With oil only pads as the primary absorbent, these oil and fuel spill kits are designed for use on sealed surface such as a workshop floor. The component pads are ideal for proactive applications such as positioning under leaking machinery. They are packed in hard wearing high-visibility bags or bins and contain everything you need to address spills from 20 up to 770 litres.
The new Australian Standard for the storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids (AS1940-2017) covers significant changes related to spill control. Here we will present a summary of these changes and their impact with regard to the provision of spill response equipment. Many Standards aim to provide voluntary guidance on industry practices; however, this particular Standard is a very significant one for Australian industry as it is called up in Australian state and territory regulations.
Among the many changes, the single most significant change is the introduction of the term ‘Spill Response Kit’ into the Standard’s description as seen in Section 2.3.4. In the previous version, a typical spillage kit as described in this section as:
a. a metal bin with a tightly-fitting lid partially filled with a non-combustible absorbent such as vermiculite;
b. broom, shovel, face shield, chemically-resistant boots and gloves; and
c. a suitable respirator.
The current version of the Standard has introduced the term ‘spill response kit’ and updated the description to better reflect improvements in spill kit design:
a. a readily identifiable, suitable container with a lid or cover containing absorbent materials;
b. suitable personal protective equipment; and
c. suitable equipment required for spill clean-up.
The section that states that the spill response capacity should be based on the loss of contents of the largest container kept remain unchanged, while the requirement for spills to be cleaned up immediately is still mandatory.
Section 9.4 of the new AS1940 goes into more detail about spill response kit contents. Section 9.4 of the Standard has changed its title from ‘Management of Leaks and Spills’ to ‘Management of Above-Ground Leaks and Spills’.
Clause 9.4.2 of this section has also been considerably revised: Whereas this section previously had reference to the requirement of a range of neutralising agents and sand for use in response to Class 3 liquid spills, the new clause states:
In order to deal with leaks and spills, a spill response kit shall be readily available where flammable or combustible liquids are stored, dispensed or in transit storage.
Note that a spill response kit is now a mandatory requirement for sites handling Class 3 flammable liquids.
This section goes into more detail on the contents of a typical spill response kit: A simple spill response kit should consist of some or all absorbent pads, booms, loose absorbent and contaminated waste bags that are packed in readily identifiable weather-resistant containers and are compatible with the liquids stored.
Section 8 of AS1940-2017 describes the requirements for all installations where tank vehicles are filled.
The new Clause 8.2.6.1(d) states:
d. A spill response kit shall be positioned within 15m of the tank fill point.
There have also been changes made to Section 9.8, which covers the requirements of construction and maintenance work where Class 3 liquids are kept. Clause 9.8.1 of the new Standard states:
No construction or maintenance work shall be carried out where flammable and combustible liquids are kept unless a hazard identification and risk assessment has been undertaken, appropriate controls are in place and with written authorisation from a person designated for the purpose by the occupier of the premises.
Section 9.8.3 goes on to state:
Except for routine, non-hazardous work, any work within the restricted area shall be authorised by means of a work permit.
The previous Standard AS1940-2004 did not give any consideration to assessing the risk of spill prior to the commencement. The new Standard has added Clause 9.8.3(h), which states that it is now mandatory that the work permit contains a statement regarding the spill response equipment required.
If a risk of a spill is identified in the work permit, Section 9.8.4 now requires appropriate spill response equipment to be provided.
Spill Station Australia site auditors have been trained in the new requirements as stated in AS1940-2017.
Contact Spill Station Australia to ensure compliance of your spill response capacity with the new Standard.
A spill kit is designed primarily to aid in the cleaning of spills in the workplace, but in addition to this, a spill kit will also help to keep your staff safe in the event of a spill. This is because spill kits are often used to aid in spills of materials that may harm people or the environment, and this is a requirement of work safety as well as environmental safety. Failure to correctly employ the right spill kits can incur fines.
Oil/fuel spill kits are spill kits that range in size from small kits to large stationary kits to be used within a specific area in a facility. An oil spill kit will have special materials that repel water to only absorb oil spills. For larger water spills there are materials in the kit that can be used to separate the oil from the water and keep waterways clean. These types of spill kits often have absorbent booms, absorbent pads and absorbent socks as well as protective equipment like gloves, goggles and removal equipment like bags and ties.
There is no fixed answer to this, but it should ideally be done on a regular and long-term basis. When a check is done, the spill kit’s stock levels need to be checked and all the equipment needs to be in working order and not expired. Spill Station can help audit and teach you to get on top of this aspect of having a spill kit onsite.
Personal protection equipment or PPE will come in handy when cleaning up spills. If you buy a kit from a distributor such as Spill Station, who knows the Australian Standards, you don’t need to worry about having the right things in the kit. But, in general, you will find respiratory protection, gloves and booties, eye and face protection, coveralls or disposable lab coats in a spill kit.
Technically, yes. A general-purpose spill kit can absorb oils and fuels, but not to the same effect as a purpose-made spill kit. For example, if your oil spill is on water, oil-only absorbents are a requirement for effective cleaning.
Yes, but once again, it will not be as effective. Oil Spill Kits are often designed to clean hydrocarbon spills on water, so paint thinners and paint itself will be better suited to a chemical spill kit, which better fits its purpose. But, if your paint is oil-based, an oil spill kit may be useful.
Yes. Storing dangerous liquids is a great start, but if you are ever handling or moving these liquids it's important to have a spill kit available, not just to protect your staff, but also to prevent contaminants from entering drains or waterways.
This really depends on your facility and industry, and if you require help with this, Spill Station offers auditing services to help make life easier.
But, for those who would like to know, here are some general rules:
Loading docks: due to the movement of items and a higher likelihood of accidents, the loading docks are a great place to have a spill kit.
Production lines or manufacturing lines: these are where products are made, and in some industries a spill, leak or drip will cause accidents and stop production. By having spill kits in these busy areas, production will stop for less time.
Fluid stations: it is guaranteed that spills, leaks and drips will happen around any area where fluid is being transferred from one area to the next.
Outdoor storage areas: wherever storage of materials happens, there is a potential for spills to happen. If this spill happens outside, there is an added risk that you will cause leaks into nearby waterways, drains, the gutter or the grass.
Forklifts: Any area where forklifts operate is a place that is full of movement. This makes the area more prone to spills. By equipping forklifts with a small spill kit, you can stop spills from getting out of hand and make the area safer overall.
One of the ways to make sure a spill kit is actually used correctly is to0 make sure staff are aware of the contents of a spill kit, when to use it, how to use it and how to restock it.
Operating procedures are essential and safety training should already be given to staff, so adding your spill kit to your existing safety procedure training should not be too stressful.
At Spill Station, we can train you to train your staff, this way, everyone is aware of how to remain safe at work.
If you need to know more or want to find out more about our oil, fuel and chemical spill kits in Australia, contact us anytime at Spill Station. We’re happy to train, audit and help keep Australian businesses and the environment as safe as possible.
