Spill kits play a crucial role in maintaining workplace safety by enabling quick and effective spill response. One of the most important aspects of spill kit selection is understanding spill kit colours, which help workers quickly identify the right type of absorbents for different spills. Using the wrong kit can result in ineffective spill containment, potential environmental hazards, and regulatory non-compliance.
This guide breaks down the different spill kit colours, their applications, and how to choose the right one for your workplace.
Spill Kit Colour Coding System
The colour coding system for spill kits is designed to make identification easier, ensuring that businesses and workers use the correct kit for a specific spill type. Below is an overview of the three main spill kit types and their corresponding colours:
| Spill Kit Type | Colour | Absorbs | Best Use Cases |
| Oil & Fuel Spill Kits | White/Blue | Hydrocarbons (oil, petrol, diesel) | Marine, automotive, fuel stations |
| Chemical Spill Kits | Yellow | Acids, corrosives, hazardous liquids | Laboratories, chemical plants |
| General Maintenance Spill Kits | Grey | Oils, water-based liquids, coolants | Factories, warehouses, workshops |
By ensuring proper use of spill kit colours, businesses can respond swiftly and safely to workplace spills.
Oil & Fuel Spill Kits
Colour: White or Blue
Purpose: Absorbs hydrocarbons while repelling water.
Oil and fuel spill kits are specifically designed to clean up spills involving hydrocarbons, such as petrol, diesel, and lubricants. These kits are also effective for certain biofuels and synthetic oils, making them suitable for workplaces that handle a variety of fuel types. The absorbents in these kits are oleophilic (attract oil) and hydrophobic (repel water), making them ideal for marine and industrial environments where oil spills may occur on water surfaces. Identifying the correct oil spill kit colour is essential for effective spill response in these settings.
Key Applications:
- Marine environments: Oil spills on water need an absorbent that floats and removes oil efficiently.
- Automotive workshops & fuel stations: Quick response to petrol and diesel spills prevents workplace hazards.
- Factories & warehouses handling lubricants: Prevents machine oil contamination on floors.
Using an incorrect spill kit, such as a general-purpose one, on hydrocarbons may lead to inefficient absorption and increased risk of contamination.
Chemical Spill Kits
Colour: Yellow
Purpose: Absorbs hazardous chemicals and corrosive substances.
Chemical spill kits are designed to handle spills involving aggressive chemicals, including acids, caustics, and hazardous liquids. Unlike general maintenance kits, these kits contain specialised absorbents that can neutralise or safely contain hazardous substances, reducing the risk of dangerous chemical reactions or vapour release. The bright yellow colour serves as a warning that the spill may pose a severe health or environmental risk.
Selecting the right chemical spill kit colour ensures that hazardous materials are managed safely and efficiently.
Key Applications:
- Laboratories & research facilities: Essential for handling accidental spills of corrosive chemicals.
- Chemical manufacturing plants: Rapid containment of hazardous material leaks prevents exposure.
- Hospitals & pharmaceutical industries: Ensures safe cleanup of biohazard spills and chemical disinfectants.
Using a maintenance spill kit for chemical spills can be dangerous, as it may not neutralise hazardous materials properly. Ensuring you have the correct chemical spill kit colour for your environment prevents risks associated with improper spill containment.
General Maintenance Spill Kits
Colour: Grey
Purpose: Universal spill absorbents for non-hazardous liquids.
General maintenance spill kits are designed for everyday industrial spills, such as water, coolants, solvents, and oils. They are versatile, making them the most commonly used type across different workplaces.
Key Applications:
- Factories & workshops: Cleaning up water, coolant, and oil spills to prevent slips and falls.
- Warehouses: Quick response to forklift hydraulic leaks and general liquid spills.
- Offices & public spaces: Useful for accidental drink spills and minor leaks.
These kits should not be used for chemical spills, as they lack the necessary absorbents to neutralise hazardous substances.
Spill Kit Compliance & Standards
The colour coding of spill kits aligns with BS 7959 Part 3, a standard that ensures consistency in absorbency, identification, and safety compliance. Companies that adhere to this standard reduce the risk of incorrect spill management, protecting both employees and the environment.
Failure to use the correct spill kit for hazardous materials can lead to:
- Health hazards due to improper cleanup.
- Regulatory fines for non-compliance with safety guidelines.
- Environmental contamination, causing long-term damage.
How to Choose the Right Spill Kit
Choosing the right spill kit depends on several factors:
- Identify the primary liquids handled in your workplace (e.g., hydrocarbons, chemicals, or mixed liquids).
- Assess risk levels – High-risk environments with hazardous chemicals require yellow spill kits, while general workplaces can use grey maintenance kits.
- Ensure compliance with BS 7959 Part 3 – Helps meet safety and environmental standards.
- Train employees on correct spill kit usage – Misuse of spill kits can lead to ineffective spill response.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Using a grey maintenance kit for chemical spills.
- Assuming a white oil-only spill kit will work for water-based spills.
- Not replacing used absorbents promptly.
Conclusion: Ensuring Proper Spill Kit Usage
Understanding spill kit colours is essential for workplace safety and environmental protection. Whether dealing with oil spills (white/blue kits), chemical spills (yellow kits), or general spills (grey kits), choosing the right kit ensures effective spill management and compliance with industry regulations.
To keep your workplace prepared:
- Assess your spill risks and select the appropriate kit.
- Train employees on spill response protocols.
- Regularly check and restock spill kits to ensure readiness.
Not sure which spill kit is right for you? Consulting an expert can help ensure compliance with safety regulations and assist in selecting the most effective spill kit for your specific needs. Speak to our experts—contact us today at Recontainers Direct or browse our full range of the best options.