Absorbents come in all shapes, sizes and absorbent capacity. We take a closer look at what is on offer.
Absorbent Pads
The absorbent pads are probably the most popular products out of the absorbent range being incredibly versatile and easy to store.
With a fine fibre finish the pads are also anti-slip, even on a dry surface.
There are of course different types of pad for different type of situations which we will explain below:
General
The general purpose pads are made from a combination of polypropylene and cellulose fibre and come in a grey colour and are to be used for everyday spills including brake fluid, water, acetone and any other fluids which aren't hazardous or corrosive.
Oil & Fuel
The oil & fuel only pads are white in colour so you know which pad to use at a glance. The pads are made of pure propylene which rejects water and soaks up oil spills, making these ideal for outdoor use or if you have an oil spill in water it will lift it off the surface in minutes
Chemical
The chemical absorbent pads are yellow and to be used on hazardous or corrosive spills, even soaking up sulphuric acid with no problem. The pads themselves are made from melt blow polypropylene meaning it can also absorb water based chemicals.
Absorbent Socks
Also known as pigs, sausages and my particular favourite, puddle pythons.
Mainly used for soaking up oil and drips from heavy machinery as its shape lends itself to be wrapped round.
They are also incredibly absorbent and a general rule of thumb is that for every foot it can soak up a litre of fluid.
The socks are stuffed with similar material to the absorbent pads. General Purpose absorbent socks are available as well as those designed for Oil & Fuel and Chemical spills.
Absorbent Cushions
Cushions much like the socks and pads are available in General Purpose, Oil & Fuel and Chemical variations, they are mainly used as part of emergency spill kits for the deepest part of the spill.
Emergency Spill Kits
The Pollution Prevention Guidelines PPG26 states that is a requirement to have spill kits on site to respond to any spills.
The kits should contain: plugging compound, drain protection and oil/chemical absorbents that should be located near the storage area and remotely.
Even if you have bought a spill kit within the last few years its worth going round and doing a check, a third of spill kits have been used or are completely empty.
Take a look at our full range of spill kits »