How to setup right Spill Control & Containment area in your workspace?

Setting up an effective Spill Control and Containment area in the workplace requires careful planning to prevent environmental damage, ensure worker safety, and maintain regulatory compliance. Here’s a step-by-step guide with “six key checkpoints” and detailed explanations.

1. Identify Spill Risks

.    1.1  Assess the types of liquids stored, i.e. Oil, Chemicals, water-based solutions.

.    1.2  Identify high risk zones:

.           ✔  Storage Areas – Where drums, IBCs, or bulk liquids are kept.
.           ✔  Transfer & Dispensing Zones – Where liquids are pumped or transferred.
.           ✔  Machinery & Equipment Areas – Where leaks and drips may occur.
.           ✔  Loading Docks & Transport Areas – Where spills from trucks or tankers can happen.
.           ✔  Drainage & Waterways – If there’s a risk of spills reaching drains or water sources.

.    1.3  Determine spill volume based on the largest container – If multiple containers are stored, use 100% of the largest container OR 10% of the total volume stored, whichever is greater.  For example, If you store one 1,000   .      .   liter IBC, your Spill Kit should absorb at least 1,000 liters, or If you store five 200 liter drums, your Spill Kit should capable to absorb at least 200 liters (largest drum) or 100 liters (10% of total 1,000 liters).

     1.4  Use Multiple Spill Kits  –  If your facility has multiple risk zones, place separate Spill Kit near high risk areas rather than relying on a single large Spill Kit.

•    1.5  Place Spill Kits Strategically

.            ✔ Near storage & transfer points for quick access
.            ✔ Along pathways & exits in case of spills while moving containers
.            ✔ At workstations & machinery zones where leaks frequently occur
.            ✔ Near drains & waterways to prevent spills from spreading
.            ✔ On vehicles & forklifts if transporting hazardous liquids

     1.6  Choose the Right Spill Kit Size:

2. Choose the Right Containment Solutions

•    2.1  Spill Pallets & Trays – For drum and container storage to capture leaks.
•    2.2  Flexible Containment Trays – To place under leaking machineries, or to use as preventive containment.
•    2.3  Containment Berms – For larger tanks (IBCs), vehicles, or other types bulk storage.
•    2.4  Flexible Containment Liners – For large-scale coverage under storage units.
•    2.5  Drain Covers & Seals – To prevent spills from entering drainage systems.

3. Stock Essential Spill Control Products

•    3.1  Spill Kits (oil-only, universal (for non-aggressive chemical and water-based liquids), Hazmat chemical)
•    3.2  Absorbents (Absorbent Pads, Booms, Granules etc. – whichever you use more frequently)
•    3.3  Salvage Drums for safe disposal of spilled material.
•    3.4  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and respirators.

4. Implement Proper Storage & Handling Practices

•    4.1  Store hazardous liquids in FM approved safety cabinets.
•    4.2  Use secondary containment for extra protection.
•    4.3  Label and organize containers clearly to prevent mishandling.

5. Train Employees & Conduct Drills

•    5.1  Educate staff on spill response procedures.
•    5.2  Regularly conduct emergency spill response drills.
•    5.3  Ensure all employees know the location of spill kits, PPE & other related accessories.

6. Establish a Spill Response Plan

•    6.1  Define roles and responsibilities in case of a spill.
•    6.2  Have emergency contact information readily available.
•    6.3  Keep a record of all spills and response actions.