Chemical Spills

In a work environment where chemical products are handled occasionally or regularly, it is imperative to be well prepared for an accidental chemical spill. Whether it's a spilled container or a leak, risk comes in many forms. Reacting correctly to this inconvenience minimizes the risks both for the equipment and for the people present. Additionally, knowing how to react helps prevent the situation from getting worse.

Explore our full range of personal protective equipment (PPE) accessories, including items such as headlamps, torches, tool carriers, belts, and cutter blades. Each accessory is carefully selected to ensure safety and comfort in your professional environment.

What to do in the event of a harmful chemical spill?

The accidental spillage of hazardous chemicals and liquids sometimes occurs during their design. To avoid damage, you must act as quickly as possible, taking into account these few tips:

Respect official guidelines

It is emergency responders who identify risks while giving instructions adapted to the public. Depending on their training, you may be required to stay in the building you are in or move to an elevated area, or even quickly evacuate the area. Ideally, you should carry your emergency kit by putting it in a portable device such as a suitcase with wheels or a duffel.

Leave enclosed areas

If you notice chemicals being spilled in an enclosed area such as a building or a subway, do not breathe the vapors and leave as quickly as possible. Without hesitation, report the nearby police station and call the ambulance and fire services immediately. According to health professionals, you can undergo decontamination treatment. In all cases, listen to the directives of local authorities.

Follow medical treatment

Faced with exposure to a dangerous liquid or a chemical substance, quarantine is possible. Since the origin of the chemical in question is not immediately revealed, the intervention of public health professionals is requested. The treatment you will receive depends on the symptoms. To avoid making the situation worse, you should take into account any unusual symptoms. If you experience abnormal heart or breathing rhythm, complexion, reaction or sweating, notify public health agencies or medical personnel immediately.

How to intervene in the event of an accidental spill of dangerous products?

If the situation does not expose you to danger, you can act to block the source. Any company that engages in the design or handling of chemical substances must have absorbent products. This equipment is only used in emergencies and in industrial environments. To fully control the source, it is necessary to choose a suitable absorbent.

Chemical absorbent: what is it?

Spills of chemical substance or leaks can occur in countless cases such as an overturned drum, a damaged machine that loses liquid or an damaged heavy goods vehicle carrying chemicals. An absorbent absorbs and recovers, via capillarity, all liquid leaks which promote rejection and pollution in the environment all around. Absorbents designed for industrial sectors are capable of controlling and limiting the flow of chemical agents.

The different types of absorbents, harmful chemicals

To effectively absorb dangerous products in liquid form, two absorbents are available to you:

• Natural absorbents in absorbent powder or granules composed of mineral and plant absorbents.
• Synthetic absorbents including absorbent sheets, absorbent mats designed with absorbent material, absorbent tubes for oils and absorbent rolls. Without forgetting that this type also exists in absorbent kit version.

Find absorbents for chemicals on Oxwork

A complete range of absorbents for chemical products awaits you on your Oxwork store. Choose from the Portwest catalog consisting of:

Maintenance mat

Absorbent, this maintenance mat has open edges. It also benefits from excellent resistance to avoid stagnation of the liquid even when the latter is saturated. Delivered in packs of 200 mats, this model is recommended for use in industrial sectors. Standardized BS 7359-1 and BS 7959-3, this absorption device complies with the safety and health standards imposed.

Absorbent roll

This absorbent maintenance device from the brand is a real ally for professionals in the workshop. With its open edges, this roller promises rapid drainage of any oil-based liquid. Also, this absorbent roll meets the current standards BS 7959-1 and BS 7959-3.

Absorbent maintenance kit

Very economical, this Portwest kit is delivered in a polyethylene container with two yellow wheels. This is an important function to facilitate its movement to the point of chemical spill. This device complies with BS 7959-1 and BS 7959 standards.

Chemical absorbents play a crucial role among personal protective equipment (PPE) in the field of hazardous substances management. With features such as retention, capacity and spill protection, these absorbents provide a reliable solution for the safe handling of chemicals. Available in varying capacities, from small absorbent bags to larger absorbent socks, these products are designed to meet specific absorbency needs. Made from polypropylene, these absorbents provide optimal strength and durability while ensuring effective liquid retention.

Some models are specifically designed for hydrocarbons, providing a targeted solution for oil and fuel spills. Absorbents are often packaged in cartons for easy distribution and can be stored in dedicated cabinets. Clear labels on packaging make it easy to quickly identify the characteristics of each absorbent. In summary, chemical absorbents are an essential part of PPE, ensuring safe management of hazardous substances and spills, while providing convenient storage and use options.