OSHA Oil Spill Kit Requirements
Are oil spill kits required by OSHA? The simple answer is, no.
While there are many OSHA and EPA requirements on how to be prepared for oil spills, the regulations do not specifically require spills kits.
Even though it’s not required, there should always be proper spill supplies on hand and easily accessible in case you need them. This could include the following:
- Spill kits
- Wet Mops
- PPE (safety glasses, gloves, boot covers, face mask)
- First Aid
- Pump
- Absorbent mats or socks, or berms to quickly contain the spill
- Plugging device to stop the leak
- Drain protectors to minimize environmental impact
Spill kits are a good best-management practice under the EPA SPCC rule and the OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.22, Subpart D rule (walking/working surfaces must be kept dry and clean). A spill kit can:
- Reduce the potential for slips, trips, and falls
- Reduce exposure to employees
- Prevent chemical release to sewer and waterways
- Be integrated as part of a quick response plan for a quick and safe response protocol
- Reduce risk and limit impacts of spills
What should be in a spill kit depends on the potential spill size, type of spill, and if workers will have the appropriate PPE available. For example, an oil spill kit may contain a variety of oil absorbents, safety gloves, and a wet mop.
Spill kits are generally good for oil spills up to around 100 gallons. After that, additional tools and methods might be needed, such as a pump.
Documenting Spills
Example of a Spill Kit Seal
Depending on the spill size, the spill may be a reportable spill to OSHA and EPA. Regardless, it’s a good idea to report all uses of a spill kit in your facility.
Employees should report any spill kit usage to the safety manager.
In addition, the spill kits should be regularly inspected to ensure they are properly replenished. Adding a seal to the spill kits (pictured to the right) will help simplify the inspection process.
If you have a spill kit service such as SorbIts®, any usage is reported by the ITU AbsorbTech service team during routine inspections.
What to do with your Used Absorbents after a Spill
Wondering what to do with your used absorbents? Please refer to The Ultimate Guide: How to Dispose of Used Rags and Oil Absorbents.
As an alternative to disposal, consider switching to reusable absorbent service where your used absorbents get laundered for reuse. With a reuse program, there is no disposal, incineration, or manifesting needed, saving you the hassle and cost of disposal.
About ITU AbsorbTech
ITU AbsorbTech is one of the largest family-owned industrial laundry service companies in the nation.
We help manufacturers eliminate a waste stream and support safety goals with reuse and recycling programs such as printer and shop towels, reusable oil absorbents, garments, and slip prevention floor mats.
Company News
- Tee Up Fore the Cure Raises $220,000 for T1D ResearchNovember 7, 2023
- Recognized by MMSD and ReWa for Water ConservationAugust 11, 2023
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Hallman Lindsay Greenfield
20:59 30 Jan 20
We have used ITU Absorbtech at our location for years now. Skyler always does a great job. He is very professional and efficient.read more
Kim Hoffman
18:51 30 Jan 20
ITU has been Venango Steel's uniform and mat supplier for nine years. It has been a great partnership. The quality of the products meets or exceeds expectations. Jeff Miller is our representative and Chad Prather is our route driver. They go the extra step to keep the customer happy !
Thank you Jeff & Chad !read more
Randy Groth
14:48 30 Jan 20
Our rep is Branislov and our manager is Kieth both are very friendly and give us great service. We have had ITU for over 40 years. I like what they do for "coats for kids" by cleaning all the donated clothes. Also they are a very environmentally aware company.read more
john wyszkowski
15:50 29 Jan 20
CDM Tool has been using ITU for a long time. They have dedicated drivers. Bob our driver knows our company so well, he is able to tell based on our supply's that are used how business is going. He then adjusts so we don't overpay. The best part is that they don't create more work for me. We have never had an issue with lost uniforms.read more
Krystal Smith
15:16 24 Jan 20
L&S Insulation has been a customer for many years and Absorbtech has really reliable mats, always fresh and clean. Skyler has amazing customer service and is super friendly. :)read more
Jeff Foshey
00:40 05 Feb 19
Family owned company that truly takes care of their employees and customers as if they were family!!!
Jessica Wasmuth
19:54 23 Jan 18
Customer service is great! Dave and Bernie are amazing, very helpful and respond quickly. Staff is friendly and professional.read more
Dan Behmke
16:35 20 Dec 17
Bob Casey is my route driver, very nice guy, always takes care of everything. I have been with ITU for better than 20 years, I would never change. Merry Christmas Bob C.read more
Krystle Genz
17:12 15 Dec 17
Very easy to work with. Matt is a phenomenal salesman, great personality. Brian our service representative is always very courteous and pleasant to work with. A great change for our company and glad we are doing business with them.read more
Amy Kreckler
20:37 01 Dec 17
Our company has done business with ITU for 15+ years. They give good prices and good customer service. I would recommend them. Easy to deal with. (AFI Direct Service, Inc.)read more
Deborah Young
16:16 28 Nov 17
Bob Casey is our representative and has been for many years. Bob always has a smile and is very upbeat. It is a pleasure to have Bob as our rep!read more
My Account
17:05 22 Nov 17
Bob Casey is extremely helpful and always upbeat! He always has our companies best interests in mind, making suggestions to that end and is great at communication. I look forward to working with Bob for many more years!read more
Todd Birkel
16:15 22 Nov 17
Our Route Representative, Bob Casey, is very conscientious, courteous and extremely helpful. He continually looks for areas we can improve or adjust as our usage and needs evolve, and suggest products as appropriate.
Thank youread more