Do you include chemical spill kits in your hazardous waste management program? If not, start using them as they are a part of best waste management practices. Spill kits are a collection of items that are used to address clean-ups for spills, leaks or other discharges of harmful chemicals.

1. Introducing spill kits in hazardous waste management program
Do you include chemical spill kits in your hazardous waste management program?
If not, start using them as they are a part of best waste management practices. Spill kits are a
collection of items that are used to address clean-ups for spills, leaks or other discharges of
harmful chemicals. These utility items should be kept in close proximity so that they can be used
when required. All of them are not alike. A user should know in advance which one to buy
depending upon the type of liquid that is spilled.
Spill kits are used in science laboratories, research centres and manufacturing industries that
make use of different types of liquids. When you are buying them for your use, consider the type
of liquids that you may spill. There are different types of kits available in the market including
ones for cleaning fuels, oils, paints, detergents, cleaning fluids, harmful chemicals, acids, bases
and other solvents. The type of kit that you will use in your facility would also depend upon the
quantity of material used in your facility. If you use large amount of liquids in your facility, you
would need a large spill kit while you will need a small kit if you use solvents in small quantity.
A typical spill kit should contain personal protective equipment, and tools to clean up spills.
What all personal protective equipment should your kit contain?
This is again a good question to ask. Your kit should include heavy duty gloves, a disposable lab
coat or an apron and a pair of chemical resistant glasses. If you are considering a kit for large
area spills, then it should also include a hat, and special boots. These are some of the common
things that you will find in a spill kit.
Along with that, there are many more items that should be included in oil or any chemical spill
kits. They should have a container to hold up the debris. The container can be a big bag with a
sealable lid. For larger spills, a big container should be considered. Coarse absorbent, absorbent
pads and broom should be there in the kit. Equipment such as bandages, sterile pads, medical
tape and ointment should be also included for basic first aid.
So, when you are looking for good kits for your operational unit, consider looking into all these
factors. Kits that have all the above quoted items are for sure going to help you a lot when you
are handling spills.
It is also important that you should train your employees to use these kits in proper way. They
must be educated well in advance how to use them efficiently. Reading the manufacturer’s
manual can educate you better about the use of these beneficial objects. Introduce them in your
hazardous waste management program if you want to keep your facility clean and protected for
your employees.