SERPRO products and information

Absorbent Materials for Spill Control and Compliance

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Absorbent Materials for Spill Control and Compliance

Absorbent materials are a core spill control product for UK industrial sites, airports, depots, workshops, warehouses, plant rooms, laboratories and maintenance teams. They help you respond quickly to oil spills, fuel spills, chemical spills and water-based leaks while supporting environmental compliance and housekeeping standards. This page answers common questions in a question-and-solution format, with practical guidance on selection, use, disposal and typical site applications.

Question: What are absorbent materials and why are they used?

Solution: Use absorbents to contain, capture and remove spills fast

Absorbent materials are purpose-made products designed to soak up liquids and help control a spill at the source, along its flow path, and at sensitive points such as d…

Absorbent Materials for Spill Control and Compliance | Serpro

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Absorbent materials are the frontline of spill control: they help you contain, absorb and clean up liquids quickly to reduce slip risk, prevent environmental harm, and support compliant spill response. Serpro supplies absorbent materials designed for industrial workplaces where oils, fuels, coolants, solvents and process liquids are handled.

Question: What are absorbent materials and why do they matter on industrial sites?

Solution: Absorbent materials are purpose-made products that soak up liquids so you can control a spill at source, protect walkways, and stop pollution pathways. In practice, they help you:

Reduce risk by keeping floors and access routes safer after leaks and drips.
Protect the environment by limiting spread towards yard drainage, soi…

Absorbent Pads & Rolls for Spill Control and Clean-Up

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Absorbent pads and absorbent rolls are core spill control products for containing, absorbing and cleaning up leaks and spills in UK industrial, commercial and facilities environments. They are used to reduce slip risks, protect equipment, prevent cross-contamination, and support environmental compliance by keeping liquids away from drains and sensitive work areas.

Question: What are absorbent pads and absorbent rolls used for?

Solution: Use absorbent pads for fast, targeted clean-up and absorbent rolls for longer coverage along walkways, production lines, racking aisles, machinery perimeters and workbenches. Pads are ideal when you need precise placement, such as under a small leak, around a pump, or inside a spill kit. Rolls are ideal for creating a continuous absorbent barrier to intercept drips, overspray, coolant mist fall-out, and intermittent le…

Absorbent Socks for Spill Containment and Leak Control

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Absorbent socks are flexible, tube-style spill control absorbents designed to contain and direct liquids before they spread. They are a core part of many spill kits and are commonly used as a first-response barrier around leaking plant, drip points, doorways, drains, and along the edge of walkways. On busy sites, absorbent socks help you control a spill quickly, reduce slip risk, protect drains, and support environmental compliance.

Question: What problem do absorbent socks solve?

Solution: Absorbent socks provide fast, practical spill containment. Instead of trying to mop up a spreading liquid, you place socks to:

Stop migration by forming a barrier around the spill or leak source
Redirect flow away from door thresholds, public areas, and sensitive equipment
Pro…

Absorbent socks vs booms: what is the difference?

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Spill Control Questions & Product Comparisons > Absorbent selection

Absorbent socks vs booms: what is the difference?

Question

When should a site use absorbent socks and when should it use booms?

Short answer

Absorbent socks are normally used to surround, divert or contain smaller spills on floors and around machinery. Booms are usually larger containment products for bigger spills, outdoor risks, drains, watercourses or wider site protection.

SERPRO practical guidance

Use socks where you need to stop liquid spreading across a hard floor, protect a doorway, surround a leaking machine or direct liquid away from drains. Use booms where the spill risk is l…

Additional information on ignition control

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000
Ignition Control for Spill Management in Fuel Tanker Depots and Tank Farms | External Guidance Links

HSE: Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR)

HSE: DSEAR in detail (background and requirements)

Legislation.gov.uk: Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2…

Alkalis Spill Control: Questions, Solutions and Compliance

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Alkalis spill control: questions and solutions for safer sites

Alkalis (alkaline chemicals) are common across UK industry, from laundry operations and facilities management to engineering, warehousing and chemical processing. Because alkalis can be corrosive, slippery and reactive, an alkali spill can escalate quickly into a safety incident, equipment damage and potential environmental harm. This page answers the questions people ask when selecting alkali spill control, chemical spill kits, bunding, drip trays and drain protection for alkaline liquids.

Question: What counts as an alkali spill on an industrial site?

Solution: Treat any leak, drip or release of a high pH liquid as an alkali spill, including (site dependent) alkaline dete…

Anti-slip flooring materials

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

The choice of flooring can significantly impact slip hazards in fabrication facilities. Opting for anti-slip flooring materials can provide better traction, especially in areas prone to spills. Materials such as textured vinyl, rubber, or treated concrete not only enhance grip but also facilitate easier cleaning. Regularly assessing flooring conditions and replacing worn or damaged surfaces is essential for long-term safety.

Why anti-slip flooring matters in fabrication environments

In workshops, production lines and fabrication bays, slip risk often comes from predictable issues: coolant overspray, cutting fluid mist, hydraulic oil drips, wash-down water, powders, swarf carried on boots, and general contamination from day-to-day work. Anti-slip surfaces help by increasing traction underfoot and by remaining more pr…

Battery electrolytes

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Battery Electrolytes and Mixed Waste Liquids – Hazardous Waste

In battery, electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and e-waste environments, “mixed waste liquids” can include battery electrolytes, contaminated rinse waters, leaking cell contents, spent neutralisers, solvents used for cleaning, and unknown residues from damaged packs or storage areas. These liquids can be hazardous to people, property and the environment, and they often trigger additional legal duties around storage, transport and disposal.

What counts as a battery electrolyte?

Battery electrolytes are the conducting liquids or gels inside a battery cell. The chemistry varies by battery type, but the key point is that electrolyte leaks and electrolyte-contaminated liquids are rarely “just water”. They can be corrosive, toxic, flammable, or reactive, and they can also carry dissolved metals a…

Best practice guidelines

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000
Spill Response Best Practice Guidelines | External Resources

HSE (UK): Spills guidance and safe clean-up information

HSE (UK): COMAH (major accident hazards) guidance

HSE (UK): Workplace health, safety and welfare (L65) reference guidance

GOV.UK: Oil storage regulations for…

Biocides - safe use, storage, and spill control

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Biocides - safe use, storage, and spill control

Biocides are widely used across UK industry to control bacteria, algae and fungi in water systems and on surfaces. They are common in cooling towers, closed loop systems, wash-down areas, HVAC plant rooms, and process water treatment. Because many biocides are hazardous to health and highly toxic to aquatic life, biocide handling needs robust spill control, bunding, drain protection and compliant disposal arrangements.

Question: What is a biocide and where are biocides used on industrial sites?

Solution: A biocide is a chemical (or microorganism) intended to destroy, deter, render harmless, or control harmful organisms. In industrial settings, biocides are typically used to:

Control microbial growth in cooling towers (reducing biofilm, Legion…

Biofuels: Spill Control, Bunding, Storage and Compliance

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Biofuels: spill control, bunding and compliant site practice

Biofuels such as biodiesel (FAME), renewable diesel (HVO), bioethanol and blended fuels are increasingly used across UK transport, logistics, manufacturing and bioenergy. While often positioned as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, biofuels still create spill risk and can cause pollution incidents if they reach drains, soils or surface water. This page answers common operational questions using a question/solution format, with practical spill management guidance for storage, transfer and plant operations.

Question: Are biofuels really a spill risk if they are renewable?

Solution: Yes. Renewable does not mean harmless. Biofuels can still contaminate watercourses, create slippery surfaces, affect biological oxygen demand, and carry additive…

Biomass Aerogels for Oil Spill Remediation: 2024 Review

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Question: What is changing in oil spill remediation materials, and why are biomass-based aerogels and composites being discussed so widely in 2024?

Solution: A 2024 peer-reviewed review article highlights rapid development in biomass-based aerogels and bio-derived composite sorbents for oil spill cleanup, driven by the need for high oil uptake, low density, better handling, and improved end-of-life options compared with some conventional absorbents. These emerging materials are not a replacement for practical spill control planning, but they indicate where spill response performance and sustainability may be heading in the near future.

What problem do aerogels solve in oil spill cleanup?

Question: Why are standard oil absorbents sometime…

Bund design guidelines

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000
Bund Design Guidelines for Spill Prevention and Secondary Containment | Serpro

Bund Design Guidelines

One of the most critical aspects of spill prevention is the proper design and maintenance of bunds. Bunds are barriers designed to contain spills and prevent them from spreading. In the UK, widely used good-practice guidance is that secondary containment should be sized to hold at least 110% of the largest container’s volume (and, where multiple containers share the same containment, many guidance docu…

Bunded Pallets for Safe Storage of Drums and IBCs

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Bunded pallets are purpose-built spill containment platforms that keep drums, small containers and IBCs raised above a bund (sump) so leaks and drips are captured before they reach floors, walkways, soil or drains. They are widely used across utilities, water and wastewater sites, engineering workshops, chemical storage areas and distribution yards where controlling liquids is essential for safety, housekeeping and environmental compliance.

Question: What problem do bunded pallets solve on real sites?

Solution: They provide a controlled, compliant way to store liquids so that minor leaks do not become major incidents. Day-to-day operations often include transferring, dispensing, sampling, and moving containers with forklifts. Those routine actions can cause small spills which, if uncontrolled, spread into pedestrian routes and drainage systems. Bunded…

Bunded Spill Pallets

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Bunded Spill Pallets

Bunded spill pallets (often called spill pallets) provide secondary containment for drums, small tanks, IBCs and day-to-day fluid handling in workshops, yards, plant rooms and fuel storage areas. They help you prevent spills spreading, reduce the chance of drain contamination, and support good environmental compliance when storing diesel and other oils.

Why bunded spill pallets matter in diesel areas

Diesel areas are high-risk for leaks from tanks, bowsers, drums, hoses, couplings and transfer points. A bunded spill pallet places a contained “catchment” directly beneath the container(s), capturing drips and minor leaks before they migrate across the floor or reach gullies and interceptors. This is especially important where rainwater, wash-down, or vehicle traffic can move contamination q…

Bunded storage solutions

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Bunded Storage Solutions

Bunded storage (also called secondary containment) is a practical way to reduce risk when storing liquids such as oils, fuels, coolants, solvents and chemicals. Put simply, you store the container on or inside a liquid-tight “bund” (for example a bunded pallet, covered bund, IBC bund, spill tray or portable berm) so that if the primary container leaks, the spill is captured and controlled instead of spreading across floors or reaching drains and the environment.

In cleanrooms and controlled environments, bunded storage also supports housekeeping and contamination control by keeping drips contained at source and making safe response easier when you pair storage with the right spill kits, pads and procedures.

Why bunded storage matters

Safety: helps prevent slip hazards a…

Bunding best practices

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Bunding Best Practices

Bunding (secondary containment) is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce the risk of pollution, slips, fire hazards and costly clean-up when storing waste oil, fuels, coolants, cutting fluids or other liquids. A well-designed bund helps you contain leaks at source, keep spill response manageable, and demonstrate good environmental control during audits and inspections.

This page summarises practical best practice points you can apply on most sites, alongside UK guidance links for further reading.

1) Start with the basics: what “good” looks like

A bunded area should:

Contain foreseeable leaks and minor spills from the containers inside it.

Prevent escape to drains, soil and watercourses (including via cracks, pipe penetrations and op…

Bunding resources

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Bunding resources

To mitigate these risks, it is essential to invest in appropriate spill kits and absorbent materials, as well as to implement effective bunding strategies. Adhering to guidelines set forth by regulatory bodies can help ensure that marine engineering workshops operate safely and responsibly.

What this page covers

This resource list brings together practical bunding guidance, inspection and maintenance pointers, and real-world incident links that highlight why secondary containment matters. It is written with marine engineering workshops in mind (oils, fuels, coolants, cutting fluids, cleaning chemicals and the added risk of drains leading to coastal waters or docks).

Quick-start checklist for bu…

Bunding-solutions

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Bunding solutions

Bunding (secondary containment) is a practical way to reduce the risk of leaks and spills reaching drains, waterways, floors and walkways. Whether you are storing oils, fuels, coolants, inks, solvents or process chemicals, the right bunding solution helps you control contamination, protect people, and demonstrate good housekeeping and compliance.

What bunding is designed to do

A bund is a physical barrier or containment area that captures liquid from a damaged container, dripping connection, overfill incident, or slow seep. In day-to-day operations it provides a controlled “catch zone” so you can respond quickly with absorbents and spill kits, instead of chasing contamination across the site.

Choosing the right bunding solution

Different risks call for different containment. The best…

CAA Safety Management Systems guidance for spill control

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

CAA Safety Management Systems guidance for spill control

CAA Safety Management Systems (SMS) guidance helps aviation organisations manage safety risk in a structured, auditable way. For airports, MRO facilities and hangars, a high-frequency and high-impact risk area is loss of containment: fuel spills, oil and hydraulic leaks, de-icing fluids, solvents, and contaminated washdown. This page explains, in a practical question-and-solution format, how spill management controls support SMS outcomes, environmental protection, and day-to-day operational resilience.

Who this is for: airport operations teams, engineering and maintenance managers, FBOs, fuel farm operators, ground handling, facilities and EHS/HSE leads working in airside and landside areas.

Question: What does the CAA mean by an SMS, and why does spill control ma…

Can I use a drip tray for chemicals?

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Spill Control Questions & Product Comparisons > Containment

Can I use a drip tray for chemicals?

Question

Can chemical containers be stored on a drip tray?

Short answer

Yes, a drip tray can be used with some chemical containers, but only if the tray material is compatible with the chemical and the capacity, location and handling method are suitable. The chemical’s safety data sheet and site COSHH assessment should guide the choice.

SERPRO practical guidance

For low-volume chemical use, a compatible tray can help catch drips and residues. For larger containers or higher-risk substances, a bunded store, spill pallet, compatible absorbents, PPE and written…

Can I use oil-only absorbents on water?

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Spill Control Questions & Product Comparisons > Absorbent selection

Can I use oil-only absorbents on water?

Question

Can oil-only absorbents be used when oil or fuel has spilled on water?

Short answer

Yes, oil-only absorbents are normally designed to absorb oils and fuels while resisting water uptake. That makes them useful for oil or fuel spills on standing water, wet yards, drains and water-sensitive areas, provided the product is suitable for the specific substance and situation.

SERPRO practical guidance

For outdoor spills, the response should consider the risk of pollution, nearby drains, surface water pathways and safe disposal of used absorbents.…

Can used absorbents go in general waste?

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Spill Control Questions & Product Comparisons > Waste and after-spill

Can used absorbents go in general waste?

Question

Can used absorbent pads, socks or granules be put in general waste?

Short answer

Used absorbents should be disposed of according to what they have absorbed. If they have absorbed oil, fuel, chemicals or hazardous substances, they may need to be classified and handled as controlled or hazardous waste rather than general waste.

SERPRO practical guidance

The absorbent itself is only part of the decision. The liquid it contains, contamination level, safety data sheet, waste code and waste contractor requirements all matter. Keep used absor…

Case studies

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Successful Spill Management Case Studies

Real-world incidents show why fast containment, correct clean-up materials, and good site set-up matter. Below are documented UK case studies (with source links) and the practical spill management lessons you can apply to your own workplace.

Case study 1: Fuel release at Buncefield (Hemel Hempstead) and the limits of secondary containment

The Buncefield incident (11 December 2005) remains one of the UK’s most significant major accident case studies. It highlights both the value of bunding as a secondary containment measure and the need to ensure containment systems are correctly designed, maintained, and not compromised by additional factors during an emergency response.

Key lesson: Bunding is essential, but it must be correctly sized, kept serviceable (inclu…

Catering Spills

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Catering Spills

Catering spills are among the most common incidents in exhibition centres, often resulting from food and beverage service. These spills can include anything from coffee and juice to oils and sauces. Not only do these spills create slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of slips and falls, but they can also lead to unpleasant odours and attract pests if not cleaned promptly.

Why catering spills need a rapid response

Busy venues have mixed foot traffic, low visibility in crowded areas, and frequent carrying of hot drinks and plated food. A small spill can quickly spread under shoes, pram wheels, trolleys, and service carts, enlarging the hazard area. The HSE highlights that spillages should be cleaned up promptly to reduce slip risk, and that wet or contaminated floors are a major cause of slips. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
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Checklists

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Spill Prevention and Response Checklist

A practical starting point for factories, workshops, warehouses, retail back-of-house areas, vehicle depots and site compounds. Use it to reduce slip risk, limit downtime, and prevent liquids reaching drains or the environment.

Tip: tick items as you go, then save a screenshot/PDF for your records. For formal compliance, align actions with your COSHH and site risk assessments.

Go to Readiness Go to Storage Go to Response
Chemical dosing arrangements are the practical set-up of how chemicals are received, stored, connected, pumped and managed at point of use, typically in laundry chemical dosing rooms, wash bays, plant rooms, water treatment areas, and industrial process lines. A good dosing arrangement reduces spills, improves housekeeping, protects drains, and supports environmental compliance.

If you are planning a new installation or upgrading an existing dosing room, the key question is not only "How do we dose accurately?" but also "How do we prevent leaks, splashes and overfills from becoming pollution incidents?" The sections below use a question-and-solution format to help you design safer, more compliant chemical dosing arrangements.

Question: What are chemical dosing arrangements and why do they matter?

Solu…

Chemical Drip Trays - Safe Containment for Leaks and Drips

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Chemical drip trays

Chemical drip trays provide simple, reliable secondary containment for leaks, drips and small spills from drums, IBCs, dosing pumps, valves, hoses and day tanks. If you store, handle or transfer chemicals on site, a chemical drip tray helps you keep floors dry, protect drains, reduce slip risk and support environmental compliance. This page answers the common questions site teams ask when choosing and using drip trays for chemical spill control.

Question: What is a chemical drip tray and what problem does it solve?

Solution: A chemical drip tray is a rigid tray (often polyethylene) designed to sit under a potential leak point to capture drips and minor leaks before they spread across floors or enter drains. In practical terms, it helps you:

Contain small leaks at sou…

Chemical Handling

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Chemical Handling

Chemical handling is a critical part of safe operations in maintenance, engineering, manufacturing, facilities management, janitorial work, laboratories, water feature maintenance and many other workplaces. Poor chemical handling can lead to exposure injuries, respiratory irritation, burns, slips, fires, contaminated drainage, environmental damage, equipment corrosion, costly downtime and enforcement action. Safe chemical handling therefore depends on a practical combination of chemical risk assessment, secure storage, clear labelling, staff training, spill preparedness, drain protection and the correct use of personal protective equipment.[1]^[2]^[3]

Why safe chemical handling matters

Safe chemical handling matters because many substances used at w…

Chemical Neutralisation Products for Spill and Washout Control

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Chemical neutralisation products help you control pH during spill response, concrete washout, plant cleaning and process drainage events. They are used to reduce the risks linked to corrosive liquids (acids and alkalis) and high-pH wastewater such as cement and concrete wash water. This page answers the common site questions and gives practical solutions using neutralising agents, pH control tools and compatible spill control equipment.

Question: What are chemical neutralisation products?

Solution: Chemical neutralisation products are materials designed to react with acids or alkalis to bring the liquid closer to a safer pH range. In spill management, they are used to:

Reduce corrosivity and handling risks during clean-up

Support compliant containment and disposal decisions

Help prevent damage to…

Chemical Safety Controls for Storage, Dosing and Spill Response

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Chemical safety controls are the practical measures that prevent leaks, spills, exposure and environmental harm when chemicals are delivered, stored, transferred, diluted and dosed on site. In UK industrial and facilities settings, this typically means combining spill containment, bunding, segregation, safe dispensing, drain protection, clear procedures and trained response. This page answers common questions in a question-and-solution format, with a focus on spill management, secondary containment and compliance outcomes.

Question: What are chemical safety controls in a working industrial site?

Solution: Treat chemical safety controls as a system, not a single product. A robust system usually includes:

Engineering controls such as bunded storage, chemical-resistant spill containment, dosing stations, drip trays and leak…

Chemical spill management page

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Chemical Spill Management

Process chemicals are integral to the paper-making process, including substances used for pulping, refining, and coating. These chemicals can be hazardous, and spills can lead to significant environmental and safety issues. It is crucial to have spill response plans in place to mitigate exposure and contamination.

Why chemical spill management matters

Chemical spills can create immediate risks (burns, toxic vapours, respiratory irritation, slip hazards) and longer-term impacts (corrosion, equipment damage, contaminated wastewater, environmental harm and enforcement action). In paper, tissue and packaging operations, even “routine” chemicals can become high-risk when mixed, heated, sprayed or discharged to drains.

Common chemicals and spill risks in paper and pulp operations

Every site is different, but chemical spill…

Chemical Spill Pads & Rolls

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Chemical Spill Pads & Rolls

Chemical spill pads and rolls (often called HazMat absorbents) are purpose-made to absorb and contain aggressive liquids such as acids, alkalis, solvents and many other chemical spill types. They are a core control measure for industrial spill response, helping you protect people, assets, drainage systems and the environment while supporting good site practice and environmental compliance.

Question: What problem do chemical spill pads and rolls solve?

Solution: They provide fast, controlled absorption of chemical liquids at the point of release. Pads handle smaller, localised spills and wipe-down tasks; rolls cover longer runs, larger areas, and repeated drips. Used correctly, they help you:

Reduce slip hazards and limit chemical contact and splash risk.<…

Chemical Spill Pads: Fast Response Absorbents

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Chemical Spill Pads

Chemical spill pads are purpose-made chemical absorbent pads designed for fast, safe spill control where aggressive liquids may be present. They are widely used across UK industrial sites to absorb acids, alkalis, coolants, solvents, chemicals in IBCs and drums, and mixed unknown liquids during first response. When you need rapid containment to protect people, processes, and the environment, chemical absorbent pads are a practical, compliant solution.

Q: When should I use chemical absorbent pads instead of oil-only or maintenance pads?

Solution: Use chemical spill pads when the spill could be corrosive, reactive, or unknown. Chemical absorbent pads are typically manufactured for broad chemical compatibility, making them suitable for many hazardous liquids found in utilities, wate…

Chemical Spill Response Checklist

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

SERPRO Checklist Resource
Chemical Spill Response Checklist
Use this checklist to review preparedness for chemical spills where compatibility, PPE, SDS information, isolation and escalation may be more important than a general spill response approach.
Back to checklist hub
What this checklist covers
Chemical identification and SDS a…

Chemical vs maintenance spill kits: which should I choose?

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Spill Control Questions & Product Comparisons > Spill kit selection

Chemical vs maintenance spill kits: which should I choose?

Question

What is the difference between a chemical spill kit and a maintenance spill kit?

Short answer

A maintenance spill kit is generally intended for non-aggressive everyday fluids such as oils, coolants and water-based workplace liquids. A chemical spill kit is intended for a wider range of hazardous liquids, but suitability still depends on chemical compatibility and the site risk assessment.

SERPRO practical guidance

Choose the kit by identifying the liquids stored, handled or transported in the area. If acids, alkalis, so…

CIP Chemicals: Safe Handling, Spill Control and Compliance

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

CIP chemicals (Clean-in-Place chemicals) are widely used in dairies, food and drink manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, breweries and any process plant that cleans internal pipework, tanks and heat exchangers without strip-down. They are effective, but they also create predictable spill and contamination risks. This page answers the most common questions about CIP chemicals in a practical question/solution format, with a focus on spill management, drain protection, bunding, compliance and day-to-day operational control.

What are CIP chemicals and why do they cause spill risks?

Question: What counts as a CIP chemical, and why do sites see repeated leaks and spills during CIP?

Solution: CIP chemicals are typically corrosive or irritant cleaning agents used in programmed cleaning cycles. Common ca…

CITB Courses and Training for Spill Management on Site

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Construction sites handle fuels, oils, wet trade materials, chemicals, paints, adhesives and wash-down water. If these materials are stored or used without the right controls, you can quickly end up with a spill, a slip hazard, contamination risk, or a reportable environmental incident. CITB courses and training help you build a safer, more compliant workforce by improving competence, supervision and day-to-day spill management practices.

Question: What is CITB training and why does it matter for spill management?

Solution: The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) supports construction-related training and qualifications across the UK. While CITB does not replace your legal duties, it helps employers and workers build the practical knowledge needed to manage risks on site, including safe storage, handling, and emergency…

Clean-up Products for Spills, Leaks and Site Compliance

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Clean-up products are the practical tools that help you respond fast to spills, leaks and drips, reduce slip risk, protect drains, and demonstrate environmental compliance. Whether you manage a warehouse, factory, workshop, plant room, laboratory, or fleet yard, the right spill clean up products help you contain the incident, absorb the liquid safely, and dispose of waste correctly.

Question: What counts as a clean-up product on an industrial site?

Solution: In spill management, clean-up products are the absorbents, containment aids, PPE and waste-handling items used to control and remove hazardous and non-hazardous liquids. Typical categories include:

Absorbents: pads, rolls, socks, pillows and loose absorbent granules for oil, fuel, coolant, solvents and water-based liquids.
…

Cleaning chemicals

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000
Cleaning Chemicals Spill Control and Safe Handling | SERPRO

Cleaning Chemicals: safe use, storage and spill response

In manufacturing and processing, some of the most common spills involve oils, coolants, cutting fluids, and cleaning chemicals. These substances, while essential for production, pose significant health and safety risks if not managed properly. Cleaning chemicals can range from mild detergents to highly concentrated degreasers, sanitisers, acids and solvent-based products. If they leak, splash, or are mixed incorrectly, the results can include skin and eye injuries, harmful fumes, corrosion, fire risk (with flammable solvents), and rapid surface contamination that increases slip hazards.

What counts as “cleaning chemicals” in industry?

Cleaning chemicals are us…

Cleaning Products for Spill Control

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Cleaning Products: What Should You Use to Clean Spills Safely and Keep Work Areas Compliant?

Cleaning products are not just about appearance. In real workplaces, cleaning products help control slip hazards, manage contamination, support hygiene, and reduce the risk of a minor leak or spill becoming a larger safety or environmental problem. The key question is not simply “what should we clean with?” but “what cleaning products, spill-control products and storage controls do we need to clean safely, respond quickly and stay compliant?” ^[1]^[2]^[3]

At Serpro, the practical answer is to match cleaning products and spill response products to the actual risks on site. Water, food waste, grease, oils, drinks, detergents, sanitisers and stro…

Cleaning supplies

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Cleaning Supplies for Supermarkets and Food Retail

UK guidance highlights slips and trips as a major workplace hazard, and food retail is a known high-risk environment where wet floors, contamination, and rushed movement intersect. A robust approach combines prevention, rapid response, correct equipment, and disciplined waste handling. This page focuses on the practical realities of supermarket aisles, chilled cabinets, and cold rooms, with strategies that support safer customer areas, more efficient night-shift routines, and better compliance with recognised UK guidance on slips, food hygiene, and pollution prevention.^[1]^[3]^[5]

Throughout, we’ll reference practical equipment and services you can deploy immediately. For example,…

Cleanroom Supplies for Spill Control and Contamination Preventio

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Cleanrooms are designed to control particulate contamination, but many operators quickly discover another high-risk reality: liquids and chemicals can compromise cleanroom integrity just as fast. Whether you are manufacturing medical devices, assembling electronics, or handling sensitive components, the right cleanroom supplies help you prevent contamination, control spills safely, protect drains, and maintain compliance.

This page answers common questions about cleanroom supplies with practical solutions focused on spill management, spill control and environmental protection in UK facilities.

Question: What are cleanroom supplies and why do they matter for spill control?

Solution: Cleanroom supplies are the consumables and equipment used to maintain controlled conditions and safe operations. In spill control terms, they include cleanroom-compa…

Common Causes of Spills: Questions and Practical Solutions

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Spills rarely happen "out of nowhere". In local authority, highways, depots, waste and recycling, parks, schools, and public sector facilities, the same operational pressures and site conditions drive repeat incidents. This guidance page uses a question-and-solution format to help you identify the common causes of spills and put practical spill control and compliance measures in place.

Question: What are the most common causes of spills on local authority and highways sites?

Solution: Start by mapping spill causes to everyday tasks: refuelling, plant maintenance, liquid storage, waste handling, winter operations, and contractor activity. Most spills stem from predictable failures such as damaged containers, poor transfer practices, vehicle leaks, blocked drains, and insufficient containment. Build prevention around spill kits,

Common spills guide

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Common Spills Guide

Spills happen in every workplace, but the right first response can prevent slips, protect drains, and reduce environmental impact. This page is a practical, plain-English guide to the most common spill types, what to do first, and how to choose the right approach to containment and clean-up.

Many commercial cleaning agents contain harmful chemicals that can disrupt aquatic ecosystems. It is essential to use biodegradable detergents and implement spill control measures to prevent accidental discharge into drains. For more information on managing detergent spills, refer to Serpro’s common spills guide.

First actions for any spill

Make safe: stop the source if it is safe to do so (upright a container, close a valve, isolate equipment).

Secure the area:<…

Compliance Guidance UK for Pop-Up Catering, Mobile Food Units

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Spill Compliance Guidance for Pop-Up Catering and Mobile Food Events

Pop-up catering, mobile food units, street food stalls and temporary event kitchens all face the same basic question: how do you stay compliant when spills, leaks, grease and cleaning chemicals can create slip risks, hygiene issues and environmental problems in minutes? The practical answer is to treat spill control as part of your wider spill compliance guidance, risk assessment, food hygiene management and event safety planning, not as an afterthought.^[1]^[2]^[3]

This page explains the core compliance questions operators ask, and gives direct solutions that can be applied to pop-up catering, mobile bars, event concessions, temporary kitchens and food service areas. It also li…

Compressed Air Systems: Questions, Maintenance and Compliance

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000

Compressed air systems

Compressed air systems are widely used across UK industry for powering tools, valves, production machinery, packaging lines, spray equipment and instrumentation. They can also be a hidden cost and a compliance risk if maintenance is poor. This page answers common questions in a practical question-and-solution format, with an emphasis on maintenance, safe operation, and how compressed air management links to spill prevention, housekeeping and environmental compliance.

Question: What is a compressed air system and what are the main components?

Solution: A typical compressed air system includes a compressor, receiver (air tank), aftercooler and condensate management, filters and dryers, pipework distribution, pressure regulation, and point-of-use treatment (FRLs: filter-regula…

Conservation-safe products

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:34 +0000
Conservation-Safe Spill Management Product Selection for Museums, Galleries and Heritage Sites