Spills happen – even in the most cautious of workplaces. They are more than just a mess and an inconvenience. They are a safety hazard and can even be an environmental risk. No matter if it’s just a drip, a spill from a container or a leak, it’s important to act fast to contain and clean up the spill so everyone is kept safe and operations continue to run smoothly.
While your workplace can take all the right steps to prevent spills, they still happen. That’s why it’s important to have the right products on hand to take care of them. Absorbents are your first line of defense against spills, and having the right type on hand can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a costly incident.
Absorbents are designed to soak up liquids and help you contain spills. Here are some different types.
Universal absorbents – These absorbents are designed for everyday use. These are filled with universal sorbents to absorb all non-hazardous liquids, both water- and oil-based.
Oil-only absorbents – These repel water and engage with oils, gasoline, etc. They are perfect for outdoor use where water may be present. They can also be used to remove oil spills from bodies of water without absorbing the water.
Specialty absorbents – Products like socks are perfect for containing spills before they spread, while pillows are for high-volume leaks. Additionally, granular absorbents are loose and small particles that are designed to soak up liquids and be swept up. Unlike pads, these absorbents work by physically encapsulating spills.
When it comes to spills, the size and frequency of spills matters. Here are a few applications in which you would need absorbents and what kind would be best to utilize:
Everyday clean up
For incidents like drips and bucket spills, pads and rolls are your best bet. Pads are perfect for general clean up and small drips and spills. They come in fixed sizes, and because of that, they are ready to use for quick cleanup. Rolls, on the other hand, are better for cleanup in larger areas. They are more economical than pads for large spills because you can choose the length you need for proper cleanup.
Temporary leaks
If you notice a machine start to leak or a pipe drip, it’s best to fix the problem right away. If the problem cannot be addressed immediately, though, you will need to absorb any liquid in the area. Socks can be used to stop the spread of liquid and can absorb both water and oils. They will resist tearing and shredding and remain strong even when saturated for easier clean-up.
Heavy-traffic areas
In places like near water fountains or an entryway during inclement weather, consider a mat. Mats are durable and will absorb liquid while also providing traction to workers. They offer continuous floor protection, so constant mopping isn’t necessary.
Emergency spill cleanup
For emergencies, it’s best to always have spill kits on hand. Spill kits are a bundle of absorbents designed to quickly allow workers to contain and clean up a spill. With spill kits, you have the products you need all together, making them perfect for emergency, grab-and-go cleanup. Our various spill kits cover anything from small to large spills, while we also have kits designed for trucks and grab and go situations.
The best way to handle spills is to prevent them, but when they do happen, having a spill response plan and the right absorbents will help you have a quick and safe cleanup. Make sure you are prepared, and contact your Kimball Midwest sales representative to learn more about absorbents. If you don’t already have a Rep, we can help you