HSE (UK) Spills Guidance and Safe Clean-up Information

Solution: The HSE expects employers to plan for foreseeable spill risks, provide suitable equipment and training, and manage the incident safely. That typically means:

• Risk assessment for liquids that could spill (oils, fuels, solvents, coolants, acids/alkalis, food liquids and process chemicals).
• Safe systems of work for storage, handling, dispensing and transfer, including clear procedures for spill response.
• Correct PPE and chemical information available (for example, COSHH assessment and Safety Data Sheets where relevant).
• Spill response equipment that matches the hazard and the likely spill volumes (spill kits, absorbents, drip trays, bunded storage, drain protection).
• Reporting and review so causes are addressed, not just the symptoms (maintenance, housekeeping, handling methods).

For official health and safety guidance, refer to the HSE website: Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Solution: Use a simple, repeatable spill response sequence that prioritises people, then environment, then clean-up:

1. Stop and assess - identify the substance if safe to do so, estimate volume, check for ignition sources and slip hazards.
2. Raise the alarm - keep people away, use barriers/signage, and escalate if there is fire risk, fumes, or unknown chemical.
3. Stop the source - close valves, upright containers, isolate pumps, or use temporary leak sealing where trained and safe.
4. Protect drains immediately - prevent contamination leaving site via gullies and surface water drains using drain covers, drain blockers or bunding.
5. Contain the spill - form a barrier with absorbent socks/booms to stop spread.
6. Clean up safely - apply the right absorbent, collect waste correctly, and decontaminate the area.
7. Dispose and document - treat used absorbents as controlled waste; record the incident and restock spill kits.

For practical spill response best practice and spill prevention on industrial sites, see: Spill Control Best Practices.

Solution: Match the spill kit to both the liquid type and the risk environment. A suitable spill kit supports safe spill clean-up, reduces slips, and helps prevent drain pollution.

• Oil-only spill kits: for hydrocarbons (engine oil, hydraulic oil, diesel) and oily water. Useful near plant, forklifts, loading bays and maintenance areas.
• General purpose spill kits: for water-based fluids such as coolants, beverages, mild chemicals and cleaning solutions.
• Chemical spill kits: for aggressive or unknown chemicals where extra caution is required. Ensure the kit is supported by COSHH information and correct PPE.

Size guidance: plan for the largest credible spill from common containers on site (drums, IBCs, day tanks, pipework) and place spill kits at point-of-use so they are reachable within minutes.

If you need an overview of spill control equipment commonly used on UK sites, explore: Spill Kits and Spill Absorbents.

Solution: Good spill containment prevents spread, reduces slip risk, and keeps liquids out of drains. In practical terms this means combining daily housekeeping with engineered containment:

• Use drip trays under leaky assets, taps, decant points and parked plant to prevent recurring small spills becoming slip hazards.
• Use bunding for drums and IBCs to contain a loss of containment where liquids are stored or dispensed.
• Segregate incompatible chemicals to reduce reactive risks if a spill occurs.
• Keep drain protection accessible in areas where spill to drain is plausible (yards, washdown areas, tanker fill points).

Relevant product categories for site containment include: Drip Trays and Bunding and Bunded Storage.

Solution: Drain protection is often the difference between a manageable spill incident and an environmental pollution event. The goal is to stop liquids entering surface water drains, foul drains, interceptors or watercourses.

Practical steps that work on real sites:

• Pre-position drain covers near external gullies so they can be deployed quickly.
• Use absorbent booms to create a containment line upstream of drainage points.
• Know your drainage plan (which drains go to surface water vs foul) and train teams accordingly.
• Do not wash spills into drains as a clean-up method; use absorbents and collection instead.

Drain protection options can be found here: Drain Protection.

For wider environmental expectations in the UK, consult the regulator: Environment Agency.

Solution: PPE must be selected based on the substance, exposure route and the clean-up method. For routine oil and coolant spills, this may be gloves and eye protection. For chemicals, you may need chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles/face shield, and suitable protective clothing. Always follow COSHH assessments and the product Safety Data Sheet.

Additional safety precautions that support HSE-aligned spill response:

• Ventilation: control vapours, especially for solvents and fuels.
• Ignition control: isolate ignition sources for flammable liquids.
• Manual handling: avoid lifting saturated absorbents unsafely; use tools and bags designed for spill waste.
• Slip control: use absorbent granules or pads promptly and segregate the area until fully cleaned and dry.

For HSE COSHH information, see: HSE COSHH.

Solution: Used absorbents, pads, socks, granules and contaminated PPE should be treated as waste appropriate to the spilled substance. Many spill clean-up residues are controlled waste and may be hazardous depending on contamination. Bag, label and segregate spill waste to reduce risk and support compliant disposal.

Operational tips:

• Contain and package used absorbents to prevent secondary leaks.
• Keep waste notes and arrange collection via an authorised waste contractor where required.
• Restock spill kits immediately after use so the site remains prepared.

For UK waste guidance, refer to: GOV.UK - Waste and environmental management.

Solution: Spill prevention is usually cheaper than clean-up. A practical spill prevention plan uses both process controls and spill containment:

• Storage: keep drums and IBCs in bunded areas; inspect routinely for damage and corrosion.
• Transfer: use controlled dispensing, funnels and closed-transfer where possible; supervise decanting.
• Maintenance: fix recurring leaks and protect pipework from impacts in traffic routes.
• Training: train teams to use spill kits, isolate sources, protect drains and report near misses.
• Housekeeping: keep absorbents at point-of-use, and do not allow small drips to accumulate.

More practical examples and on-site measures are covered in: Serpro Best Practices.

Solution: These examples reflect common UK industrial operations and how spill control equipment is typically deployed:

• Loading bay: spill kits placed at dock doors, absorbent socks for quick containment, drain covers staged near external gullies.
• Maintenance workshop: drip trays under vehicles and plant, oil-only absorbents for hydrocarbon leaks, labelled spill points.
• Chemical storage area: bunded storage for drums/IBCs, compatible chemical spill kit, clear segregation and COSHH documentation.
• Process area: absorbent pads for routine weeps, preventive maintenance to reduce recurring loss of containment.

Solution: Use this checklist to make spill management consistent across shifts and departments:

1. Is it safe to approach? Identify substance and hazards.
2. Wear appropriate PPE and isolate the area.
3. Stop the source if safe to do so.
4. Protect drains immediately using drain protection and booms.
5. Contain then absorb using the correct spill kit materials.
6. Collect waste, label it, and arrange compliant disposal.
7. Report the incident, investigate cause, restock spill kit.

If you need site-ready equipment, browse: Spill Kits, Drain Protection, and Bunding.