Acid spill kit

Acid Spill Kits in the Workplace

If you use battery-operated forklift trucks or handle acid-based products in your workplace, there is always a risk of an acid spill. For example, a forklift battery cell may rupture, or a battery could be dropped, cracked, and leak acid onto the floor. Similarly, workplaces that store or use acids as part of their processes face the same potential hazard.

In all of these situations, having a dedicated acid spill kit readily available is essential.

What an Acid Spill Kit Contains

This is one example of a typical acid spill kit. Inside, you will find a range of items designed to safely control, absorb, and dispose of acid spills.

Absorbent Socks (or Booms)

The long, sausage-shaped absorbent material is used to contain the spread of acid. If liquid is flowing in a particular direction, you can place these around or in front of the spill to stop it spreading further.

This is especially important in environments such as warehouses, where acid could flow towards drains or walkways.

Absorbent Granules

The kit also contains acid-absorbing granules. These are sprinkled directly onto the spill, where they absorb and neutralise the acid, making it safer to handle.

In higher-risk areas, such as near forklift charging stations or locations where acids are used frequently, you may also have larger sacks of granules stored nearby. These provide greater capacity than the smaller containers included in standard kits. This particular kit includes two tubs of granules.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

To protect the person dealing with the spill, the kit includes appropriate PPE:

• Safety goggles to protect the eyes
• Long nitrile gloves to protect the hands and arms from acid contact

You should always put PPE on before attempting to manage an acid spill.

Cleaning and Disposal Equipment

The kit also includes:

• A hazardous waste bag for disposal
• A dustpan and brush to sweep up the used granules
• Absorbent mats that can be placed directly onto liquid acid to soak it up

Once used, the absorbent socks, mats, and granules are placed into the hazardous waste bag.

Test Strips and Instructions

Most kits also include:

• Clear instructions on how to use the contents safely
• Acid test strips, which allow you to confirm whether a liquid is acidic and assess its strength if you are unsure

After Using the Spill Kit

Acid spill kits are generally single-use. Once the spill has been dealt with:

• All contaminated materials are placed into the hazardous waste bag
• The bag is sealed using the provided cable tie
• The entire kit is treated as contaminated waste

Do not dispose of the waste in general rubbish bins unless your local policy explicitly allows it. Disposal requirements can vary, so always follow your organisation’s procedures and local regulations for hazardous waste.

Having the correct spill kit, knowing where it is stored, and understanding how to use it properly can significantly reduce risk and help keep everyone safe in the event of an acid spill.