Introduction
When a spill happens — you don’t want to be grabbing bits of toilet paper and praying. Proper spill kits and absorbents are your first line of defence. But not all kits are equal.
What’s in a spill kit?
A typical spill kit from Spill Containment UK will have: absorbent pads, socks or booms, granular absorbents, disposal bags / bins, gloves, goggles, and often a checklist. spillcontainment.uk
They come in varieties:
Oil-selective kits (absorb only oil, not water)
Chemical / general purpose kits (for acids, alkalis, solvents)
Maintenance kits (for small leaks in workshops, shops, machinery)
Choosing the right absorbent
Granules (loose absorbents): good for spreading over spill, then sweeping up. spillcontainment.uk
Pads & socks: absorb and isolate fluids in specific areas (edges, around machinery).
Booms: line drains or cut off flow paths.
Oil-only vs universal: oil-only absorbents float and absorb hydrocarbons without soaking up water — useful for spills on water or wet floors.
Maintaining your kits
Check contents quarterly
Replace used or degraded items immediately
Train staff on usage and disposal
Store the kit in an accessible, well-marked location
Speed is your best friend
The faster you contain, the less damage, cost, and regulatory exposure. A clean floor in 30 seconds is better than an environmental fine tomorrow.
Conclusion / recommendation
Audit your spill response capability now. If your site is handling anything liquid, get proper kits and absorbents from a trusted supplier like Spill Containment UK before you need them.