A Simple Guide to Handling Oil Spills in the Workplace

Oil spills can happen anywhere — from workshops and transport depots to marine operations, mining sites, and industrial facilities. Responding quickly and correctly protects people, minimises environmental impact, and helps maintain compliance.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to effective spill management.

Step 1 – Make the Area Safe

As soon as a spill is identified, restrict access to the spill zone and stop work in the area until it is contained. Only trained personnel should enter the zone, wearing the appropriate protective equipment.

Step 2 – Identify the Spill

Determine the type of oil or liquid that has been spilled, estimate its volume, and assess where it may spread. Pay attention to nearby drains, waterways, or sensitive equipment that could be affected. Drain covers and containment booms from SpillPro can help protect these areas while you assess the situation.

Step 3 – Contain the Spill

If it is safe to do so, stop the spill at its source. Then use absorbent booms, or pads to prevent it from spreading further. Block drains and isolate the area to keep the spill contained.

Step 4 – Absorb the Spill

Choose absorbents suited to the type of liquid and the environment. Start at the edges of the spill and work towards the centre, replacing saturated absorbents as needed. SpillPro offers oil and fuel absorbent pads and rolls, general purpose absorbent pads and rolls,  Hazchem pads and rolls, and spill kits for every different type of application.

Step 5 – Dispose of Waste Safely

Once the spill is absorbed, place all used absorbents and contaminated PPE into disposal bags included in your SpillPro spill kit. Arrange for compliant disposal through an approved service. SpillPro’s rag bin servicing and hazardous waste disposal services can take care of this for you.

Step 6 – Clean and Review

Clean the affected area using the appropriate cleaning agents, then inspect it for any hazards, before resuming work. Finally, review the incident and update your spill response procedures if necessary. SpillPro can also provide degreasers, cleaning products, and spill response training to help you stay prepared.

Be Ready Before It Happens

The best spill response is a prepared one. SpillPro offers spill kits, absorbents, containment tools, training, and waste disposal services for industries including mining, defence, marine, oil and gas, transport, industrial, councils, and utilities.

Contact our team on 1800 368 450 to create a tailored spill preparedness plan for your site.