In any industrial workplace – whether it’s a machine shop, a construction site, or a warehouse – spills happen. Oils, chemicals, fuels, and even water can quickly create major hazards for both workers and the environment.
That’s why carrying spill control solutions is a necessity for your team and your workspace.
In this blog, we’ll break down why spill control matters, the different types of solutions available, how to choose the right products for your site, and what health and safety officers will look for during inspections.
Why Is Spill Control So Important?
Spills, if not handled properly, can lead to:
- Slip and fall injuries
- Damage to equipment and surfaces
- Fire hazards
- Environmental contamination
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Costly fines for non-compliance with regulations
Having the right spill control products readily available helps you:
- Minimize downtime
- Protect your team
- Meet health, safety, and environmental standards
- Avoid hefty penalties
The Problem: Not All Spills Are Created Equal
Depending on your operations, spill size, and the material spilled, you’ll need different tools and approaches to your clean up.
To sum up, a small oil drip under a forklift doesn’t need the same response as a leaking chemical drum.
The Solution: Spill Control Options Explained
Here’s a breakdown of the core spill control products we offer, and when to use them:
1. Absorbent Pads
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What they are: Lightweight sheets made to soak up spills on contact.
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Use for: Minor spills and leaks (up to a few gallons).
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Commonly used with: Oils, coolants, solvents, and water.
- 💡Pro Tip: Keep pads on hand in workstations, vehicles, and maintenance rooms for quick cleanups.
2. Absorbent Socks
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What they are: Flexible tubes filled with absorbent material.
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Use for: Containing and redirecting spills, especially around machinery or along walls.
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Commonly used with: Oils and liquids that may spread across floors.
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💡Pro Tip: Line the base of heavy equipment with socks to prevent fluid migration.
3. Absorbent Pillows
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What they are: Compact, high-capacity cushions.
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Use for: Soaking up pooled spills, especially under leaking equipment.
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Commonly used with: Heavy oils, hydraulic fluids, and chemical leaks.
4. Waste Disposal Bags
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What they are: Heavy-duty, chemical-resistant bags for safe disposal.
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Use for: Collecting used absorbents after a spill is cleaned up.
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💡Pro Tip: Always dispose of used materials according to local hazardous waste regulations.
5. Spill Kits
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What they are: All-in-one kits containing pads, socks, pillows, gloves, and disposal bags.
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Use for: Immediate response to a variety of spills.
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Commonly used for: Worksites, vehicles, warehouses, and shipping/receiving areas.
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Sizing: We offer kits for small (up to 5 gallons), medium (up to 20 gallons), and large (up to 65 gallons) spill scenarios.
6. Spill Decks
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What they are: Low-profile containment platforms for drums and heavy containers.
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Use for: Preventing spills from oil drums and chemical totes.
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Commonly used for: Long-term drum storage areas.
How to Choose the Right Spill Control Setup
A health and safety officer’s main task is ensuring that you and your team are taking the necessary precautions/methods in case of a hazardous incident. They might ask:
- “How would you contain a spill?” or "What is your plan in case of a spill?"
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“Where are your spill kits located?”
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“How many gallons can you contain?”
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“Do you have the right absorbents for the materials on-site?”
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“Are your spill kits fully stocked?”
To decide what you need, ask yourself:
1. What liquids are handled on-site?
(Oil, chemicals, water-based products?)
2. What is the largest possible spill?
(Think worst-case scenario: a full drum tipping over.)
3. Where are the most likely spill points?
(Loading docks, maintenance shops, chemical storage rooms.)
4. How quickly can your team respond?
(Kits and supplies should be located within arm’s reach of high-risk areas.)
General Rule:
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Small machinery leaks: Pads and socks.
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Heavy equipment: Kits and pillows.
- Multiple oil drums: Spill decks plus kits.
Refilling and Replenishment: Stay Ready
At SupplyNow, our priority is providing your team with the proper equipment to counteract and/or avoid hazardous incidents at all. We offer:
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Complete Spill Kits — Ready to deploy
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Component Parts — Individually stock pads, socks & pillows
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Refill Packs — Keep your kits stocked easily
Regular checks and refills ensure you’re always inspection-ready — and more importantly, prepared to protect your team and site.
Final Thought: Plan Ahead, Act Fast
Spills are unpredictable — your response shouldn’t be.
By having the right spill control solutions in place, you’re protecting your workers, your business, and the environment.
Need help building the right spill control program for your site?
Our team is ready to help you select complete kits, custom components, and proper storage options to keep you safe and compliant.