Spill Control 101: How to Respond Quickly and Stay Compliant

When a spill happens at work, every second counts. Whether it’s oil, fuel, chemicals, or other hazardous liquids, the way you respond can mean the difference between a quick cleanup and a costly safety incident. At Hodgson Safety, we stock a full range of spill control and containment equipment to help you act fast, protect people, and stay compliant with Australian safety regulations.

Understand the Risks

Spills can cause more than just mess, they can create slip hazards, damage equipment, harm the environment, and trigger workplace safety breaches. Under Australian WHS laws, businesses are responsible for controlling and containing spills effectively. This means having spill kits and trained personnel ready before an incident happens.

Step 1: Identify the Spill Type

Before you grab the first absorbent you see, you need to know what you’re dealing with:

  • Oil & Fuel Spills – Use hydrophobic absorbents that repel water.

  • Chemical Spills – Choose chemical-resistant absorbents designed to handle corrosives.

  • General Purpose Spills – For non-hazardous liquids like coolants or water-based paints.

By matching the right spill kit to the hazard, you ensure the cleanup is effective and safe.

Step 2: Contain the Spill Immediately

Use absorbent socks and booms to surround the spill and stop it from spreading. If the spill is near drains or waterways, block these first to prevent contamination. Hodgson Safety’s spill pallets and containment platforms are ideal for storing drums and preventing leaks in the first place.

Step 3: Clean Up Safely

Once contained, use absorbent pads, pillows, or granules to soak up the liquid. Wear appropriate PPE — such as gloves, goggles, and masks — to protect yourself from harmful contact or fumes. Place used absorbents into sealed disposal bags for proper waste handling.

Step 4: Dispose of Waste Responsibly

Australian regulations require that contaminated absorbents be disposed of according to local environmental laws. Partner with a licensed waste disposal provider to ensure compliance.

Step 5: Restock and Review

After the cleanup, immediately restock your spill kit so you’re prepared for the next incident. Review what happened — Was the spill preventable? Did the team respond quickly? Do you need more training or better equipment?

Stay Prepared with Hodgson Safety

Having the right equipment on hand is essential for a fast, compliant response. At Hodgson Safety, we supply:

  • Oil & Fuel Spill Kits

  • Chemical Spill Kits

  • General Purpose Spill Kits

  • Absorbent Pads, Socks, and Booms

  • Spill Pallets and Containment Platforms

Don’t wait for an accident to find out your workplace isn’t ready. Stock up now and ensure your team has the tools and knowledge to handle any spill.

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