subject: Issues To Consider When Choosing Spill Kits And Spill Control Solutions [print this page] If your small or medium business is looking into purchasing a range of spill kits or spill control solutions then you may be wondering just exactly where to begin. Because there are two main problems here. The first problem is that there is an enormous range available of spill kits and spill control solutions, so that it is necessary to have a detailed understanding of every single possible spillage eventuality which could occur, a clear understanding of how those spillages can best be dealt with, and which spill kits are therefore necessary.
This isn't even beginning to consider other issues such as capacity, size, storage and the ability to accommodate refills. But the second problem facing small and medium businesses as far as spill control is concerned is that there is no actual law or regulation which specifies exactly what spill control solutions should be provided. All that health and safety law stipulates is that businesses should have adequate spill control solutions or spill kits in place. But as far as what the word 'adequate' really means is concerned, that's down to you.
Not only does that mean that you have a complex decision to make, but the ramifications of that decision are far reaching. You may be looking at something as innocuous and easy to deal with as a spilt cup of coffee, but you might also be looking at life-threatening situations, or instances where environmental damage could occur which is likely to result in long-term problems as well as negative publicity, and possibly even sanctions.
So if your small business is looking into exactly what spill kits are required, then the first stage is to think very carefully about the nature of the liquids or chemicals which are on-site, the quantity of chemicals or liquids on site, and the locations where potential spillages could occur. This three stage process sounds relatively easy, but it can be surprising just how many potential problems and issues arise once you start to investigate the potential spillages which could occur.
From water to coolants, from oils to chemicals, the range of liquids and chemicals in use in even small or medium businesses is extraordinary, but it is important to consider the different types of spillage which could occur in order to be able to make the right choice in choosing spill kits for each eventuality. There are generally three types of spill kits available, which are general-purpose or universal, oil only, and chemicals spill kits or hazardous materials, ('hazmats').
Between these three types of spill kits it is possible for most businesses to be able to provide adequate spill control. But it is important to consider that there are instances where the decision can be more difficult than it might at first appear. For example, general-purpose or universal spill kits can be perfectly adequate for small spillages which involve a range of substances or materials, ranging from water and coolants to oils and foodstuffs. But where spillages are more complex, such as oil on water, snow, ice or other liquids, general-purpose spill kits are entirely useless. In such instances oil only spill kits are the only possible solution.
There are also instances where a spillage may occur and it is not always immediately obvious what the material is. Tackling an unknown spillage with universal spill kits may not merely be inadequate, but potentially dangerous. Hazardous materials spill kits or chemical and absorbents provide the opportunity to deal with a spillage safely, rather than guessing.
It is also important to think about is the quantity of spillage which could potentially occur, since different spill kits can work more efficiently and effectively than others when tackling spillages over a larger area. Choosing spill kits is not something which should be done quickly or in a hurry, but with a great deal of research and thought.
