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What Is a Spill Kit? Purpose, Contents & How to Use It

14/08/2025 ● 3 minute read

Spills happen. Whether it’s oil in a warehouse, chemicals in a lab, or water-based liquids in a manufacturing facility, the ability to respond quickly can make all the difference. That’s where spill kits come in.

If you’ve ever wondered what a spill kit actually is, what it should contain, or how to use one, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your workplace safe, compliant, and spill-ready.

What Is a Spill Kit?

A spill kit is a pre-packed collection of tools and materials designed to clean up and contain liquid spills, both hazardous and non-hazardous. It allows your team to act fast in the event of a spill, helping to prevent harm to people, damage to the environment, and disruptions to your operations.

Spill kits are commonly found in industrial, commercial, and healthcare environments, and are often a requirement under Australian WHS and environmental regulations.

What’s Inside a Spill Kit?

The contents of a spill kit may vary depending on the type of kit (e.g. general purpose, oil & fuel, or hazchem), but most will include:

1. Absorbent Pads and Socks

These are designed to contain and soak up spills quickly. Socks are typically used to surround the spill, while pads absorb the liquid.

2. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

This may include gloves, goggles, and coveralls to ensure the safety of the person handling the spill.

3. Disposal Bags and Ties

After cleaning the spill, used materials must be disposed of properly. Spill kits provide heavy-duty bags and ties for safe containment and disposal.

4. Instruction Sheet

Clear, easy-to-follow directions guide users through the clean-up process, even in high-pressure situations.

5. A Clearly Labelled Bin or Carry Bag

This holds all the components and keeps the kit visible and accessible in case of emergency.

How to Use a Spill Kit

Using a spill kit effectively is crucial to ensuring safety and compliance. Here’s a step-by-step process:

1. Stop the Source (If Safe to Do So)

Before addressing the spill, stop the leak at its source to prevent further spread. This might involve turning off a valve or repositioning a container.

2. Put On PPE

Safety first. Always wear the provided personal protective equipment to reduce exposure to hazardous materials.

3. Contain the Spill

Use absorbent socks to surround the spill and prevent it from spreading. This is especially important near drains or sensitive areas.

4. Absorb the Liquid

Lay down absorbent pads to soak up the liquid. Make sure the entire area is dry and residue-free before proceeding.

5. Dispose of Used Materials

Place used pads, socks, and gloves in the provided disposal bags and seal them securely. Follow your organisation’s disposal protocol or local regulations for hazardous waste.

6. Restock the Spill Kit

A used kit is an empty promise. Ensure it is restocked immediately so it’s ready for the next incident. This is where a managed spill kit service, like the one offered by Fresh & Clean, we can save you time and ensure ongoing compliance.

Why Spill Kits Matter in the Workplace

Spill kits aren’t just a safety tool—they’re a compliance requirement. Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws, as well as environmental protection legislation in each state and territory, require businesses to manage the risk of spills effectively.

Having a properly maintained spill kit on hand helps:

Protect your workers from injury or exposure to harmful substances
Reduce environmental harm, including soil and water contamination
Minimise downtime caused by accidents and clean-up delays
Maintain compliance with WHS and EPA requirements

Essential for Workplace Safety

Spill kits are an essential part of workplace safety, especially in environments that handle liquids, chemicals, oils, or fuels. But having the kit is only half the battle—knowing how to use it, maintaining its contents, and responding promptly are what truly matter.

If you’re unsure whether your spill kits are compliant or up to date, Fresh & Clean’s Managed Spill Kit Service takes care of everything—from installation and site assessments to quarterly inspections and replenishment.