How to build a spill kit and choose the right absorbents
A spill kit stops leaking liquids fast and to standard. This guide explains how to select absorbents by medium, size the absorbency capacity correctly and match your stock to the hazard level.
View spill kitsWhich absorbent suits which medium?
Absorbents are selected by the leaking medium and identified through a colour system. Universal (grey) pick up water-based and oily liquids, oil-only (white) absorb oil and fuel selectively while floating on water, and chemical (yellow) resist aggressive acids and alkalis.
The colour code follows common industry convention and prevents mix-ups in an emergency. Oil-only absorbents are further classed by oil uptake and water suitability, with type III rated for open water.
How do I size the absorbency capacity?
A kit must at least cover the largest expected spill volume. As a rule of thumb, use the volume of the largest single container in the area, often a 200-litre drum or part of an IBC.
- Pads: flat surface absorption, roughly 0.8 to 1.5 litres per pad depending on weight.
- Rolls: for large areas and cut to size as needed.
- Cushions and pillows: for heavy, localised leaks under machines.
- Socks: contain and channel the medium before it spreads.
- Granulate: for uneven floors and hard-to-reach spots.
How much emergency material should I stock?
The quantity depends on the water hazard class (WGK) and the storage volume of the substances handled. For WGK 3 and water-polluting chemicals, larger retention capacity and readily available mobile kits are required.
Spill kits are kept at defined, marked stations and must not be left part-empty after use. A fixed refill process and an annual completeness check form part of the operating instructions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between universal and oil-only absorbent?
Universal absorbents pick up water-based and oily media, while oil-only types are hydrophobic and take up only oil and fuel, floating on water. For spills near water the white oil-only absorbent is the first choice.
How large should a spill kit be?
Capacity should at least cover the largest single container in the area, plus about 25 percent reserve. Typical kits offer between 90 and 240 litres of uptake.
How is saturated absorbent disposed of?
Contaminated absorbent counts as hazardous waste. It is collected separately by the medium absorbed and disposed of through a certified waste contractor.
Why does the water hazard class matter?
The WGK determines the retention and absorbent quantity to keep on hand. The higher the class, the greater the required capacity and the demand for fast availability.
Looking for a spill kit?
We assemble spill kits by medium and hazard - universal, oil-only and chemical absorbents including bund, socks and disposal bag.
Sorted by medium
Universal, oil and chemical clearly colour-coded.
Hazard-class ready
Stock matched to the water hazard class.
Ready to deploy
Mobile kits with a defined station.
Expert advice
Specialists size your kit.