon bucket into a closed-head drum? Let’s just say, it’s not always the neatest process. And like any area where fluids are transferred, leaks and spills are bound to happen. Being prepared with spill supplies helps with good housekeeping efforts.
Not sure where to put a kit? Use a drawing of your facility to mark the location and types of liquids (and potential spills), as well as the quantity stored in each of those areas. This can provide a pretty accurate map of where to put a kit and what size may be needed. Then find the right spill kit for your needs.
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2 Comments
Martin Fredericksays:
05/01/2013 at 8:54 amRegarding the location of the Spill Kit:
After many years of working for the British Army in Germany and having much fun training others on this kit as well as deploying it for real, location is everything.
Much thought must be given to who bulk fuel storage and distribution areas where having the spill kit too close can be hazardous for the Quick Reaction Team reacting to the spill.
My solution was to identify a key area just outside the possible spillage locations and have a back up kit which can be collected on-route to the spillage, reducing the need of further contamination.
Karen Hamelsays:
05/03/2013 at 7:37 pmThank you for this great suggestion and reminder, Martin!
A similar analogy is used when placing fire extinguishers in buildings. Fire marshals like to see fire extinguishers placed near doors and exits because if you have to go near a door or exit to get the extinguisher, it means that you’ve at least got one escape route should the fire get out of hand and you need to retreat. If a fire extinguisher is placed in a remote corner of the room and you’re not able to extinguish the fire completely with that extinguisher, you could find yourself trapped with no way to get out.
Now, that’s not to say that you should have a spill kit near every fire extinguisher, but the premise of thinking about how and where to place it(and having a portable back up kit somewhere else that can be brought in if you can’t get to the kit in the area) is still an excellent safety practice.
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