Regulatory Compliance
Compliance with UK regulations is a critical aspect of spill management, particularly in paper and pulp operations where chemicals, oils, inks, cleaning agents and process additives may be present. Meeting your duties helps protect people, plant, and the environment, and reduces the likelihood of enforcement action, fines, or unplanned shutdowns.
Key UK guidance and legal duties
HSE guidance for papermaking
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publishes industry-specific guidance for paper and tissue manufacturing. This material is widely treated as “good practice” for managing risks across papermaking machinery and associated tasks, including safe systems of work, risk assessment, and control measures. For the primary HSE reference, see HSG279: Making paper safely – Managing safety in the papermaking process.
COSHH (hazardous substances) requirements
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations require employers to identify hazardous substances, assess the risks to health, and prevent or adequately control exposure. COSHH applies to many substances commonly encountered in paper industry spill scenarios (for example solvents, inks, cleaning chemicals, acids/alkalis, and process additives). Practical HSE guidance is available at HSE: COSHH and HSE: Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH). The legal text can be referenced at legislation.gov.uk: COSHH Regulations 2002 (as amended).
What “good compliance” looks like in spill management
A compliant spill management approach typically combines prevention, preparedness, safe response, and documented controls. In practical terms, this often includes:
- Risk assessment and controls: identify credible spill scenarios (process areas, storage, loading bays, bunded areas), then define controls and response actions.
- Correct product selection: match absorbents and kits to the substance (oil/fuel, chemical, general purpose) and to the location (indoor, outdoor, near drains, near water).
- Safe storage of hazardous substances: use suitable storage solutions and segregation, with clear labelling and access control.
- Training and competence: staff know what to do, what not to do, and when to escalate.
- Incident documentation: record spills, near misses, clean-up actions, waste handling, and corrective measures.
Fire and explosion risk (DSEAR)
Many facilities store or use flammable liquids (for example solvents, fuels, some cleaners). Where relevant, the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) set duties to control fire and explosion risks. If your spill response involves flammables, ensure your procedures and equipment are compatible with DSEAR controls. See our internal resource: DSEAR compliance resources.
Environmental protection and pollution prevention
Spill response is not just a health and safety issue. Preventing pollutants from entering drains, surface water, or soil is a core part of responsible site management. Your controls should address:
- Drain protection and rapid isolation of spill pathways
- Secondary containment (bunding) and managed storage areas
- Appropriate waste handling, storage, and disposal after clean-up
Recommended Serpro resources
Use the pages below to strengthen your spill management controls and documentation:
- Spill management best practices
- Best practice guidelines
- Containment strategies
- Bund design guidelines
- Emergency response guidelines
- Serpro’s guide on spill types
Relevant products to support compliance
Having the right equipment available (and stored correctly) supports a safer, faster, more controlled response:
- Oil and fuel spill kits for hydrocarbons where water repellence is helpful
- Chemical spill kits for acids, alkalis, and aggressive liquids
- COSHH cabinets for safer storage and segregation of hazardous substances
- Drain protection to reduce the chance of environmental release
External references
For official UK guidance and primary sources, refer to:
Note: This page provides general information only and does not replace site-specific risk assessment or competent professional advice. Always follow your internal procedures and consult authoritative guidance for your specific substances and processes.