How the Right Absorbents & Spill Kits Ensure Safety & Compliance

In 2024 alone, 844 workers died from falls—accounting for 17% of workplace deaths. Many of these falls are preventable. Some falls are a result of improper training or hazardous worksites, while others stem from slippery conditions caused by leaks, drips and spills.

Businesses with machinery that can leak should be prepared to clean up spills as fast as possible—whether big or small. Quick spill response helps protect your employees and reduce liability. See how the right absorbent products and spill kits can help team leads achieve this.

Choosing the right absorbents and spill kits

While reducing slip-and-falls altogether may require additional training, configuration alterations or regular safety evaluation, preventing even one workplace injury justifies the time and investment. Absorbent pads, rolls, socks and spill kits help customers in transportation, maintenance, industrial and retail environments contain and control spills of all sizes and types to protect staff and customers. Here are the questions to ask when choosing the right products to clean up spills, drips and leaks.

What liquids may spill at my business?

Review the liquids around your facility that could spill and identify if they are corrosive or not. Corrosive chemicals like bases and acids can cause chemical burns on skin and rapidly weaken metal structures. Non-corrosive liquids like solvents, oil, fuel and coolants still pose serious slip hazards, even if they are not as immediately harmful. Absorbent products come in different materials for taking in water, oil, fluids or corrosive liquids. Spill kits include other necessary tools like gloves, goggles and a bucket for a true all-in-one solution.

What should be used to control small spills?

Smaller spills or drips happen. That’s why it’s crucial to always keep the right sorbent pads or rolls on-hand. Available in various shapes, sizes and colors to meet the needs of each liquid, businesses can stop small spills fast with the right sorbent product. Sellars offers sorbents in pads, rolls, socks and booms, each designed to handle various types of spills. Addressing small spills and drips before they become major is the ultimate way to prevent the need for rapid spill response. This will come down to having the right products readily available and staff training.

 Learn more about the different types of sorbents here.  

What capacity of these liquids could spill?

Always plan for the worst-case scenario. Let’s say you run an auto body shop and have large, 55-gallon barrel drums filled with oil. Ensure your spill kit or absorbent products can handle that amount of spill volume, should it occur. Each spill kit will specify the amount of liquid its included products can absorb.

Learn more about different sizes and types of spill kits here.

The right absorbent products and spill control kits help businesses across industries maintain a safe, clean, compliant workplace for visitors and staff alike. Browse our high-performance absorbent products, which are designed to support compliance and find the right fit for your needs.

Need help? Browse our easy-to-use sorbent selection guide.