How to Safely Clean Up Spills in the Warehouse?
How to Safely Clean Up Spills in the Warehouse?
As much as we try to avoid them, accidents happen in the workplace. Even the best, safest companies who always do things the right way make mistakes from time to time. One type of accident that could happen in the warehouse is a spill. OSHA requires that all workers be trained on how to react in the event of a spill. No two spills are the same, so it is crucial that everyone on site knows how to react. Every employee should understand what they need to do to contain the spill, clean the spill, and minimize the damage.
There are different types of spills that can occur in a warehouse or industrial setting. Some spills are worse than others. Whether it is a bucket of water, a gallon of chemicals, or a drum of oil, there is a right and wrong way to clean it up. Luckily, there are a variety of janitorial/cleaning supplies that can be used to help clean up and contain spills.
Basic Spill Containment Supplies:
Squeegees and Mops
All warehouses should have easy access to squeegees and mops so that you can react quickly to spill. A mop bucket should always be handy as well.
Terry Cloths, T-Shirt Rags, Sweatshirt Rags
These are some of the most economical options for quickly cleaning up a spill. Many supplies will sell large bags of old cut off t-shirt or sweatshirt sleeves. Others sell boxes full of terry cloth cotton washrags. The cotton material is absorbent and cost effective. In many cases they can be washed and reused as well.
Industrial Wipers
There are different brands of industrial wipers available. One of the best and most popular brands is Wypall. One of Wypall’s most popular and most effective products is the Wypall X70 Wipers. These industrial wipers are sold on a jumbo roll (similar to a large toilet paper roll). They are perfect for small to medium sized spills. These reusable wipers help reduce waste and are good for environmentally conscious warehouses. They are highly absorbent for soaking up all types of liquids and can pick up/clean up more than typical shop towels and rags.
Wet Floor Sign
As simple as it sounds, it is important that you have a wet floor sign on hand to let everyone know that the ground could be slippery around the area of a spill.
Oil & Harmful Chemical Spills:
Oil spills and spills of harmful chemicals must be dealt with in a different way than a water spill.
Universal Spill Kit
If you experience an oil or chemical spill in your warehouse, you need to act fast. One way to be sure you are prepared for any dangerous spill is by having a Universal Spill Kit on hand. A Universal Spill Kit is a large 55-gallon drum that comes filled with everything you need to clean and contain a spill. The spill kit includes the following:
55 Gallon Yellow Universal Spill Kit
(100) Universal Spill Absorbent Pads
Spill absorbent pads are used for any situation where you need to absorb liquids quickly. They are made of bonded sorbents constructed from a single layer of high-quality uniform polypropylene fibers. Use as many pads as needed to cover the spill to help absorb the oil/chemical.
(10) Absorbent Socks
Absorbent socks quickly soak up oil, water, coolants, and other liquids. Fully surround the spill with absorbent socks to best contain the spill. It is also good practice to surround any drains with absorbent socks to prevent oil or chemicals from leaving the facility and harming the environment.
Universal Corn Cob Absorbent Sock
(2) 2 lb. Acid Neutralizer Shakers
Acid neutralizer is a granular substance that is poured onto an acidic spill. The granular substance will turn purple once the acid is neutralized.
(1) Flexible Containment Tray
Place the 55-gallon drum on the containment tray so that any leaks or drippage from the drum remains contained within the tray.
(1) Pair of Nitrile Gloves + Goggles
Be sure to wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself from harmful chemicals while you are dealing with the spill.
(4) Disposable Poly Bags with Tie
Dispose of waste such as absorbent pads, cloth rags, paper towels, etc. in the poly bags. Safely tie them up before disposing.
(1) Instruction Sheet
The Universal Spill Kit from Benchmark comes with detailed instructions on how to properly use the contents of the spill kit to clean up/contain a spill
Additional Oil/Chemical Spill Products:
There are additional products that do not come with the Universal Spill Kit that are helpful to have on hand. These products include:
OIL-DRI Premium Absorbent
OIL-DRI Absorbent is a granular substance that is used to clean up oil & other liquid spills. To use this absorbent, first pour the OIL-DRI directly on top of the spill. You should use enough to cover the entire spill if possible. Then, using a dry broom, push the OIL-DRI back and forth over the spill. The spill will be absorbed by the grains and should dry up quickly. Sometimes you will need to pour a second round of OIL-DRI over the spill to fully absorb the liquid.
Absorbent Spill Mat
Spill mats are flat, heavyweight, and durable mats that are placed over top of oil and water-based spills. They can withstand the weight of forklifts and heavy foot traffic so you can continue to work over top of the spill.
Universal Fine Fiber Absorbent Rolls
Absorbent rolls are another great option for absorbing spills. These absorb most all fluids, including aggressive/caustic fluids. They are tough, durable, non-linting, and perforated for easy use.
Universal Fine Fiber Absorbent Rolls
Overpack Drums
It is always a good idea to have additional waste containers on hand should a spill occur. Overpack drums are excellent for spill containment and disposal of hazardous waste. Benchmark Industrial sells both 20-gallon and 90-gallon drums. They come with screw top lids that seal the drum to prevent spills once they have been filled.
Screw Top Over Pack Drum with Lid
If you experience a spill and are not sure the best way to react, you can always call the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. If you have questions regarding a specific spill containment product, feel free to reach out to a Benchmark Industrial Product Expert at 844-823-6246.