Free ShippingWhat are Spill Kits?
Even when strict safety precautions have been taken, hazardous materials may sometimes spill or leak. In these instances, spill kits are used to clean up the hazardous products so they do not contaminate water or land. These kits may consist of sponge-like fabrics that are placed around the spill, or absorbents that are sprinkled on top of the spill, in order to contain it. Spill kits can also include protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles.
Spill kits come with a variety of materials that are included and available in many sizes, depending on the need. Small kits may consist of a bag of absorbent material such as sand, sawdust, or a product that resembles kitty litter. This size is normally made to clean up spills that are around 5 to 7 gallons of liquid. Larger spill kits can be contained in a bucket with wheels on it, and inside the bucket there may be absorbent pillows or socks. Socks are long tubular objects made to be placed around the outside of a spill to keep it from spreading. In order to absorb it, pillows may be placed on top of the hazardous material. This type of spill kit might also contain masks, gloves, and goggles as well as instructions on how to use the components.
Some spill kits are designed to be used in water, therefore they contain special absorbents that float on top of the water. This type of material makes it possible to contain and absorb hazardous liquids that remain on the water’s surface when they are spilled. Many types of oil and fuel are common spills that this type of kit might be used to contain.
Many warehouses and factories that store and utilize hazardous materials keep spill kits on hand in case of an emergency. So they can be easily accessed if needed, these kits are typically located near dangerous products. To help clean up vehicle spills if they should happen, truck drivers who transport hazardous waste may also carry a portable spill kit onboard their rigs.
Spill kits are required in a number of different public areas in many countries. They may be located near fuel pumps at gas stations in case a pump will not shut off, or if it leaks. In order to keep blood spills from contaminating visitor waiting areas and patient rooms, hospitals might also have spill containment equipment. Training personnel to use the kits, and having these kits available can help save lives while protecting the environment at the same time.
What is the Procedure for a Chemotherapy Spill?
The following is a general procedure for a chemotherapy spill. Depending on a facility’s or company’s protocol, there may be alterations to fit specific needs for a spill clean-up.
• Read the kit’s instructions completely before beginning the clean-up.
• Inform individuals in the area to stay clear of the spill area; posting signs may be necessary.
• Open and remove the contents of the chemotherapy spill kit that is located in a zip-lock bag. If sharps are involved in the spill, bring a chemotherapy sharps container to the area of the spill.
• Put on the chemo-safety gown and gloves. Pull the cuffs of the second pair of gloves over the cuffs of the gown so no skin is exposed. Wear protective eyewear if a splash risk is present.
• If there is a large amount of contaminated employees, hospital equipment, or carpeting, or if you are uncomfortable cleaning up a spill, call a supervisor.
• Contain the spill and absorb the liquid with the paper towels.
• Discard the used paper towels into the designated zip-lock bag.
• If sharps or pieces of broken glass are present, use a disposable scoop to remove them.
• Discard all sharps and broken glass into the chemotherapy sharps container and wipe down the area with bleach or isopropyl alcohol (not included) soaked paper towels.
• Once the spill is cleaned up, remove the outer chemo-safety gloves and chemo-safety gown and place them in the designated zip-lock bag.
• Seal the zip-lock bag closed.
• Place the small zip-lock bag into large waste bag.
• Remove the inner chemo-safety gloves and place into the large waste bag.
• Close the large chemotherapy waste bag and expel the air in the bag away from all individuals. Tie a knot or tape the waste bag shut.
• Discard the large waste bag into a chemotherapy waste container, or contact Environmental Services.
• Once the spill clean-up is complete, contact Environmental Services to have the area thoroughly cleaned with hospital approved disinfectant.
• Order a new chemotherapy spill kit from central service.
• Report all spills to the proper authorities with 24 hours.
• The report should include the exact location of the spill; names of all the employees who were involved; date, time and a short, detailed summary of the spill, along with the procedure that was used to clean up the spill.
• This information will be logged as a hazardous material incident.
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO
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