What should I do after a workplace spill?
Question
What should a workplace do once a spill has been contained or cleaned up?
Short answer
After a spill, the site should make the area safe, dispose of contaminated materials correctly, restock the spill kit, record what happened and review whether controls need to be improved. The response should not end when the floor looks clean.
SERPRO practical guidance
A practical review should ask what was spilled, why it happened, whether drains were protected, what absorbents were used, whether staff had suitable PPE, and whether the kit was close enough. Where there is pollution risk, the site’s pollution incident response plan should be followed.
Common mistake to avoid
Do not leave a used kit in place without refilling it. The next spill may happen before anyone notices missing pads, socks, bags or PPE.
Related SERPRO products
Related SERPRO guidance
- Can used absorbents go in general waste?
- How often should spill kits be inspected?
- All spill control questions and comparisons
External references
Author: SERPRO Ltd. Version: 1.0. Review date: 12 May 2026.
This guidance is general practical information only. It does not replace site-specific risk assessment, COSHH assessment, safety data sheets, waste classification or professional advice where required.