27 Sep
Uncategorized

Oil Spill Kit Training: What Employees Should Know Before a Spill Happens

An oil spill kit is only effective when employees know where it is, what it contains and how to use it safely. In workplaces where oils, fuels, lubricants or other hydrocarbons are stored or handled, spill response training helps employees act more confidently and follow established procedures when an incident occurs.

Training also helps employees recognise when a spill is too large, hazardous or complex to manage with the available equipment. That distinction is important because effective spill response is not simply about cleaning up a liquid. It begins with assessing the situation, protecting people and preventing the spill from spreading.

Key Takeaways

  • Employees should know where the correct spill kits are located and what types of spills they are designed to handle.
  • A spill should be assessed before clean-up begins, including identifying hazards and where the liquid is moving.
  • Appropriate PPE should be used according to the substance involved and workplace procedures.
  • Containment materials can help prevent oil or fuel from spreading before absorbents are applied.
  • Employees should know when a spill is beyond their training or available equipment and needs to be escalated.
  • Used absorbents and other contaminated materials should be handled according to workplace and waste-disposal procedures.
  • Spill kits should be inspected and restocked after use so they are ready for the next incident.
  • Practical training helps employees become familiar with spill response equipment and procedures before an emergency occurs.

What Is an Oil Spill Kit?

An oil spill kit contains materials designed to contain and absorb spills involving oil, fuel and other hydrocarbons.

Depending on the type and capacity of the kit, it may contain:

  • oil and fuel absorbent pads;
  • absorbent booms;
  • contaminated-waste bags;
  • protective gloves; and
  • spill response instructions.

Oil and fuel spill kits use absorbents designed for hydrocarbon liquids. These absorbents differ from products intended for chemical spills involving substances such as acids, alkalis or corrosive liquids.

Employees therefore need to know which spill kits are available at their workplace and what each kit is designed to handle. Selecting the correct equipment starts with identifying the substance, where it is safe and practical to do so.

Why Spill Kit Training Matters

A spill can develop quickly, particularly when liquid is moving towards drains, soil, traffic areas or waterways. Employees who have already been shown how to respond are less likely to lose time locating equipment or trying to understand unfamiliar materials during an incident.

Spill kit training can help employees understand:

  • where spill response equipment is located;
  • which kit is appropriate for a particular substance;
  • how to assess the immediate hazards;
  • what personal protective equipment may be required;
  • how containment and absorbent materials are used;
  • when the spill should be escalated; and
  • what to do after the clean-up.

Practical preparation also helps reinforce the limits of an employee’s role. Not every spill should be handled by general workplace staff.

Know Where the Right Spill Kit Is Located

Employees who may need to respond to a spill should be able to find the appropriate kit without unnecessary delay.

Spill kits are generally most useful when they are easily accessible and positioned close to areas where spills are reasonably likely to occur. Depending on the workplace, this may include workshops, loading areas, fuel storage locations, vehicles, plant rooms or other operational areas.

Clear labelling and signage can make the correct kit easier to identify, particularly when different spill kit types are kept on the same site.

Training should include a physical walkthrough of spill kit locations. Employees should also know who is responsible for inspecting the kits, replacing used materials and reporting missing or damaged items.

Assess the Spill Before Taking Action

Before using an oil spill kit, employees need to assess the situation.

Where it is safe to do so, they should identify the liquid involved, consider the approximate amount spilt and determine where the spill is moving. Nearby stormwater drains, waterways, ignition sources, machinery, vehicles and other hazards may affect the response.

Relevant product labels, Safety Data Sheets and workplace procedures can provide important information about the substance and the precautions required.

Employees should also understand when not to continue with a clean-up. An unknown substance, significant fire or exposure risk, or a spill that exceeds the available equipment and training may require the area to be isolated and the incident escalated according to workplace procedures.

Recognising these limits is a key part of effective spill response training.

Use Appropriate PPE and Contain the Spill

Once the initial assessment confirms that it is safe to respond, appropriate personal protective equipment should be used.

The PPE required depends on the substance and the hazards present. Although some oil spill kits include gloves, employees should follow workplace procedures and relevant safety information rather than assuming the kit contains every form of protection required.

Containment is usually an important early step. Absorbent booms or other suitable containment materials can help restrict the movement of oil or fuel before absorbent pads or other materials are applied.

This can be particularly important when a spill is moving towards a drain, soil or waterway.

Where it is safe, authorised and consistent with workplace procedures, the source of the spill may also need to be stopped or isolated. Employees should not take actions that expose them to machinery, electricity, flammable vapours or other significant hazards.

Understand How Spill Kit Materials Are Used

Employees are better prepared when they have already handled the materials inside a spill kit.

Oil and fuel absorbent pads are used to absorb hydrocarbon liquids, while booms can help contain a spreading spill. Waste bags may be included for collecting contaminated absorbents after use.

The exact contents vary according to the kit size and intended application. For example, Spill Station Australia’s 20-litre oil and fuel spill kit includes oil and fuel absorbent pads, an absorbent boom, contaminated-waste bags, oil-resistant gloves and instructions.

Practical training can demonstrate how containment materials are positioned, how absorbents are applied and how used products are collected. This is more useful than relying on employees to work out the process for the first time during an actual spill.

Manage Contaminated Materials, Report and Restock

Spill response does not end when the visible liquid has been absorbed.

Used pads, booms, gloves and other materials may contain oil or other contaminants. They should be handled and disposed of according to workplace procedures and relevant waste-disposal requirements.

The incident should also be reported in line with the organisation’s procedures. Useful information may include what was spilt, where the incident occurred, the approximate quantity, how it was contained and which spill kit materials were used.

Reporting can help identify recurring risks such as damaged containers, storage issues, inadequate equipment or gaps in training.

The spill kit should then be inspected and restocked. Replacing used items promptly helps ensure the kit is ready for the next incident, while regular checks can identify missing or damaged materials before they are needed.

Build Practical Spill Response Skills Before an Incident

Written procedures are important, but practical training gives employees the opportunity to apply them in a realistic setting.

A training exercise may involve identifying the correct spill kit, assessing a simulated spill, selecting PPE, containing the liquid, using absorbents and following reporting procedures. These exercises can also reveal practical problems, such as unclear signage, poor access to equipment or uncertainty about who should be contacted when an incident needs to be escalated.

Spill Station Australia provides an accredited Spill Kit Training Course covering practical and theoretical spill response skills. The company also supplies oil and fuel spill kits and offers spill kit refill and maintenance services.

Preparing employees before an incident makes spill response more organised and helps ensure that equipment is used within established workplace procedures.

Businesses reviewing their spill preparedness can contact Spill Station Australia to discuss suitable spill kits, training and maintenance options for their site.

09 Sep
Uncategorized

How to Properly Use an Emergency Safety Shower During a Chemical Incident

When a chemical splashes onto someone’s skin or into their eyes, the first few moments matter.

There is no time to search for instructions, find a key or work out how the emergency shower operates. The affected worker needs to reach the right equipment and start flushing immediately.

That is why an emergency safety shower is more than something a workplace installs to tick a box. It needs to be in the right location, ready to use and familiar to the people who may depend on it.

This guide explains what workers should do after a chemical exposure, how to use an emergency shower or eyewash station correctly, and what workplaces can do now to make sure their emergency equipment is genuinely ready when needed.

Chemical exposure: what should you do first?

If a hazardous chemical contacts the skin or eyes, move immediately to the nearest emergency shower or eyewash station and begin flushing.

Do not wait for pain, redness or irritation to develop. Some chemical injuries are not immediately obvious, and delaying first aid can increase the severity of the exposure.

While flushing continues, another worker should raise the alarm, locate the chemical’s current safety data sheet (SDS) and arrange appropriate medical assistance.

The SDS matters because first-aid requirements can vary between chemicals. Where specific instructions are provided for the substance involved, follow them together with advice from the Poisons Information Centre, emergency services or a medical professional.

The important principle is simple: start flushing first, then get help while flushing continues.

How to use an emergency safety shower

For chemical exposure affecting the body, move under the emergency shower and activate it immediately.

Allow the water to run continuously over every affected area.

Remove contaminated clothing while flushing

Clothing, footwear, jewellery and personal protective equipment can trap chemicals against the skin and prolong exposure.

Remove contaminated items as quickly as practical while the shower is running, provided they can be removed safely.

If clothing or another material has become stuck to damaged or burned skin, do not pull it away. Leave it in place and seek medical assistance.

Anyone helping the affected person should also take precautions to avoid becoming contaminated themselves.

Take care with dry chemicals

Not every chemical exposure should be treated in exactly the same way.

If a dry chemical is present on the body, loose material may need to be carefully brushed away before water is applied. Always check the product’s SDS, as some substances require different first-aid measures or may react with water.

This is one reason current SDSs need to be easy to access during an emergency, rather than stored somewhere workers cannot quickly reach them.

Keep flushing

Continue flushing affected skin with cool running water for at least 15 minutes, unless the chemical’s SDS or medical advice directs otherwise.

Do not stop simply because the pain or stinging starts to ease.

Feeling better does not necessarily mean the chemical has been completely removed.

What if the chemical gets into someone’s eyes?

Chemical exposure to the eyes needs immediate action.

Activate the eyewash station and begin rinsing straight away.

Hold the eyelids open so water can gently rinse across the entire surface of the affected eye. If only one eye has been exposed, position the head so contaminated water drains away from the unaffected eye where practical.

If the person is wearing contact lenses, do not delay flushing while trying to remove them. Remove them only if they come out easily during irrigation.

Continue flushing with clean, cool water for at least 15 minutes unless the SDS, Poisons Information Centre or a medical professional advises a different response.

If both the eyes and body have been exposed, and the combination safety shower and eyewash unit is designed to operate both functions at the same time, use both.

When should you seek medical help?

Emergency flushing is first aid. It is not a substitute for medical assessment or treatment.

Prompt medical advice should be sought following a chemical burn or chemical exposure to the eyes, even when the injury initially appears minor. Some chemical injuries can continue developing after exposure, and symptoms may not appear immediately.

Call Triple Zero (000) if the person:

  • Collapses or becomes unconscious
  • Is not breathing normally
  • Has a seizure
  • Develops severe breathing difficulties
  • Experiences another serious or life-threatening reaction

For chemical-specific poisoning and first-aid advice in Australia, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

If possible, have the following information ready:

  • The chemical or product name
  • The product label
  • The current SDS
  • The chemical concentration, if known
  • The areas of the body affected
  • The approximate duration of exposure
  • The time flushing began
  • How long flushing continued

An injured worker should not travel alone to receive medical treatment.

The emergency shower has been used. What happens next?

Once the immediate medical emergency is under control, attention should turn to the workplace.

An emergency shower or eyewash station that has just been used should not simply be left for the next person to discover there is a problem.

The incident should be reported and investigated under the workplace’s normal emergency and injury-reporting procedures.

Before the equipment is returned to service, the responsible person, team or service provider should inspect it.

Important areas to check include:

  • Water flow
  • Water temperature
  • Drainage
  • Valve operation
  • Blocked or damaged outlets
  • Contamination
  • Access to the equipment

Contaminated clothing, PPE, water and other materials also need to be managed in line with the relevant SDS, workplace spill and waste procedures, and applicable environmental requirements.

The incident is also an opportunity to ask an important question:

Did our emergency arrangements work as well as they should have?

If the worker struggled to reach the shower, could not find the SDS, was unsure how to activate the equipment or encountered another delay, those problems should be addressed before another exposure occurs.

The best time to prepare is before an incident

The effectiveness of an emergency shower depends on much more than whether one has been installed.

Think about what would happen if a worker had chemical in their eyes and could barely see.

Could they reach the emergency equipment quickly?

Would the route be obvious?

Would anything be blocking it?

Would they know how to activate the shower immediately?

These are the practical questions that matter during a real incident.

Emergency showers and eyewash stations should be positioned so workers can reach them quickly and safely from areas where hazardous substances are handled.

Their location and access arrangements should be determined through a site-specific risk assessment and checked against the current requirements of AS 4775:2026 — Emergency shower, eyewash and eye/face wash equipment and drench hoses.

As a practical starting point, the route to emergency washing equipment should be:

  • Clearly marked
  • Well lit
  • Free from equipment, stock and other obstructions
  • Easy to follow when visibility is impaired
  • Accessible without keys or special authorisation

Workers who may be exposed to hazardous substances should also know where the nearest emergency shower and eyewash station is located before they ever need it.

That means emergency equipment should be covered during workplace induction, emergency-response training and refresher training.

Don’t wait for an emergency to discover a problem

One of the biggest risks with emergency equipment is that a problem can remain unnoticed until someone actually needs to use it.

A blocked outlet, poor water flow, difficult valve or obstructed access route can turn a straightforward first-aid response into a much more serious situation.

Regular activation, inspection and maintenance help identify these issues early.

Emergency washing equipment should be checked and maintained in line with applicable requirements, the manufacturer’s instructions and the workplace’s maintenance program.

If a fault is discovered, it should be addressed promptly.

Where equipment is temporarily unavailable, the workplace should assess the risk and put suitable temporary controls or alternative emergency arrangements in place until the unit is restored.

Is your workplace actually ready?

A useful emergency preparedness review does not need to be complicated.

Walk through your site and ask:

  • Can workers reach emergency showers and eyewash stations quickly?
  • Are the units clearly identified?
  • Are access routes well lit and free from obstructions?
  • Do workers know where their nearest unit is?
  • Do they know how to activate it?
  • Do they understand that flushing should begin immediately?
  • Are current SDSs easy to access?
  • Is the equipment regularly inspected and maintained?
  • Are emergency procedures included in worker training?
  • Is it clear who reports faults and who is responsible for maintaining the equipment?

If any answer gives you pause, there is probably something worth reviewing.

The objective is not simply to have an emergency shower on site.

It is to make sure that when someone genuinely needs it, nothing gets between that person and immediate first aid.

Choosing and maintaining the right emergency safety equipment

Different workplaces have different chemical exposure risks, which means emergency washing arrangements need to suit the hazards, layout and activities of the site.

Spill Station Australia has supported Australian workplaces with spill response and control equipment since 1983.

Our range of emergency safety showers and eyewash equipment is designed for workplaces where hazardous chemicals and other substances are used, handled or stored.

We can also help with the practical side of emergency preparedness, including equipment supply, installation and servicing.

If you are unsure whether your existing equipment is suitably located, accessible or ready for use, contact Spill Station Australia to discuss your emergency shower and eyewash requirements and practical steps to support your workplace and AS 4775:2026.

30 Jun
Uncategorized

How Many Spill Kits Does Your Workplace Need? A Practical Guide

Spill kits are a crucial part of any spill response strategy for environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and workplace safety issues. One of the most common inquiries during spill response planning is how many spill kits your workplace should have.

There are three factors you need to consider when determining the number of spill kits needed:

  1. The volume of liquids being stored on-site.
  2. The number of spill-risk areas.
  3. The amount of time it takes a responder to get to spill response kits.

Most workplaces require enough kits to contain the largest spill that could occur in each spill-risk location while making sure the responders have immediate access to the kit. 

To determine the number of kits required, you need to conduct a site-specific risk assessment that takes into account operational hazards, environmental hazards, site layout, and Australian workplace health and safety requirements that apply.

What is the Formula for Calculating the Number of Spill Kits Needed?

The general formula for calculating the number of spill kits needed to respond to an emergency is to have enough spill response equipment available to contain the largest predictable spill in each high-risk spill location.

In the case of a site that contains the potential for a 205-litre oil drum to spill, the site must have at least two spill response kits available to respond efficiently.

If a site contains fuel tanks, bulk liquid storage, and/or chemicals, multiple large-capacity spill kits need to be placed in the same vicinity as the bulk liquid storage area.

There are two aspects to consider when developing your spill response plan: 

1) The size of your spill response kit(s); and 

2) How many spill response kits are available to use if a spill occurs throughout the site? 

Having several appropriately sized kits placed throughout the site can provide a faster and more effective response than having only one large kit located in a central location within the site.

What are High-Risk Locations Requiring Spill Kits

Once you have evaluated potential spill volumes, the next step is to determine the best placement of spill response gear. Rather than relying on a centralised spill kit, you need to identify which areas could be affected the most by a spill.

Some of the common high-risk areas are:

  • Fuel storage areas
  • Chemical storage rooms
  • Loading and unloading areas
  • Workshop and maintenance areas
  • Waste storage areas
  • Vehicle servicing areas
  • Refuelling locations
  • Equipment storage areas

As a general rule, you need each major spill location to have immediate access to the appropriate spill kit.

For example, if there is a warehouse with a fuel area, loading area, and maintenance area, there may be a requirement for at least 3 independent spill kits.

Final Thoughts

Three fundamental factors have an impact on how many spill kits you require: the expected maximum size of any potential spill, the size of the area that is considered to be at risk for spills, and the amount of time it will take for responders to have access to the necessary spill response equipment when a spill occurs.

If your organisation needs help with spill response planning, choosing the right spill kits and improving spill preparedness, you can visit Spill Station Australia to find out if your spill kit equipment matches your site’s risk and operational requirements.

12 May
Uncategorized

What Should Be Included in an Oil Spill Kit? A Complete Breakdown

When an oil spill takes place, it is essential that action is taken immediately after detection to contain the situation as quickly as possible. An oil spill can happen anywhere, including workshops, warehouses, transport depots, construction sites, and marine environments. 

An oil spill kit is used to resolve small incidents before they become large-scale and costly environmental incidents. How to ensure a successful organisational response to an incident depends completely on what is in the oil spill kit.

What Are The Components Of An Oil Spill Kit?

General components in an oil spill kit include absorbent pads, absorbent booms/socks, disposal bags, PPE, guidance for responding to an oil spill and a storage container.

1. Absorbent Pads

Absorbent pads are made from materials that meet the requirements of being able to absorb oil or gasoline and to repel water. They will absorb a lot of oil, making them very useful for clean-ups on land as well as on the sea, and also for cleaning up leaks, drips and surface spills.

2. Absorbent Booms/ Socks

Absorbent booms/socks are designed to be used in preventing a spill from spreading and contain a spill. They can be placed around machines, drains or the perimeter of a spill to create a barrier. 

3. Absorbent Pillows

Absorbent pillows are designed to absorb large quantities of oil and fuel. These are most commonly placed under leaking equipment, drums or machinery in areas where oil can probably collect.

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Protecting the staff working on the spot during a spill response is of utmost priority. Standard spill kits contain gloves and safety goggles, as well as disposable coveralls, to minimise the responder’s exposure to the hazardous materials involved in the spill.

5. Spill Response Guide

Having a clear set of spill response procedures enables responders to respond quickly and confidently in an emergency. Most oil spill kits have directions on how to stop the spill, contain it, clean it up and then dispose it off correctly.

6. Storage Container

A durable and clearly marked container should be used to store an oil spill kit. The type of container will vary depending on the user’s situation. Some examples include: portable bags, wheelie bins, or larger mobile units.

How to Choose an Ideal Oil Spill Kit

Each item in a spill kit plays its own unique part in preventing an oil spill from spreading and causing more significant environmental damage or injury; therefore, having properly stocked kits decreases environmental impact from oil spills caused by equipment failures or other unforeseen events.

To help create safe and efficient workplaces, it is imperative that you also regularly inspect your oil spill kits, position them strategically within your facility, and purchase quality spill kits that will enable you to effectively respond to any future oil spills that may occur.

For further information about oil spill kits and spill response solutions, please visit Spill Station Australia’s website.

08 May
Uncategorized

How to Choose the Right Chemical Spill Kits for Your Industry

If you work with any kind of hazardous material, there is a high chance you will have a spill in the workplace at some point. When a spill occurs, it is important to have the right tools for the job on hand. Making sure you tick all the boxes when it comes to safety, compliance, and environmental impact comes down to choosing the right equipment. When it comes to choosing a chemical spill kit, there can be a measure of confusion. Different industries often require different solutions. How can you ensure you choose correctly? The team at Spill Station has put together a few points to keep in mind when deciding.

Spill Kits Australia – What to Consider

There are a few factors to keep in mind when deciding which spill kit will be right for your industry. Some things that have a bearing on the decision include:

Type of Spill

The type of substances you work with can influence which type of kit you need to keep on hand. Some of the more common kits include those designed for oil and fuel. Other industries work with more hazardous materials. Chemicals that are acidic or corrosive are just one example. Understanding the different types of materials you work with can help inform you as to which type of kit to purchase and also how many. 

Industry Requirements

Legislation between industries can vary, impacting which type of spill kit you keep on hand. A simple example: what is required in a logistics business may be completely different in a construction business. Knowing what you need to meet compliance and health and safety standards is another important consideration when choosing the right spill kit.

Size of Spill

Logically, the larger a potential spill, the more materials needed to tidy it up. While understanding the chemicals you work with is important, knowing the volume is also vital. Being aware of the size of a potential emergency will help you decide which kits to invest in for your needs.

Refill and Upkeep

Making sure your spill kit remains up to date and maintained can be as important as choosing the right kit. Different materials have varying expiration dates and requirements to remain compliant. When choosing a kit, factoring in ongoing costs can also be an important consideration to keep in mind.

Choosing the Right Chemical Spill Kit Provider

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when selecting a spill kit for your industry. If the choice seems a bit overwhelming, you are certainly not alone. Thankfully, there is help available to assist you in making the right choice. Spill Station has been a trusted provider of spill kits since 1983. Our expert team has the knowledge and experience to help you ensure you have all your bases covered. If you are looking for a chemical spill kit, or need a bit of advice on the requirements for your industry, contact our friendly team today.

18 Mar
Uncategorized

Australian Standards for Spill Kits: What You Need to Know

Chemical spills are common across a variety of industries in Australia. Whether it is warehousing, mining, or manufacturing, a chemical spill can present a real hazard to the health and safety of your team. Having a chemical spill kit on hand and ready to go can make all the difference. It is important however, to ensure your spill kit meets the required standard. Especially in Australia, there is a real need to ensure your spill kits meet a certain level of safety and compliance. The team at Spill Station has put together a few handy reminders to help ensure your workplace ticks all the boxes!

Which Standards Apply to Spill Kits in Australia?

There are a number of standards you can use to measure the safety and effectiveness of your spill kit. One of the most relevant ones in Australia is the WHS (Workplace Health and Safety) regulations. These outline relevant procedures on chemical handling, storage, and emergency response plans.

One thing to consider is that standards can vary depending on the state. There are different EPA (Environmental Protection Authority) standards related to spill response expectations that can change depending on where you are based. A supplier of spill kits should be able to provide the relevant information and ensure the products they provide meet the expected level of compliance. 

What Should a Spill Kit Include in Australia?

What is required in a spill kit can vary depending on the type of chemicals involved, and the industry you work in. While not a complete list, a few baseline inclusions are:

  • Absorbents (tailored to the type of potential spill)
  • PPE (personal protective equipment)
  • Containment tools (can include things like booms or socks)
  • Disposal materials (bags, bins, etc)
  • Any relevant signage and documentation 

You may need more than one spill kit in the workplace depending on the number of products you work with on a regular basis. Something else that can impact things is where the chemicals are stored (inside/outside) and the amount of risk involved. If you are unsure of what is needed, it is best to speak with an expert to ensure you keep everything above board.

Chemical Spill Kits – Ensuring Compliance

Because of the degree of risk involved, it is essential to have everything in place, ready to go, and compliant with the relevant standards when the need arises. To “wing it”, or guess, brings a great deal of risk and can result in injury which you could be liable for. If you are looking to get started with a new spill kit, or are wondering if what you have meets the standards required, be sure to get in touch with our friendly team today. Doing so will ensure your kit remains compliant and in accord with all the standards required.

25 Feb
Uncategorized

Oil Spill Kit Maintenance: How Often Should You Inspect and Restock?

If you have an oil spill kit in the workplace, you are probably someone that values the importance of safety. Everybody wants their work environment to be safe, secure, and compliant with the relevant standards. While having a kit is a good start, inspections, replenishment, and maintenance all play a vital role. When considering safety, it is good to think about timing. Does it really matter how often you inspect and restock your spill kits? To help find the answer to that question, the team at Spill Station has put together a handy guide.

How Often Should You Check and Replenish Your Spill Kits?

How often a spill kit should be changed and restocked is not always set in stone. Each business and industry is different, and the requirements can vary. Some may require monthly, bi-monthly, or even quarterly inspections. What can help you determine the regularity? Some of the determining factors may include:

Risk Level

If you work on a site that is designated as high-risk and handle chemicals daily, your inspections will generally be a lot more frequent. Some work sites have multiple spill kits in different locations, and the risk level at each site may be different. The important thing is to determine the risk and check it regularly.

Usage

Spill kits are made to be used and inevitably, you will likely have a spill at some stage. It is important to check the kit after every spill and restock as needed. Most items in the kit are designed to be single-use and will need replacing straight away. During the inspection it is also important to check the dates on any relevant items and replace them as needed.

Compliance

There may be relevant regulations that determine the frequency of inspections. This can even be a legal requirement, making it vital to address. Being aware of the safety standards and timing can also help you determine how often to check and update your oil spill kits.

How to Stay On Top of Spill Kit Inspections

If left to chance, the likelihood of regular inspections is bound to be a lot less. The key to regularity is accountability and scheduling. Having a designated staff member keep an eye on things goes a long way. Most companies will also have a reporting procedure with regular alerts that can remind you when the inspection is due. With the right systems in place, the process runs much more smoothly.

If you are not sure of how often you should inspect, or what may be required, there is no harm in getting a second opinion. Because safety is involved, it is best to over-prepare rather than to guess. If you are not quite sure how to evaluate things, the team at Spill Station are ready and would love to assist with all your spill kit needs. Whether you want to replace a few items, update them with some new products, or even get a whole new kit going, our team is always happy to help. Prioritizing this before an emergency occurs can make all the difference and will help ensure you are ready and prepared when the time comes.

05 Feb
Uncategorized

One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Finding the Perfect Oil Spill Kit for Your Workplace

An oil spill kit is an essential part of workplace health and safety. Making sure your spill kits receive regular maintenance and are up to date with all the latest standards ensures you are prepared if an emergency does happen. It is good to periodically examine your needs and ensure you have both a plan and the tools in place for when a spill does occur.

With oil spill kits being one of the more common types found in most businesses, you would be forgiven for thinking that they are all the same. The truth is, oil spill kits can come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and can be scaled up or down according to the needs of your business. When deciding which is right for you, what are some essential elements to keep in mind? As one of the leading providers of spill kits, the team at Spill Station has put together a handy guide to help you make a wise choice.

How to Choose the Right Oil Spill Kit

Each business has different needs and risks that can affect which kit is right for you. A couple of factors to consider include:

Size

The size of an oil spill kit is determined by the potential volume of the spill. You want to make sure you have enough to cover everything and ensure the cleanup can be carried out safely. For this to be the case, you need to have a clear understanding of the risk of a spill. When deciding on a size, it is best to think about the worst case scenario and plan accordingly. This will ensure you are not short handed if the unexpected happens.

Products

You might think because oil is involved, that the materials in every kit are the same. While there is some overlap, there is still some room for customisation. The layout of your work space and the size of a spill can determine the difference. Making sure you have the right PPE and materials needed is crucial for the ongoing safety of you and your team. 

Compliance

A final thing to consider is compliance. Australian health and safety standards set clear guidelines as to what is required in an oil spill kit. Dealing with liabilities can be a nightmare in an emergency. Ensuring everything is up to code will help if the unexpected does happen.

How to Get Help With Oil Spill Kits

Making sure you have all your bases covered when it comes to spill kits can be time consuming. There are a lot of elements to consider, and there really is no blanket solution. If you need some assistance in deciding which is right for you, the team at Spill Station is here to help. For the right oil spill kit that ticks all the boxes, reach out to a friendly team for a quote and allow us to assist in making your workplace safe and secure for all those involved.

05 Feb
Uncategorized

Spill Kits Checklist: Essential Items You Should Always Have Ready

A spill kit is a vital component in any workplace when it comes to health and safety. Chemical spill kits come in all shapes and sizes, and can vary depending on the needs of your business. Regardless of the type of business you run, spill kits in Australia usually include a few key items. We at Spill Station have put together a handy checklist to ensure your spill kit is up to date and ready should the need arise.

Spill Kits – Essential Items to Include

Whether it is a chemical spill kit, or any other type of kit, there are a few items you will usually see in any setup. A few key components include:

PPE

PPE, or personal protective equipment, is an essential part of any spill kit in Australia. Ensuring you have the right gear for the cleanup, and the right type and grade of material will make all the difference. Wearing PPE correctly will prevent any unnecessary injury and ensure you handle the cleanup in the safest way possible. Some common items to include are gloves, goggles, masks, aprons, and anything else that may be suited to that specific type of spill.

Absorbents

Absorbents are another key element of any spill kit. A vital part of safety with a spill is containment, and cleanup. Absorbents help remove excess product and also allow you to prevent the spread into further unwanted areas. The type of absorbent you use can depend much on the chemical or type of product that has been spilled. Some common types include pads, socks, powder, and a range of others.

Barriers

Barriers are essential when containing a spill. A major concept in health and safety is hazard reduction. Having the right type of barrier will allow you to contain the spill and minimize any possible harm or damage. Popular types of barriers include booms or some kind of tape.

Tools

Depending on the type of spill, there may be a need to scoop up or shovel the excess product. It is generally not a good idea to touch the spill directly (even when wearing PPE). This is where having a few tools in your kit can also help. Scoops and shovels, made out of non-reactive material, will allow you to remove the excess product in a safe manner. 

There are a few more key components that make up a chemical spill kit. These can include things like disposal bags, and even documentation such as procedures and contact information. Being prepared before an emergency arises can make all the difference. If you need some more information or are looking to put a kit together, we at Spill Station can help.

Get in touch with our friendly team to see how we can assist in ensuring your working environment is safe and prepared for any spills that may arise.

03 Feb
Uncategorized

Step by Step Guide: How to Use an Oil Spill Kit Effectively

A spill in the workplace or at home can be a stressful situation. While it may be something we would prefer not to think about, it is likely a reality that may happen at some point. The good news? It doesn’t have to be overly stressful. With the right preparation and a bit of forethought, you can be prepared and ready when an emergency does occur.

A common type of spill is an oil spill. In fact, an oil spill kit is one of the most common kits you will find in most workplaces. If you find yourself in the middle of a spill, what are the steps to handle the situation? Read below as we break down how to use oil spill kits effectively.

Step One: Assess

The first step is to determine the extent of the spill. This will give you an idea of the level of risk involved and what PPE may be required. Having an understanding of where the spill is coming from and which way it is flowing will help you contain it effectively.

Step Two: Contain

With a better understanding of the extent of the spill, you can now work on containing the spread. Most spill kits will have some kind of equipment, such as a boom or a sock, that will allow you to do so. Properly containing the spill will prevent further damage and any risk of injury.

Step Three: Deploy Materials

With the spill properly contained, you can now start the clean-up process. An oil spill kit will have some kind of absorbent that can be used to absorb the liquid. Use as much as required to absorb all of the spill leaving the area as dry as possible.

Step Four: Dispose and Clean Up

With the oil spill now contained and absorbed, you can start with the final clean-up. Be sure to collect all of the absorbents and dispose of them in accordance with the local regulations. Then you can begin cleaning the area leaving it dry, safe and ready for work again.

Where to Get an Oil Spill Kit?

These are just the basic steps involved in cleaning an oil spill. It’s likely that each company will have its own procedures and regulations in place to handle them effectively and safely. The size and extent of the spill can also have an impact on how things are managed.

If you don’t currently have an oil spill kit, or are looking for a refresh, where can you find a reliable and safe option? We here at Spill Station are the spill kit experts. We have been helping workplaces since 1983 with all their spill kit needs. Get in touch with our friendly team today to see how we can help maintain a safe and comfortable environment for you and your staff.

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