A spill kit is a pre-packed collection of absorbents and tools used to contain and clean up liquid spills. They're designed to respond quickly and effectively to anything from a small oil leak to a hazardous chemical spill.

Why you need one? Simple:

• To protect your people from slips and harmful exposure
• To prevent environmental damage
• To stay compliant with UK health, safety, and environmental laws

There are three main types, colour-coded for clarity:

• Oil-Only Spill Kits (White): Repel water, ideal for hydrocarbons like oils and fuels - even in wet conditions
• Chemical Spill Kits (Yellow): For acids, alkalis, solvents and unknown substances
• Universal / Maintenance Spill Kits (Grey): General-purpose kits for coolants, water-based fluids and non-aggressive liquids

Choose the type that matches the liquids you store or use - or keep more than one on-site if your risks vary.

A well-stocked kit should include:

• Absorbents: Pads, socks, booms, pillows or granules
• Disposal bags: To contain used materials safely
• Clear instructions: Easy-to-follow guidance during an incident
• Optional extras: Drain covers, sealing putty or tools, depending on the application

Kits come in containers ranging from clip-top bags to wheeled bins - size up based on the spill volumes you're likely to face.

Not usually — and that’s intentional. Including ‘standard’ gloves or goggles can give a false sense of preparedness and may not be appropriate for the actual risks.

Best practice:

• Carry out a risk assessment
• Store suitable PPE alongside your kits
• Customise kits with appropriate gear if needed

At SafetyBuyer, we help customers build kits that reflect their real site needs - including PPE where it makes sense.

Anywhere a spill might happen. Think:

• Near oil drums, fuel stores or chemical areas
• At loading bays, workshops, and decanting stations
• Next to forklift battery charging areas or vehicle maintenance zones

They should always be visible, clearly labelled, and easy to access - especially in high-risk or high-traffic locations.

A clear process saves time and reduces risk. We recommend a 7-step approach:

1. Assess the risk – don’t rush in if you’re unsure
2. Isolate the area – stop the source, cordon off, protect drains
3. Contain the spill – use socks or booms
4. Absorb – apply pads, pillows or granules
5. Clean the area – remove residue to avoid slips
6. Dispose safely – used materials may be hazardous
7. Report and restock – always leave your kit ready for next time

But it’s not just about steps - it’s about knowledge. Staff should be trained to identify different types of spills and understand the correct response.

That includes:

• Regular toolbox talks or drills
• Awareness of site-specific substances
• Access to relevant Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

SDS provide crucial information on the hazards of particular chemicals and how to respond to spills safely. That’s why many of our customers combine spill kits with COSHH Information Stations - keeping SDS and emergency instructions clearly visible and accessible, right where they’re needed.

Spill kits should be inspected at least monthly, and after every use.
Make sure:

• Absorbents are clean and in good condition
• All components are present and undamaged
• Used items are replenished promptly

Keep a checklist or inspection log to stay organised and audit-ready.

Spill kits support your compliance with several key UK regulations:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – you must protect workers and others from risk
• COSHH Regulations – you must assess chemical hazards and prepare for spills
• Environmental Protection Act 1990 – you must prevent pollution and manage hazardous waste
• Oil Storage Regulations (England) – you must have spill containment and response in place for oil storage over 200L

Failing to plan for spills can lead to fines, clean-up costs, and environmental damage - so it pays to be prepared.

Absolutely. In fact, we encourage it.

SafetyBuyer offers custom spill kits to match your exact needs:

• Choice of absorbents
• Container types and sizes
• Add-on PPE, signage, or visual station boards

We’ll work with you to create a kit that fits your process, space and safety plan - so you're not paying for things you don’t need or missing what you do.

Visual management can make a huge difference. Our:

• Wall-mounted Spill Stations
• COSHH Safety Boards
• Branded site signage

…help keep kits organised, visible and ready to use - while reinforcing safety awareness across your site.

It’s about turning ‘just in case’ into ‘always ready’.