Training 4 | Spill Containment Blog

What Absorbent Products Do I Need for My Construction Site?

March 14, 2018 by Travis Zdrazil

How to prepare construction sites for unexpected workplace spills

Oil absorbent pads are a convenient grab-and-throw solution for handling construction site spills

Spills happen. When they do, what extreme consequences could contractors and workers face? And how can chemical accidents negatively impact construction sites? These are especially important questions for contractors to keep in mind. Because industrial spills, and even stormwater runoff, can have dire consequences for construction environments and workers.

Employees who work with oil, diesel, solvents and other hazardous liquids must respond to spills immediately. These types of spills can affect vegetation, animals, people, and can even make their way into groundwater supplies. To effectively prepare, contractors must outfit their sites with equipment that allows crew members to respond quickly, efficiently, and successfully.

How? At bare minimum, every construction site should contain spill kits. Regardless of whether employees are working in an indoor or outdoor environment, spill kits provide all-in-one solutions to specific spill categories, giving contractors and the builders who work for them peace of mind.

All spills have unforeseen consequences

Spills left to advance and spread can cost contractors upwards of a hundred thousand dollars in site cleanup fees. That number doesn’t even include potential Environment Protection Agency (EPA) or Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fines for violations. In any spill situation, it is the contractor’s responsibility to comply with all local, state, and federal regulatory agency guidelines.

At construction sites, diesel fuel can present major environmental issues. Contractors who keep diesel containers or vehicles on-site run the risk of developing drips and leaks as well as contaminating nearby water supplies, so proper preparation is imperative.

What kinds of solutions are available?

Spill kits are one way for site managers to easily handle construction site spill response. These kits come in three different categories that are typically color-coded:

Universal or General Purpose Kits – Include gray absorbents. Use them for cleaning up both water-based fluids and hydrocarbons. Such as oil or diesel from vehicles or construction machinery.
Oil-Only Kits – Contain white absorbents that repel water, absorbing hydrocarbons only. Because they float, cleanup crews them to absorb oils from contaminated water.
Hazmat Kits – Feature yellow absorbents designed to clean hazardous and aggressive fluids. Like acids, solvents and other chemicals.

What products should contractors stock?

Contractors may find the perfect tool for diverting pollutants in spill containment berm dikes. They may implement these dikes to direct pollutants away from sewers or other natural bodies of water in cases of diesel leaks or spills. With sizes ranging from 5-foot to 10-foot sections, contractors can use dikes to blockade spills, containing them before they can cause serious damage. Need to do more than contain? Constructed with tough outer mesh encased in superabsorbent polypropylene fillers, site managers can use oil absorbent booms to handle all types of hydrocarbon spills such as gasoline, diesel, or fuel and motor oils while repelling water at the same time.

For smaller spills, oil absorbent pillows or universal absorbent pillows can quickly soak up oil on land or water. Depending on the types of chemical agents on hand, hazmat absorbent pillows can facilitate site leaders in absorbing hazardous or unknown aggressive liquid spills.

As contractors are responsible for maintaining clean construction sites while avoiding environmental damage, even small gestures such as adding cigarette butt receptacles can go a long way. With well-stocked absorbent products and well-trained construction staff, contractors can ensure safety and efficiency on their sites.

Need help selecting the right absorbents for your construction site?

The professionals at AbsorbentsOnline can help! Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633. You can also check out our handy list of industry-specific spill response and absorbent products for construction sites.

Look Into the Future: The Next Decade of Oil Absorbents

January 15, 2018 by Angie Meza

While some absorbent materials can be used only once before they must be discarded, the greener — and more budget-friendly — option for many is to use absorbents they can clean and reuse multiple times. Market predictions show these reusable absorbents are growing in popularity, and will continue to do so over the next decade.

To stay at the leading edge of spill cleanup and preparedness, understanding and selecting the right reusable absorbents for your facility over the coming years will be key.

The 10-year market outlook

Industry experts’ predictions for the next 10 years indicate reusable absorbents will grow significantly in popularity due to a few growth drivers.

Industrialization — One such driver is growing industrialization. Here in the United States, we are in the initial stages of what some are calling the Fourth Industrial Revolution — a technological transformation with the power to disrupt nearly every industry. The increasing fusion of physical and digital worlds is coming together in a complex landscape of emerging technologies that will be capable of changing nearly every facet of modern life. One of the places these changes will likely have a broad impact is in manufacturing, where processes are changing and worker safety and preparedness training is a top priority.
Demand — Of course, with growing industrialization comes a growing likelihood of oil spills and pipeline ruptures. High demand for crude oil, which is transported through land and underwater pipelines, makes up another major driver for growth in the market for these materials. The rise in spills means more cleanup operations utilizing reusable oil absorbents, and the increased risk of having to deal with a spill or leak like this means more and more leaders preparing their companies for accidents by stocking up on the necessary absorbents for the job.
Safety — As a further side effect of the growing rate of spills and leaks, more and more organization decision-makers are putting pressure on preparedness program leaders to ensure workers are equipped to handle spills quickly and effectively when they take place. Regulatory bodies like OSHA are introducing increasingly stringent training and equipment requirements for those who may potentially have to deal with emergency spills.

What does all this mean for those working in industries in which they use absorbent materials? In short, the need for these materials is only going to grow. Choosing the right reusable absorbents and related materials will be essential to keeping up with the next decade’s expanding spill-cleanup needs.

Choosing the right equipment

AbsorbentsOnline offers a wide selection of reusable oil absorbent materials, from pads and rolls designed for quick oil absorption to booms designed for oil spill containment and cleanup in bodies of water. But the reusable oil absorbents themselves aren’t the only investment absorbents users will need to make to experience the convenience and efficiency they provide. To reuse oil absorbents, cleaning equipment designed for use with those absorbents is necessary.

The standard model wringer is the perfect choice for many. This heavy-duty hand wringer can remove fluids from absorbent pads, towels, wipes, rugs, carpets, and flat booms. One EPA report indicated that the standard model wringer enables annual savings of anywhere from 56 to 79%, paying itself off in under five weeks. The chemically resistant rollers are driven by dual gears and can extract sorbents into a collection sink, which funnels into a closed-head 55-gallon drum. A built-in anti-spill valve prevents further spills or leaks during cleanup.

Between the reusable oil absorbent materials and wringers, cleaning up oil spills and leaks can be easy and cost-effective. Additionally, users reduce the economic footprint of cleanup materials by recycling them over multiple uses.

To learn more about reusable oil absorbents and order the products you need, contact Angie Meza at angie@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

New to Buying Absorbents? Make Sure You Shop Smart

September 26, 2017 by Angie Meza

Oil absorbent pads help make easy work of messy cleanup

When you hear the term “industrial absorbents,” you may think of massive factories or plants dealing with major spills and leaks. And while those types of businesses certainly use industrial absorbents to keep their workplaces safe, clean, and prepared, they’re not the only ones who can benefit from the power of industrial absorbents. The efficiency and affordability that make these products such smart choices for industrial applications also make them smart choices on smaller scales, like small businesses, garages, boats, or even your own home.

There are plenty of reasons you may need absorbents: Maybe you have equipment that drips oil or fluids, or maybe you work with liquids that would be dangerous or messy if spilled. Perhaps you just do a lot of cleaning and want to spend less on your supplies!

If the thought of ordering industrial absorbents sounds daunting, don’t worry — it’s easier than you think! Most absorbents are available in a few basic color-coded categories:

Universal — A gray universal absorbent is designed for general-purpose use with a variety of fluids. If you aren’t sure exactly what you’ll need absorbents for, or if you’re mostly using water-based fluids, universal absorbent pillows or universal absorbent pads might be the right choice.
Oil only — Oil-only absorbents are exactly what they sound like: These white absorbents are specifically designed to safely absorb oil-based fluids. Oil-only absorbents like Abzorb oil mats or oil absorbent pads are especially great for garages. Many of these also repel water-based fluids, making it easy to target important spills and leaks.
Hazmat — It might seem like you’re unlikely to have hazardous materials in your home or business, but did you know that even flammable liquids, like rubbing alcohol, paint thinner, and pesticides are considered hazardous? Yellow hazmat absorbents like chemical absorbent socks can help you safely deal with spills of more dangerous natures. Hazardous waste containers keep these fluids and used absorbents under control until you can safely dispose of them.

And there’s more to industrial safety products! Maybe an anti-fatigue mat would improve life for those who stand in your garage, kitchen, or at your cash register. A commercial degreaser could make cleanup easier anywhere, and shop towel wipes are always handy additions to any home and workplace.

Ordering industrial absorbents is easy. And if you decide that they’re useful enough to use regularly, you can set up an auto-shipment service to make sure you never run out of the absorbents you need — and save on your favorite products.

To learn which spill control products are best suited to your life and design your own custom spill kit, contact Angie Meza at angie@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

Never Run Out of the Products You Rely On

July 24, 2017 by Travis Zdrazil

Auto-ship services make life easier: Receive industrial absorbents at your door

Simplify your life: add absorbents to your auto-ship schedule

Life has never been more convenient for busy people. Those who struggle to find time for errands and day-to-day tasks can now have their meals, razors, and even their underwear delivered to them by mail when they need it.

These services have become popular because they offer a multitude of benefits. Recurring mail orders like these mean you never run out of the products you want, so you always have what you need when you need it. Since it’s automated, you only place your order once, and it automatically recurs on whatever basis you choose, saving you the time you would’ve otherwise spent placing orders.

Since you customize your own order quantity and frequency, you don’t have to worry about receiving too much or too little product or about getting orders too frequently or not often enough. And of course, there’s no getting stuck with items you don’t need: You can change your order at any time.

These services are so convenient you might expect them to be expensive — but shockingly, many of these services offer discounts that can save you money. It almost sounds too good to be true. So, what would you say if you could use these services not just for your toilet paper and pet food but at your workplace, too?

truck driving on highway

AbsorbentsOnline offers auto-ship ordering

Now, you can receive the absorbent and safety materials you need in the mail! Get shipments on whatever recurring timeline suits your home or business schedule so you never run out of the absorbents you need to live and operate day in and day out.

Do you find you’re running out of shop rags before you’ve had a chance to order new ones or using them until they’re long past worn out? Place an auto-ship order for reclaimed shop rags and receive them by mail when you need them. Make cleanup easy by ordering and ensuring you always have a commercial degreaser on hand.

Whether in an industrial setting or in your home or garage, you never want to be stuck with a spill, leak, or mess you aren’t prepared to clean up. But you can’t always remember just when it’s time to place a new order, and too often you may find yourself needing a product that you’re out of. Auto-ship can solve this problem for good. And if your needs change, you can change your order to match. There’s no downside!

Ready to set up your first auto-shipment of absorbents and save 10% on most absorbent products in every order? Contact our sales team at sales@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

Is Your Auto Shop Ready for a Spill?

July 24, 2017 by Travis Zdrazil

Shop mechanic changing oil.

In your auto repair shop, you have a lot on your plate. But while a little leak or spill might not seem like a big deal, a messy shop could come back to bite you in time — and slips, trips, and falls are nothing to joke about.

That’s why, if you want to be able to focus on the work that matters — the auto repairs — you must be prepared for those leaks and auto shop spills first.

Prepare for every circumstance

When you work with all the oils and fluids that come with auto maintenance and vehicle repair, you’re bound to experience a few leaks. But you can stop those leaks before they hit your floors with an Abzorb oil mat. This durable mat not only protects your floors from rust and stains but also provides non-slip protection for mechanics’ safety. Mats are great for both indoor and outdoor use and can even withstand vehicles of all shapes and sizes rolling over them without sustaining damage. They come in many different sizes to suit your specific needs and can last years before needing to be replaced.

Need a higher volume solution to drips and leaks? Drip pans are easy to empty once they’re filled, and you can replace the absorbent pillow each holds and reuse the pans long-term to save money.

Of course, you can’t always know where a spill or leak is going to happen. That’s why it’s important to have shop rags on hand for quick cleanup. And, in the event of a larger scale spill, you’ll want to have heavier duty absorbents within reach, like absorbent pads or rolls, which come in universal absorbent materials for general use or oil absorbent material specifically for hydrocarbon-based fluids.

And stains and slips aren’t the only things to worry about — if you do any work outdoors, it’s important to make sure rainwater isn’t carrying the pollutants you work with into the water system. Stormwater management products can help keep your fluids out of the sewers and local water features.

Keep employees safe

auto shop garage car repair It’s one thing to keep your floors safe and another to keep your mechanics safe. For those who stand throughout the day, anti-fatigue mats can protect their backs, legs, and ankles from strain.

Do you have stairs in your auto repair shop? How about uneven surfaces or ramps? These are common sites for slips, trips, and falls. Installing safety stair treads can help you reduce the likelihood of an employee losing his or her footing on a step and putting him or herself at risk of injury.

In your auto repair shop, you need to focus on your clients’ vehicles. When you’re prepared for spills and leaks, you can trust that your employees and your shop are protected and prepared for every eventuality. That way, you can keep your mind on your work.

Not sure what kind of absorbents and safety materials you should have in your auto repair shop? The professionals at AbsorbentsOnline can help. Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

I Need an Absorbent Fast! Will This One Do the Trick?

July 24, 2017 by Angie Meza

oil spill from a barrel illustration When a spill happens, whether at work or at home, you need something that can stop the spread … fast. Do you have the right product nearby to absorb that spill?

The right products for your liquids

Not all spills are created equal — that’s why not all absorbents are the same. It’s imperative you have the correct materials on hand to deal with the specific spills (and potential risks) your home or facility may encounter.

For example, if you’re working with oil and petroleum products, you need absorbents that repel water so the absorbents can do their job of absorbing the oils that float on top. Oil absorbent booms make it easy to surround a large area and will float on water — even when fully saturated. For quick cleanup of small-scale spills, oil absorbent pads and rolls are flexible solutions.

For those who work with hazardous chemicals, it’s important to use absorbents that can safely contain spilled liquids without breaking down. Using regular absorbents with hazardous materials can be dangerous. That’s why absorbent pads and rolls, absorbent socks, and absorbent pillows are all available in hazmat yellow. This type of absorbent is generally colored yellow to indicate that those nearby must use caution when dealing with the spill area.

When it comes to liquids that don’t fit into the categories of oil and petroleum products or aggressive fluids, universal absorbents are the answer. From socks to pillows and everything in between, most absorbent materials are available as universal absorbents. It’s smart to have some of these general-purpose items around for day-to-day spills and leaks.

The risks of the wrong absorbents

Using the right absorbent can ensure your cleanup goes quickly and effectively. But using the wrong absorbent can be more than just inefficient — it can even be dangerous.

Some absorbents, like Gran-sorb, are made from cellulose, an affordable absorbent for non-corrosive spills. But using a cellulose absorbent on a corrosive liquid spill could cause a dangerous heat reaction to occur. Instead, polypropylene or natural absorbents offer a safer corrosive cleanup option.

The easy way to be prepared

chemical spill responders wearing PPE Choosing the right absorbents and safety gear for the job can be challenging, and making mistakes can cost you. That’s why AbsorbentsOnline offers spill kits specifically designed to meet your needs.

Pick up a general-purpose spill kit if your facility handles water-based fluids or hydrocarbons or an oil-only kit if you handle oil and petroleum. Dealing with hazardous materials? A hazmat spill kit can ensure you’re prepared for any eventuality. Our spill kits vary in size to suit your facility, and we even offer mobile and specialty spill kits.

Looking for something specific? We can even build you a custom spill kit. Every facility is different, so you need a spill kit that matches the liquids and quantities you’re handling.

To learn which spill control products are best suited to your work and design your own custom spill kit, contact Angie Meza at angie@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

Why Should I Buy American-Made Absorbents?

May 24, 2017 by Travis Zdrazil

Whether you’re buying absorbent products for use in your home, garage, or workplace, you have plenty of options to choose from. And while it may be tempting to choose your purchases based solely on price or convenience, there are other factors to consider, too: quality, eco-friendliness, and even where products are manufactured.

American-made goods and the American economy

Made in USA on flag logo.

You may have heard that buying American-made products is good for the country’s economy. But while many often toss this concept around, they tend not to explain in depth.

There are a few reasons why purchasing from American businesses benefits our national economy. First, American businesses employ American workers. This means your purchases help create and maintain American jobs. In fact, if each American citizen spent an extra $3.33 on American-made goods, it would create almost 10,000 new jobs.

Also, when you spend your money at American businesses, that money is then passed on to the American workers employed there, keeping that money in the American economy.

Buying American is eco-friendly

Of course, buying American-made goods doesn’t just mean supporting our economy — it also means supporting our planet.

No imported products logo.

Shipping isn’t just expensive — it’s also a major cause of pollution. By purchasing products made in the US, products don’t have to travel as far, conserving fuel and reducing the environmental footprint of that product. Additionally, not every country has the same environmental regulations surrounding manufacturing. That means products created in other countries may not be as “green” as products made here in the United States. In fact, Chinese production of goods for American consumption has had a significant effect on air pollution.

And of course, the absorbents themselves can help protect the environment by preventing hazardous waste from entering bodies of water and soil as well as protecting against oil spills and stormwater pollution.

Stock up on American-made absorbents for summer

If you’re looking for absorbents from an American company that stocks many American-made products, look no further! Here are five AbsorbentsOnline.com top sellers for you to pick up for summer use, be it at home or work.

Absorbent pads: These easy-to-use absorbent pads and rolls soak up liquids quickly — and you can ring them out and reuse! They’re available in a number of materials for use on different kinds of spills.
Oil absorbent booms: These oil absorbent booms float on water to make marine spills easy to handle. They’re made from recycled materials right here in the USA!
Spill containment pallets: Store your drums on these spill containment pallets, capable of accommodating up to six drums. These modular units are low profile, easy to connect, and made in USA from recycled materials.
Rag rug absorbent floor mat: These absorbent mats are made from recycled materials and designed to absorb all types of grunge without appearing dirty. They’re even strong enough for high traffic areas.
Spill kits: No matter what kind of liquids you work with, there’s a spill kit for your needs. We can even create custom spill kits just for your facility.

When you make a purchase, you vote with your dollar — by using your money to support a business. When it comes to absorbents, why not make sure that business is American?

Have questions about which absorbents are right for your needs? Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

Forklift Safety Is Overlooked: Learn Why and What to Do About It

January 13, 2016 by Travis Zdrazil

forklift operator wearing PPE Since their invention in the early 20th century, forklifts have become not just useful, but necessary machines in any industrial setting. These powerful and versatile tools have greatly expanded our abilities to lift and move large objects easily — but that power, when not handled properly, can easily become dangerous.

Last month, an employee at a Florida building products company was pinned between a forklift and some metal shelving, and died after being transported to the hospital. A few months before, a New Jersey construction company employee backed his forklift over a coworker, who was left in critical condition.

There are enough tragic news stories like these. To avoid adding another one to the list, there are two main hazards that are important to avoid:

Hitting head on the overhead cage
Slips, trips, and falls (especially feet slipping off a step)

Although these may seem like simple mistakes to avoid, when you’re using a forklift every day, it’s easy to grow complacent with repetition. Make sure you’re following these best practices to avoid forklift accidents.

Keep your hands clean and dry to prevent slipping when grabbing the handhold.
Check your shoes for grease before entering the vehicle.
Grasp the handhold (not the steering wheel) with a solid grip when entering the vehicle.
Watch your footing carefully when entering or leaving the vehicle.
Lower your body carefully when exiting the vehicle (do not jump down).
Wear appropriate footwear.

To improve forklift safety in your workplace, try our forklift mat. This mat not only helps to prevent slips and falls by absorbing hydraulic fluids, oil, or battery acid that may leak from forklifts, but it has the added bonus of protecting your floors from these leaks as well.

This superabsorbent polypropylene mat has a non-penetrable, non-skid vinyl backing and won’t be damaged by forklifts driving over it — even through many years of use. Prevent slips and falls with this affordable product, which comes in rolls, allowing it to be cut to the desired length.

Do you have the right safety products on hand for your workplace? To find out, contact Angie Meza at angie@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

Which Floor Dry Absorbent Should I Use On A Spill?

May 12, 2015 by Travis Zdrazil

When you have a non-aggressive fluid spill, do you know which floor dry absorbent will take care of the problem? The answer depends on what was spilled — and, of course, how much.

Familiarize yourself with the different kinds of granular sorbents in order to ensure that when you have a non-aggressive fluid spill, you’re prepared to handle it quickly and efficiently. Not to mention, help keep your facility in compliance with OSHA by minimizing slip and trip hazards.

Granular absorbents to dry up floor spills

Here are some granular floor dry absorbent options, depending on which fluids you might be dealing with:

For small spills and routine maintenance, Super Sorbent is your best bet. This granular sorbent comes in small, easy-to-use shakers that can be distributed throughout your facility to make spill response quick and painless. This sorbent will work on oils, coolants, solvents, and water.

Dealing with a larger spill? Consider using Gran-sorb. This sorbent has a 1:1 absorbency rate, so 15 pounds of sorbent will absorb 15 pounds — which is equivalent to approximately 2 gallons — of oil. Besides being great for dealing with oil spills, Gran-sorb can also handle lubricants and most other non-aggressive liquids.

Are you only concerned about oil spills? For this specific use, the Peat Moss Absorbent floor dry is a good choice. This sorbent is an all-natural, biodegradable option specifically for oil spills and can be incinerated after use.

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty absorbent, look no further than Corn Cob Absorbent, which can hold an astounding four times its weight in fluids! This biodegradable floor dry product is made from ground corn cobs and is appropriate for water, solvents, oils, and coolants.

Like any absorbent product, different floor dry absorbents are designed to meet different needs. It is always wise to have a variety on hand so you can be prepared for any kind of spill!

Want to learn more about absorbents for your facility? AbsorbentsOnline can help. Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or toll free on (800) 869-9633.

What Is an Approved Safety Can and Which Type Do You Need?

March 13, 2015 by Travis Zdrazil

An approved safety can is needed when you store flammable or combustible liquids — such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel, propane, isopropyl alcohol, and various oils — at your worksite. You can’t just use any container. And that’s all to do with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance.

OSHA regulations state that when flammable liquids are stored inside a building, they must either be in a storage room, in closed metal containers in a storage cabinet, or in an “approved” safety can. A non-approved can may not be unable to withstand a corrosive material, contain vapors, or tolerate heavy-duty use.

When is an approved safety can necessary?

So what is an approved safety can? It’s a can that meets OSHA’s specifications for flammable liquids storage as described in 29 CFR 1910.106. Such a can may hold up to 5 gallons, must have a spring-closing lid and spout cover, and be “so designed that it will safely relieve internal pressure when subjected to fire exposure.”

For construction worksites in particular, regulation 29 CFR 1910.155(l) also requires safety cans to have a flash-arresting screen. And finally, to be considered approved, the can must be “listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory” — for example, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or another organization in OSHA’s NRTLs list.

Safety cans aren’t a “one size fits all” product. Many types are available for many different types of liquids and materials:

Type 1 versus Type 2 — What’s the difference? Type 1 safety cans use the same spout for both pouring and filling, whereas a Type 2 safety can has separate openings for pouring and filling.
Color coding — Industry-standard colors for storing flammables are yellow for diesel, red for gasoline, blue for kerosene, and green for oil combustibles.
Materials — Depending on what the can is designed to contain, different materials may be required. For example, galvanized steel is an excellent way to store ethanol, but a poor way to store acetone. Make sure you are ordering cans that are compatible with the substance you need to store.

Safety cans can be a flexible and essential tool, but only if you have the right ones for your needs!

Want to learn more about approved safety cans? AbsorbentsOnline can help. Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.