Absorbents

Oil-only absorbents are hydrophobic, soaking up oils and fuels while repelling water, so they work on water surfaces. Chemical or hazmat absorbents handle aggressive substances like acids and solvents. Universal, or maintenance, absorbents pick up most non-aggressive liquids including water, oils and coolants. Colour coding often distinguishes them, so match the absorbent to the liquid involved.

Use pads for wiping and small drips and leaks at workstations, rolls to cover larger surfaces or line walkways under machinery, and booms or socks to surround a spill, contain its spread or protect drains. Many facilities combine all three, using booms to contain and pads or granules to soak up the remaining liquid.

Absorbency depends on the sorbent's weight, thickness and material, with heavier, thicker pads holding more liquid, and manufacturers state a capacity per pad or per bale. Bonded or meltblown polypropylene sorbents are common. To estimate needs, match the total sorbent capacity to your largest credible spill volume so you can fully contain and recover it.

Store absorbents clean, dry and sealed against dust and moisture so they perform when needed, and keep stock rotated and restocked after use. Used absorbents saturated with hazardous liquids become contaminated waste and must be bagged and disposed of according to the chemical's safety data sheet and local hazardous waste regulations, not placed in general rubbish.