Choosing the right spill kit depends on the type of liquid, the potential spill size, and where it will be used. Selecting the correct kit helps you respond quickly, minimise environmental impact and maintain a safer workplace.
Step 1: Identify the liquid
Oil & Fuel Spill Kits
Choose an oil-only spill kit if you work with:
- Engine oil
- Diesel
- Petrol
- Hydraulic oil
- Lubricants
- Kerosene
Best for: Garages, workshops, transport depots, construction sites, marinas and outdoor areas.
Important: Oil-only absorbents repel water, making them ideal for outdoor use where spills may occur in wet conditions.
General Purpose Spill Kits
Suitable for:
- Water-based liquids
- Coolants
- Paints
- Solvents
Best for: Factories, warehouses, maintenance workshops and general industrial environments.
Chemical Spill Kits
Designed for:
- Acids
- Alkalis
- Aggressive chemicals
- Hazardous liquids
- Laboratory chemicals
Best for: Laboratories, chemical stores, manufacturing facilities and healthcare settings.
Always check the chemical's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to confirm compatibility before use.
Step 2: Estimate the largest spill
Choose a spill kit that can absorb at least the largest likely spill.
| Potential Spill | Recommended Kit |
|---|---|
| Up to 18 litres | 20L Spill Kit |
| Up to 36 litres | 40L Spill Kit |
| Up to 54 litres | 60L Spill Kit |
| Up to 73 litres | 80L Spill Kit |
| Up to 110 litres | 120L Spill Kit |
| Up to 220 litres | 240L Spill Kit |
If you're unsure, it's generally better to choose the next size up.
Step 3: Consider where it will be used
Vehicle Spill Kits
- Company vehicles
- Vans
- HGVs
- Mobile engineers
Workshop Spill Kits
- Maintenance areas
- Engineering workshops
- Garages
Warehouse Spill Kits
- Loading bays
- Storage areas
- Production lines
Outdoor Spill Kits
- Fuel storage
- Construction sites
- Marinas
- Agricultural locations
Typical recommendations
| Workplace | Recommended Kit |
|---|---|
| Small workshop | 20L–40L General Purpose |
| Garage | 40L Oil & Fuel |
| Warehouse | 80L General Purpose |
| Fuel storage area | 120L Oil & Fuel |
| Chemical store | Chemical Spill Kit |
| Construction site | 80L–120L Oil & Fuel |
| Delivery van | 20L Vehicle Spill Kit |
| HGV | 40L Vehicle Spill Kit |
What's included in a spill kit?
Most spill kits contain:
- Absorbent pads
- Absorbent socks
- Disposal bags
- Cable ties
- Protective gloves
- Instruction sheet
Contents may vary depending on the kit size and application.
SpillCore Recommendation
Choose a spill kit based on:
- The liquid you need to absorb.
- The largest spill you may encounter.
- The location where the kit will be used.
Selecting the correct spill kit ensures faster response times, reduces clean-up costs and helps maintain a safer, more compliant workplace.