FAQs

A spill kit or spill response kit, is a handy, mobile and easy-to-use set of equipment used to safely and responsibly contain, clean up and dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous spills.

All of our spill kits contain absorbent booms (for perimeter containment – i.e. to place around the spill to prevent it from spreading or flowing into drains), absorbent pads (for the absorption of the spill), absorbent pillows (for large volume spills and constant leaks) and contaminated waste bags & ties for safe and responsible disposal. Each spill kit also contains a quick user guide and PPE.

• General purpose spill kits (also known as universal spill kits, all-liquid spill kits or environmental spill kits).
• Oil and fuel spill kits (also known as petrol station or automotive spill kits)
• Chemical spill kits (also known as Hazchem spill kits)

General purpose spill kits are designed for any workplace or public space that deals with less harmful water-based liquids such as coolants, paint, blood, bodily fluids, degreasers, agricultural chemicals and other non-aggressive chemicals (mild acids, bases and water-based chemicals).

Oil and fuel spill kits are designed for workplaces dealing with oils or fuels (hydrocarbons), including workplaces where vehicles or machinery have oils, fuels, petroleum, diesel or grease inside them. An Oil and fuel spill kit is suitable for petrol stations, mechanics, manufacturing, factories, transport & delivery (also called vehicle spill kits), marinas/maritime industry (also called marine spill kits), public & private car parks and construction sites. Absorbents within these kits only absorb oil & fuel, not water, making them an ideal spill management solution for workplaces in and around waterways or exposed to wet weather where oil and fuel spills can occur on wet/ water surfaces.

Chemical spill kits are designed for workplaces dealing with harmful chemicals. Chemical spill kits are suitable for chemical plants and manufacturers, laboratories, factories, industrial facilities, laundries/ dry cleaners, mine sites and other workplaces that use or store harmful chemicals. A chemical spill kit can be used for strong acids (sometimes known as acid spill kits) and bases (alkalis), hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, hydrofluoric acid, solvents, herbicides, pesticides and the like.

Our chemical spill kits contain polypropylene absorbents which are dust-free and inert. They will not degrade or react with the chemical spill being absorbed, making them ideal for chemical spill containment and clean-up.

Protect yourself using PPE provided. Stop the spill at the source and contain the spill using absorbent booms. Absorb the spill using absorbent pillows (for large-volume spills and constant leaks) and absorbent pads. Dispose of all saturated booms, pillows, pads and PPE into the disposable bags provided and tie them. Report the incident and restock all used absorbents and PPE.

The lifespan of a spill kit can vary depending on the conditions it is being kept in, i.e. exposure to the elements, being stored outdoors etc. Having said that , the average lifespan of a spill kit is five years.

According to industry standards, spill kits should be checked at least every three months. However, workplaces such as mines and power plants in high-risk areas will require more frequent checks.

The number of spill kits you require will depend on the types of liquids you have at your workplace, the locations where these liquids are used and stored, and the largest likely spill quantity in each of these locations.

The size and quantity of the spill kit you need should be:

1. At least equal to your largest container on-site; or
2. 25% of the total volume you would move on a pallet. For example, say you are moving a pallet containing 24 x 20L drums (480L); you would require a 120L spill kit on-site.

The underlying legal principles of duty of care and due diligence are applicable to all businesses in Australia. Many, if not all workplaces, will have some sort of hazardous material required to undertake their ordinary course of business, from everyday cleaning products to oils & fuels and even dangerous chemicals. If you have a spill incident at your workplace, you should be suitably equipped to clean and dispose of the spill safely and responsibly. The most common spill response item is a spill kit.

Failure to clean up a spill can result in being charged with an offence, fines being issued, and possible imprisonment. If a spill occurs and you do not have suitable equipment on hand to minimise harm to people, property, and the environment, you could be fined up to $30,000.

We, at One Earth, aim to protect you and the environment.

We understand that operating a business is not easy. Some things cannot be controlled, and accidents will happen. It is your response to an accident or spill, big or small, that can have a huge impact on the way your business is perceived, and the effect you have on the environment.

If the safety of your workers, the public or the environment is ever put in jeopardy as a result of a spill, there could be damaging social, community, and media backlash. However, if you can demonstrate that you conduct your business in a safe and socially responsible manner, you have an opportunity to shine a positive light on your business. Simply by having the correct spill kit on hand, your team will be able to respond to a spill safely and responsibly, and minimise any negative attention directed towards your business and your reputation.