Spill Kits: Types, Absorbent Capacity and Sizing
A spill of fuel, solvent or acid has to be held, soaked up and bagged before it reaches a drain or an ignition source. Under the model WHS laws, explained in Safe Work Australia's model Code of Practice, emergency equipment must be available where hazardous chemicals are kept, and that the type needed to contain and clean up spills depends on the type and quantity of chemicals on site.
What the code of practice asks for
The model WHS Regulations, explained in Safe Work Australia's model Code of Practice, say that where there is a risk of a spill or leak of a hazardous chemical, a business must provide, so far as is reasonably practicable, a spill containment system that keeps the spill and any resulting effluent within the workplace. The system must describe how to contain, clean up and dispose of the spill, and must not bring incompatible chemicals together. Victoria has its own regulations, so Victorian sites should also check WorkSafe Victoria's guidance.
The code's examples of emergency equipment include absorbent material suitable for the chemical likely to be spilled, booms or flexible sheeting to keep spillage out of drains and waterways, hand tools, and protective clothing for the people doing the clean-up. It also suggests a written clean-up procedure for spills.
Safe Work Australia's guidance on flammable liquids lists cleaning up leaks and spills immediately using a spill kit as one of its example rules for a workplace.
Hazchem, oil and fuel, and general purpose kits
Spill kits are sold by the type of liquid they absorb. According to Global Spill Control, chemical (hazchem) kits handle hazardous substances including acids, bases and aggressive chemicals, oil and fuel kits are made for oil and fuel spills, and general purpose kits handle non-hazardous liquids such as water, paints and grease.
The maker describes its hazchem absorbents as inert, and says they will not degrade or chemically react with absorbed liquids. Its oil and fuel absorbents are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water, which suits spills in the rain or in drains and sumps. See the small hazchem spill kit and the small oil and fuel spill kit.
| Kit type | Made for, according to the maker |
|---|---|
| Hazchem (chemical) | Hazardous substances, including acids, bases and aggressive chemicals |
| Oil and fuel | Oil and fuel spills; absorbents repel water |
| General purpose | Non-hazardous liquids such as water, paints and grease |
How absorbent capacity is rated
Makers rate a spill kit by the volume of liquid its absorbents can take up. The hazchem wheelie bin spill kit is rated up to 185 litres, and the small oil and fuel kit up to 26 litres.
Global Spill Control states that actual absorbent capacity varies with the liquid's viscosity, specific gravity and temperature.
Sizing a kit to your site
The code of practice says any spill containment system should be large enough to hold all spills safely until they are cleaned up. The factors it lists include the quantity of hazardous chemicals, the size of the largest container or reasonably foreseeable largest spill, and whether the absorbent materials are compatible with the chemicals.
The code gives these as factors to consider rather than a set kit size. Global Spill Control also suggests looking at the size and layout of the workspace, which decides how many kits are needed and where they go. A hazchem grab bag is one option between a small kit and a wheelie bin.
Pads, booms and loose absorbent
Pads are for wiping up spills. The maker says its hazchem absorbent pads suit wiping up most spills and reduce slip hazards; they come in 45cm x 45cm sheets.
Booms stop a spill spreading. According to the maker, the hazchem absorbent boom forms a barrier around drums, tanks and machinery and helps protect stormwater drains.
Some kits also carry loose absorbent. The small hazchem kit includes inert absorbent particulate, and the oil and fuel kit includes Global Peat floorsweep.
Where kits are kept and checked
The code says emergency equipment must be located so it is readily accessible for all workers if an emergency arises. For organic peroxide stores, the code says to keep spill containment equipment close to the store. Cabinets for flammable and corrosive liquids are covered on the chemical storage cabinets page.
Global Spill Control recommends regular inspection so kits stay fully stocked, replacing used items, and spill drills so staff know where kits are. Its wheelie bin kit carries an audit tag that shows when the kit has been opened. The maker also advises checking the Safety Data Sheet before cleaning up a spill.
ChemMan, from Lupin Systems, keeps safety data sheets in one place and works out signage and PPE from what you store. The dangerous goods classes page sets out the classes those chemicals fall into.
The gear we stock
Signs for the same area
Common questions
What is the difference between a hazchem and an oil and fuel spill kit?
According to Global Spill Control, hazchem kits are for hazardous substances including acids, bases and aggressive chemicals, while oil and fuel kits are made for oil and fuel spills. Oil and fuel absorbents repel water.
What does the litre rating on a spill kit mean?
It is the maker's rated absorbent capacity. Global Spill Control states that actual capacity varies with the liquid's viscosity, specific gravity and temperature.
Does the hazardous chemicals code of practice call for a spill kit?
The model WHS Regulations, as explained in the model Code of Practice, say that where there is a risk of a spill or leak of a hazardous chemical, a spill containment system must be provided, so far as is reasonably practicable. Victoria has its own regulations. Its examples of emergency equipment include absorbent material suitable for the chemical likely to be spilled.
How big should a spill kit be?
The code of practice lists factors to consider, including the quantity of chemicals and the size of the largest container or reasonably foreseeable largest spill. It does not set a kit size.
Where should a spill kit be kept?
The code of practice says emergency equipment must be located so it is readily accessible for all workers if an emergency arises.
How often should a spill kit be checked?
Global Spill Control recommends regular inspection so the kit stays fully stocked, and replacing any used or damaged items.
Related guides
Sources
- Safe Work Australia, Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace (2023)
- Safe Work Australia, Model WHS Regulations
- WorkSafe Victoria, Dangerous goods
- Safe Work Australia, Storage of flammable liquids (guidance material, July 2020)
- Global Spill Control, Spill Kit Selection Guide: Choosing the Right Spill Kit for Your Workplace
- Global Spill Control, SKC120 hazchem spill response kit, up to 185 litres
- Global Spill Control, SKHMT oil and fuel spill kit, up to 26 litres
- Global Spill Control, Hazchem sorbent pad 45cm x 45cm
- Global Spill Control, Chemical absorbent booms 1.2 x 7.5cm
- Global Spill Control, SKCMT small hazchem spill kit
- Lupin Systems, ChemMan
Checked against the sources above on 2026-10-21.
General information, not advice for your site. What protection a job needs comes from the Safety Data Sheet, the task and your risk assessment. The statements on this page are taken from the sources listed below and were checked on the date shown. Check the source, or ask your regulator.
Which liquids does your spill kit need to handle?
ChemMan, from Lupin Systems, keeps your safety data sheets in one place and works out the signage and the PPE from what you store.