Spillage is inevitable, which is why spill control solutions are vital in the workplace. But have you considered whether your existing spill control solutions are still fit for purpose? How long is it since you last carried out a full assessment of your spill control solutions, procedures and when did you last check the spill kits you have within the workplace to make sure that they have not been tampered with, partially used, damaged or simply not replaced quickly enough after the last time they were used?
It's easy to draw a line under spillage health and safety having purchased a range of spill kits and spill control products, but due to the organic nature of business growth, the introduction of new machinery, new methods, the reorganisation of workers, equipment or procedures, or the expansion of certain areas of the business it is all too easy to find your existing spill control products and procedures lacking, and this could well spell disaster when a spillage does occur.
That a spillage will occur is virtually inevitable, although you won't necessarily know what, where, when or how severe it will be. You might get away with it - perhaps you already have been. But should the worst happen, could you cope? Would your spill control products be suitable and sufficient? Do your workers know the procedures, and which products to use, which not to and why?
These questions need to be addressed on a regular basis, since introducing spill kits and spillage control solutions is not the same as introducing some other health and safety solutions. Spillages and their associated risks are often dynamic in nature, which means that the solutions and procedures need to be every bit as dynamic, flexible and up to date in order to ensure that your business can not only cope when a spillage occurs, but that it can do so quickly, effectively, economically and safely.
If an accident should occur as a direct result of a spillage, and it can be demonstrated that your spill control solutions, procedures or equipment was insufficient, out of date or inadequate in any way, you may be facing liability and an expensive litigations process, as well as the negative impression your business will be portraying in the media.
One of the first things that will be necessary in order to thoroughly verify that your business or workplace is sufficiently and appropriately protected with effective spill control solutions is to identify the potential spillages, and check to make sure that the spill kits available close by are suitable.
If, for example, you are using any oil, possibly as a lubricant, or where oil might be introduced through the repairing, maintenance or moving of machinery, it will be essential to make sure that suitable oil only absorbents or oil only spill kits are close by.
Oil is difficult to clear up, and general purpose absorbents will often be of little use in such situations. Oil will very quickly spread, and will cause the floor to be dangerous to walk on. Whether you need to have oil only booms or socks, or other forms of spill control will depend upon the quantity of oil being used, and its location.
Whilst general purpose spill kits can be of tremendous value in a wide range of situations, there are plenty of occasions where spill control solutions which have a more specific purpose are required.
One such case will be where chemicals are used. Chemical spill skits or chemical spill control solutions will often be essential in making sure that any spillage or leakage is dealt with safely and effectively as quickly as possible.
Do not rely upon having general purpose absorbents everywhere - it will be important to make sure that where specific dangers exist, specific and suitable solutions are in place.
But more than this, it will also be essential to make sure that workers in areas where specific absorbents or spill kits are provided are fully aware of the nature of the spill kit and how it should be deployed.
If you find that some spill control solutions or spill kits have been partially used it will be important to make sure these are fully stocked as soon as possible. In many cases it is not necessary to replace the entire spill kit, but to buy spill kit refill instead.
By scheduling regular checks of all spill control solutions to ensure that they are still sufficient, relevant and fully stocked you can ensure that your business is fully compliant with spill control legislation and is ensuring the safety and welfare of workers, as well as the reputation of your company.
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