Using Hazchem Spill Kits in Laboratories, Chemical Plants and Other Industries

Posted by Ilana Camp on March 11th, 2020

Storing hazardous chemicals comes with the risk of leaks and spills regardless of how carefully and securely you store them. In these cases, having an efficient solution to quickly manage them can help prevent operational delays, damage to equipment and health risks for your employees. That’s where the spill kit comes in, providing your personnel with the tools they need to conveniently clean up leaks and spills in the workplace.

Hazchem spill kits are a type of spill control kit that’s made to specifically handle chemical spillage. This can range from aggressive acids and bases to oils, paint, solvents, coolants and herbicides. As such, chemical spill kits are particularly handy tools to have in laboratories and chemical plants, as well as workshops, warehouses, factories, mines and transport depots. You can select a hazchem spill kit from capacities of 35L, 78L and 150L, offering your employees with a safe and easy way to clean up industrial spills.

Hazchem Spill Kit Safety Features

Included in safety spill kits are a variety of cleanup products for industrial spill control. For instance, they all feature a number of absorbent booms, pads and vermiculite floor sweeps. These absorbent products are able to soak up to 20 times their own weight in liquids and have a fast-wicking action to efficiently manage spills and leaks. They are also non-allergenic, non-hazardous and reject dust. Moreover, chemical spill kits further contain PVC gloves, labelled polyethylene disposal bags, yellow/black caution spill tape, A4 laminated operating instructions and audit tags that identify whether or not the kit has been accessed or used. Additionally, depending on the capacity you select, these spill kits are supplied in either a heavy duty resealable and waterproof canvacon bag, or a wheelie bin that is robust and UV-stabilised.

When it comes to applying these spill cleanup products in laboratories and other environments, they all have varying functions. Absorbent pads are your go-to option for soaking up spilt liquids, while absorbent booms are useful when it comes to stopping spilt chemicals from entering drains and storm water outlets. Just note that absorbent capacity will vary depending on specific gravity, temperature and liquids viscosity. Furthermore, it is also recommended that you avoid using vermiculite floor sweeps in outdoor areas as their lightweight designs make them prone to being blown away, and keep in mind that they are not ideal for cleaning up oil-based liquids. If you are unsure on how to employ any of these spill kit components, refer to the included instruction sheet.

Precautions You Should Take to Preserve Your Safety

Ensuring the safety of your employees is of the utmost importance when applying hazardous spill kits. This can be done by training them in how to use a spill kit and enforcing a procedure that is clear and easy to follow. You should also store spill kits in an accessible location, as well as keep an inventory of where all your liquids and chemicals are kept on site. This is especially helpful when quickly responding to leaks. In terms of ways your personnel can prepare for spill cleanup, we recommend ensuring they have effective eye and face protection, suitable gloves and chemical-resistant clothing and footwear. Lastly, know when to handle spills and when it’s time to evacuate. As well-equipped as these spill containment kits are, there are always situations where evacuation is necessary, and you should take the appropriate steps to preserve the safety of your staff in these cases.

Hazchem spill kits are great tools to have for competent spill cleanup in work environments, particularly in chemical plants, laboratories and workshops. For more information on the numerous safety and productivity benefits of having an industrial spill kit in your workplace, visit Equip2Go.