absorbents Archives - Spill Containment Blog

What Absorbent Products Do I Need for My Construction Site?

March 14, 2018 by Travis Zdrazil

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 as industrial spills and even stormwater runoff can have dire consequences for construction environments and workers.

Employees who work with water, oil, diesel, solvents, hazardous materials, and other liquids know how imperative it is to respond to spills immediately. Spilled liquids can affect vegetation as well as animals and humans 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. In any spill situation, it is the contractor’s responsibility to comply with all local, state, and federal regulatory agency guidelines.

What kinds of solutions are available?

Site managers can easily use spill kits to address all three construction site spill categories:

Universal or General Purpose Kits are made with gray absorbents for cleaning up both water-based fluids and hydrocarbons, such as oil or diesel from vehicles or construction machinery.
Oil Only Kits are made with absorbents that repel water, absorbing hydrocarbons only. Cleanup crews use these to absorb oils from loose water that has already been contaminated.
Hazmat Kits are made with absorbents designed to clean hazardous and aggressive fluids such as acids and solvents.

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 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 these 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.

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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.

Do I Have the Right Absorbents for My Manufacturing Plant?

November 15, 2017 by Travis Zdrazil

In the manufacturing industry, it’s important to maintain a clean, safe workplace — and that isn’t possible without the right chemical absorbent materials. That’s because — no matter how careful you are — fluid spills are inevitable in manufacturing. When those spills do occur, it’s imperative you have the materials you need to clean them up quickly and safely so you can get back to work.

The everyday basics

From slow, inconvenient oil or coolant drips to full-on leaks due to human error or equipment damage, day-to-day work in a manufacturing plant comes with leaks and spills that all need to be contained and cleaned up. That requires keeping a library of basic safety products on hand.

When accidents happen, it’s important to have cleaning shop rags and towels readily available for quick cleanups. Consider eco-friendly products like shop towels made of up to 40% post-consumer product and shop rags made of reclaimed cloth. Also keep in mind fluids don’t just end up on floors and equipment — they can also get on employees’ hands. That’s why industrial hand soap, grease wipes, and anti-bacterial wipes are also must-haves on the manufacturing floor.

Speaking of floors, absorbents mats can help you keep your facility’s floors clean and dry even in the face of equipment drips and leaks. And it’s not just machines that need mats — anti-fatigue mats can protect manufacturers’ health through hours of standing while also keeping them safe from slips and falls.

Be ready for spills and leaks

Sometimes, shop rags aren’t enough. When a spill requires a little more attention, it’s time to bring out the big guns: industrial absorbents.

Pillows and socks — Absorbent pillows and socks are perfect for soaking up larger chemical spills quickly. Plus, they’re easy to wring out and reuse, making them cost-effective. These absorbents come in universal grey, oil white, and hazmat yellow.
Pads and rolls — Absorbent pads and rolls are great, affordable options for quick spill cleanup. Rolls make it easy to use just as much as you need for any given spill. These are also available in grey for universal absorbent purposes, white for hydrocarbons, and yellow for hazardous and aggressive fluids.

Some chemical absorbents allow users to wash and reuse them after spills, but others must be disposed. When it comes to disposing hazardous materials and oils safely, waste containers are imperative. These containers are designed to help you comply with regulations regarding hazardous material containment and disposal.

Spill kits cover all your bases

Not sure precisely which chemical absorbents you need in your manufacturing plant? A spill kit can help you ensure you’re prepared to clean up any spill and dispose of used materials safely and effectively. Simply choose the spill kit that matches the fluids and quantities you’re working with.

Spill kits are divided by fluid — universal, hazmat, and oil — and each comes in different sizes to facilitate different-sized spills. Don’t see a spill kit that suits your facility or not sure which absorbents are right for your unique manufacturing needs? Work with a partner who can help you ensure you’re prepared to avoid danger, damage, and — worse yet — injuries to yourself and your fellow manufacturers.

Need help choosing the right absorbents for your manufacturing plant? The professionals at AbsorbentsOnline can help. Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

What Kinds of Absorbents Do Firefighters Need?

September 26, 2017 by Travis Zdrazil

To the average person, it may seem like firefighters are more in the business of dispensing fluids than cleaning them up — but any firefighter knows he or she does a lot more than hold a fire hose, and that includes cleaning up spills. To do so effectively, it’s important to have the right absorbents and spill containment products both in the firehouse and in trucks.

What kinds of spills do firefighters face?

To see what sorts of spill containment challenges firefighters are dealing with every day, all you have to do is look to the news. For example, firefighters responding to a three-car collision in Harvard, Massachusetts used absorbents to clean up two small fluid leaks from vehicles involved in the crash. An oil absorbent pillow or oil absorbent pad would’ve been a likely candidate for this kind of job to both repel water and absorb oil-based fluids — and one pillow or pad can safely absorb more than 20 gallons.

In Halifax, Virginia, a tractor trailer pulled down some utility lines, resulting in a transformer leaking hydraulic fluid into the street. Firefighters used absorbents to create a dam to contain the leaking oil and prevent it from spreading while they orchestrated a spill cleanup. This can be done with a portable spill containment berm. Alternatively, absorbent socks can work in these applications if firefighters wanted to absorb the liquids, rather than just contain them.

A tanker accident in Hickory, North Carolina proves that spills can be unpredictable: The vehicle, which was carrying chicken byproduct, overturned and released the waste into the area. Firefighters shut the leaking valve, then built a dam from sand to prevent the waste from entering nearby storm drains. While sand did the trick in this instance, granular sorbents would’ve been an environmentally safe alternative capable of absorbing — not just blocking — the liquid.

Have the right absorbents on hand

When firefighters are called to the scene, they need to do their jobs quickly and efficiently or they could risk lives and environmental contamination. And that doesn’t just apply in cases of fire but also in cases of spills. That’s why it’s imperative firefighters be prepared for any spill containment scenario with the right absorbents and equipment.

Whether it’s as simple as a drip pan for the fire truck or as convenient as a small, portable spill cleanup kit to tuck into the cab for minor emergencies, absorbentsonline.com has all the absorbent materials that a firehouse needs to tackle any spill. Need help choosing the right absorbents? Our experts can help. Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

New to Buying Absorbents? Make Sure You Shop Smart

September 26, 2017 by Angie Meza

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 categories:

Universal — A 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 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? 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 bottle of commercial degreaser could make cleanup easier anywhere, and antibacterial wipes are good additions to homes and workplaces.

Ordering industrial absorbents is easy. And if you decide that they’re useful enough to use regularly, you can set up 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

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.

Auto-ship services make life easier

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 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 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?

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 fresh bottle of commercial degreaser on hand.

Don’t let your sinks go without between hand soap orders — place an auto-ship order for industrial hand soap and always have the next dispenser ready to go when you finish off a bottle. How often do you go through a pack of 72 anti-bacterial wipes? With auto-ship, you’ll never be stuck with an empty container and dirty hands or surfaces.

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.

OSHA and Absorbents: Making Safety a Standard

May 24, 2017 by Travis Zdrazil

You have the right to a safe work environment. In fact, your workplace leaders are legally required to take certain steps, such as providing the right spill kits to handle emergencies to lessen your risk of being injured on the job. But that wasn’t always true! The Operational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created nearly 50 years ago to turn workplace safety into law. And to this day, its members are continuously making changes and updates to look out for you while you’re on the clock.

OSHA and absorbents

If someone asked you what absorbent materials were for, you’d probably say “absorbing” — and you’d be right, of course! But while that may be their literal purpose, they have another purpose when it comes to the big picture: safety.

A few drips of oil that gather underneath a forklift between uses might not seem like a big deal, but they can present a slip hazard that could seriously injure workers climbing in or out of the forklift. In industrial settings, workers could accidentally spill hazardous materials and present dangers to nearby employees. Even water seems harmless until it’s unconfined or somewhere it isn’t supposed to be.

Being prepared to contain or soak up these kinds of spills is essential to protecting employees. That’s why OSHA offers a comprehensive guide to hazardous waste operations, including plenty of information on emergency responses to ensure those in each workplace have the necessary absorbents and training to handle whatever spills they may experience in their facilities.

OSHA updates, adds new rules

Workplaces and technology are constantly changing, which means OSHA regulations need to change alongside them. Work environments today aren’t the same as they were at the time of the administration’s inception in 1970, and new technology and equipment mean new hazards to look out for.

For example, in one recent update, OSHA members created a new rule requiring greater transparency around workplace injuries and illness, incentivizing workplace safety by making safety failures public. It even includes provisions against retaliation, ensuring that workers feel comfortable reporting illness and injury.

In another recent change, OSHA updated the Walking-Working Surfaces standard. This standard exists to help prevent slip and fall injuries. Under the new Walking-Working Surfaces standard, employers have the flexibility to choose the fall protection methods that work best for their businesses, and there are stricter requirements in place for fall protection training.

Administrators sometimes make changes to regulations dealing with absorbents, too. Prior to a 2016 rule, OSHA regulation permitted exposing workers to deadly levels of respirable crystalline silica. OSHA predicts “the new rule will save more than 600 lives and prevent more than 900 cases of silicosis – an incurable lung disease – each year.”

Of course, some granular absorbents use silica, which means many facility leaders will have to switch to silica-free absorbents like Gran-sorb, Corn Cob, or Peat Moss Absorbents — or risk harming employees and receiving OSHA citations.

OSHA beginnings

Most people in the workforce today don’t remember a time before OSHA. But nearly 50 years ago, there was no law saying any business leader had to provide a safe workplace for his or her employees.

Working conditions were dangerous across the United States when former President Richard Nixon signed the Williams Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which led to the creation of OSHA. OSHA members’ goal from day one was to provide training, outreach, and assistance to business decision-makers to help them keep their employees safe, but they started out small.

Absorbents didn’t come into the picture until later: Actually, it wasn’t until March 1989 — almost 20 years after OSHA was founded — that the administration publicized an official final rule regarding emergency response to hazardous waste spills. Although OSHA members have updated hazardous waste rules in the years since, that rule was the foundation of the regulation that protects those who work with hazardous waste to this day.

Absorbents play an essential safety role

These days, having the correct absorbent materials and effectively training employees on using them are safety keys in almost any industrial workplace. OSHA requirements for spill response focus on comprehensive spill response plan creation and upkeep, including obtaining, storing, and training staff on using appropriate absorbents.

For example, depending on the kinds of liquids you handle in your facility, you need a different spill kit type. Employees who use hydrocarbons in facilities may do best with oil-only kits while those who work with hazardous liquids instead need hazmat kits.

Even if you don’t work with liquids, your workplace is still susceptible to spills! For instance, forklifts contain fluids that can easily leak onto the floor, presenting slip hazards. A forklift mat can absorb those fluids and help keep forklift operators safe.

Throughout the decades, OSHA continues to change and grow to best meet the needs of workers nationwide. Similarly, workplace leaders need to change and grow with shifting OSHA regulations to ensure workers are always as safe as possible.

To learn which spill-control products you need for OSHA compliance, contact Angie Meza at angie@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

Do You Have These 7 Absorbents in Your Warehouse?

May 24, 2016 by Travis Zdrazil

Stocking your warehouse with absorbents can be a daunting task if you’re not sure where to start. Here’s your guide to choosing which absorbents fit your needs!

Pads and Rolls

Absorbent pads and rolls are all-purpose cleanup tools designed to absorb liquids quickly. Pads are convenient, pre-cut sheets of absorbent that fit specific places or functions. Absorbent rolls allow for more flexibility so you can use precisely the amount you need.

These come in six main types, and the type that works best for you depends entirely on the types of materials in your facility. Here is a basic rundown of each type and its ideal purpose:

Universal Maintenance — A general-purpose type of absorbent, universal pads are great for day-to-day maintenance. These pads can absorb a wide variety of fluids, from water-based fluids to oils and more. After being wrung out, they can even be reused. The grey color disguises dirt, extending the absorbents’ lives.

Oil — These white absorbents repel and float on water and absorb only hydrocarbons such as oil, gasoline, and lubricating oils. They’re perforated, so you can use only what you need, and can also be wrung out and used again.

Economy Oil — Similar to the oil absorbents, the economy pads and rolls float and repel water, only absorbing hydrocarbons. These cost-effective oil absorbent pads have only one layer, so they’re able to cover larger surface areas for low prices.

Hazmat — Used for chemical spill cleanup, these yellow-colored absorbents are made to absorb hazardous or unknown liquid spills. They absorb all liquids, including water, and are capable of safely absorbing aggressive fluids, such as acids.

Polybacked — These absorbents have impenetrable poly backing, protecting the floor or users’ hands from liquids. These absorbents are all-purpose and will absorb all liquids, including water.

Anti-Static — These water-repelling absorbents are designed for use in cold or dry applications to reduce risk of sparking. They will absorb oils and hydrocarbons, and your absorbents come in a unique blue bag for quick identification and use.

Socks

Absorbent socks are made to surround spills and prevent them from spreading further. They are fast and easy to use, so you can catch spills before they get worse.

Universal/General Purpose — These superabsorbent polypropylene socks can be wrung out and reused for multiple purposes. They’re ideal for everyday maintenance, come in two sizes, and can absorb water-based fluids, oil, coolants, and more.

Oil — Available in two sizes, these socks are designed to absorb oil and hydrocarbons. They repel and float on water, making for an easy cleanup process.

Hazmat — These yellow-colored socks come in two sizes and are meant for use on hazardous or unknown spills. They absorb all liquids, from water and water-based fluids to aggressive fluids.

Corn Cob Universal — These universal absorbent socks are filled with ground corn cob filler, so they’re renewable and an ideal way to make your business greener.

Pillows

When you need a quick absorbent tool with higher capacity than pads or rolls, absorbent pillows are the perfect solution. These are great for persistent leaks or for catching running liquid.

Universal — These all-purpose absorbent pillows are grey in color and suitable for all kinds of spills. They can be wrung out and reused, come in two sizes, and are ideal for general, day-to-day maintenance.

Oil — These white-colored, oil-only pillows are perfect for absorbing hydrocarbons. They can be used on both land and water, repel and float on water, and come in two sizes.

Hazmat — When you have a hazardous or unknown spill, these yellow absorbents are just the thing. They can absorb all liquids, including water, and are available in two sizes.

Wipes

For quick responses to spills and accidents, it’s important that you’re prepared not just with large, high-capacity absorbents but also small, easy-to-access rags and towels — and even absorbents for use on workers’ faces and hands.

Shop Towels — These extremely versatile towels are soft enough for use on the hands and face but don’t fall apart when wet. They come in a variety of absorbency levels, so you can choose between all-purpose, high-absorbency, and everything in between. These towels are great for painting, staining, wallpapering, cleaning, and mopping up spills.

Shop Rags — These rags come in easy-to-use dispensers and are made from 100% reclaimed materials, making them a green option for your business. Great for use on paint, grease, oil, and solvents, these rags have hundreds of practical uses.

Industrial Wet Wipes, Soaps, and Degreasers — Whether you need to clean your hands or your equipment, we have the perfect cleaner for it. Our citrus-scented hand soaps are harsh on industrial grime but gentle on the skin, and our cleaners are up for the task of commercial degreasing without being full of harsh solvents.

Safety Mats

Safety mats are so durable they can be used underneath vehicles and machinery or on walkways to catch drips and leaks as well as protect from slip-and-fall accidents.

Abzorb — These mats are the toughest of the bunch, featuring non-penetrable backing. They’re non-skid, can be cut into your desired lengths, and can be used either indoors or outdoors. They come in dark charcoal grey to mask the appearance of dirt and stains.

Forklift — These Abzorb Mats are cut at six feet by eight feet specifically to fit forklifts. They’re perfect to protect your floors from oil and battery leaks and provide non-slip surfaces for employees getting in or out of forklifts.

Rag Rug Industrial Floor — These recycled mats will stand up to traffic and can absorb all fluids, so they’re perfect for use on walkways.

Railroad Containment Track — Protect railroad beds from chemical or hydrocarbon leaks with these absorbents, which are polybacked to resist chemicals. These mats come in two different-sized rolls for the inside and outside of rails, and mat covers are made of UV-resistant material.

Survivor Camouflage — The pattern on these mats hides drips and leaks for extended use. The bottom layer is made of a densely woven, fine fiber to provide grip and support safer walking. The top layer of fabric wicks away liquid trapped in the center core, making these mats ideal for use around machinery or on walkways.

Drip Pans

Drip pans are ideal if you have applications in which there is too high a volume of leakage for an absorbent pad or pillow. Pans will safely contain liquid until it can be disposed of.

Universal DPU-16 — These universal absorbent pans are covered to keep absorbed liquid safely inside. The entire tray is easy to replace after it is filled for easy maintenance.

Industrial with Pillows — These pans are reusable, and you can replace the absorbent pillows as needed. They can be used with universal absorbent pillows or hydrocarbon-only pillows that repel water.

Booms

Booms are used to contain or route large, spreading spills to prevent or control further spread. They can be used on land or water.

Oil Absorbent — These booms absorb hydrocarbons, repel water and water-based fluids, and float on water — even when saturated with oil. They can be easily linked together with carbon steel connector hardware.

Chemical Hazmat — These booms are for use on land and can absorb many fluids, from water-based to oil and acetone. They can be connected together for large area spills.

Non Absorbent — These booms are for use as dams when fluids don’t need to be contained, only routed.

No matter what kind of needs you have at your facility, there are solutions for every spill and every site! This guide can help you determine which absorbents best suit your needs — and if you aren’t sure, you can always contact PCI AbsorbentsOnline with any questions.

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

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.

Hand Wringers: Save Money, Materials, and the Environment

November 24, 2015 by Travis Zdrazil

Pro Model Wringer – Item #A1500W

How do you get more out of your absorbents? How do you create efficiency and reduce waste? Too often, companies lose material because of their inability to retrieve it after it’s been absorbed. This prevents those companies from meeting environmental standards by forcing them to waste fluids when they could be recycling them.

Solve this problem with a hand wringer! Here are a few great reasons to invest in one today:

It pays itself off. On average, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that a hand wringer pays for itself in just three to five short weeks.
Go green! A hand wringer allows you to recycle fluids, improving your environmental compliance.
Save money. By employing a hand wringer at your facility, the EPA reports that you can achieve annual savings of 51-75%.

If you’re ready to pick up a hand wringer, AbsorbentsOnline is here to provide them! We offer three models to choose from, based on your business’s needs.

Economy model — This inexpensive model can reclaim up to 90% of fluid from absorbent pads and rags. The sturdy, all-steel, rust-proof frame will offer many years of service, and the bearings never need to be lubricated.
Standard model — This heavy-duty model can remove fluids from absorbent pads, towels, wipers, rugs, carpets, and flat booms. It features dual-gear, driven, 12-inch-wide, chemical-resistant rollers that can compress your towels, sorbents, and rags to one-half of an inch to three-fourths of an inch or less.
Pro model — This model incorporates new features to minimize waste. Its 19-inch rollers accept 18-inch pads with no folding, or as many as four 3-inch socks at one time. It can also accept 5-inch, 6-inch, and some 8-inch booms. The Pro model even has an optional hands-free electric motor drive.

No matter what you need from a hand wringer, AbsorbentsOnline can meet those needs. Save money and the earth by recycling and reusing your absorbents!

Want to learn more about how to save money and the environment with absorbent wringers? AbsorbentsOnline can help. Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

What’s in Your Acid Spill Kit?

September 10, 2014 by Travis Zdrazil

Acids and corrosive substances are on hand at many worksites — automobile repair shops, heavy equipment storage yards, and manufacturing facilities, to name just a few. However, the corrosive materials these and other businesses depend on can be dangerous — and even deadly — if a spill occurs and they’re caught unprepared. Having the proper spill kit materials on hand to respond to an acid spill is imperative.

What you need
Your worksite should have spill kits placed in all areas where acids are used. These kits should include acid neutralizers and absorbents that are specifically made for acids and corrosives, as well as other basic items for spill cleanup.

Make sure your acid spill kit includes the following items:

An appropriate container: You need a container that can hold acids or other aggressive fluids, like the bucket in the Battery Acid Spill Kit. This container is labeled and highly visible, waterproof, and can be used to store contaminated sorbents until they can be disposed of properly.

Personal protective equipment (PPE): Depending on the materials handled at your site, your acid spill kit may need a variety of PPE to protect users from aggressive liquids. Basic PPE may include safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, aprons, boot covers, and a respirator.

Absorbent materials: Hazmat spill kits should include absorbent pads and rolls, and hazmat absorbent. Your kit may also need an acid neutralizer, which absorbs and solidifies acids and then changes colors to signify complete neutralization. (Note that acid neutralizers may not be safe for all acids. Contact AbsorbentsOnline’s knowledgeable staff for answers to any questions you have about which absorbents are suitable for your environment.)

Cleaning supplies: Hand brooms or scoops can help spread and clean up absorbent neutralizers. You’ll also need disposal bags to hold used absorbents and contaminated materials.

Your source for spill solutions
AbsorbentsOnline sells many of these items individually, or you can take advantage of our Battery Acid Spill Kits that include PPE and cleanup tools as well as acid-specific absorbents.

You can also contact us about making custom spill kits to meet your needs. Get in touch by email or call toll free at (800) 869-9633. We have hundreds of customers that order special spill kits, and we’re always available to develop the perfect spill solution for your unique business.