Choosing the Right Spill Kit: The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need

When a spill happens, seconds count. Whether it's oil on a warehouse floor or a mystery chemical leaking near your loading dock, the right spill kit makes all the difference between a quick cleanup and a major safety incident. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the perfect one?

Let’s break it down so you can confidently choose the best spill kit for your needs — and keep your team safe, your floors clean, and your business compliant.

Step 1: Know Your Spill Threats

Before you start shopping, ask: What’s most likely to spill?

• Oil or fuels? You’ll need an Oil-Only Spill Kit that floats on water and repels it.
• Chemicals or unknown liquids? Grab a Hazmat Spill Kit with chemical-resistant absorbents.
• Water-based fluids or a little bit of everything? A Universal Spill Kit is your best friend.

Each type is color-coded for easy recognition:

• Gray = Universal
• White = Oil-Only
• Yellow = Hazmat/Chemical

Pro Tip: If you’re not sure what might spill, choose a Universal Spill Kit to cover your bases.

Step 2: Choose the Right Spill Kit Size

It’s not one-size-fits-all. Your ideal kit depends on how big your spills might be and where they’ll happen.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Kit Type	Best For	Absorb Capacity
Bag Spill Kits	On-the-go cleanup, small work areas	Up to 10 gallons
Drum Spill Kits	Central locations, larger leaks	12–69 gallons
Wheeled Cart Kits	Mobile response in big facilities	Up to 258 gallons

Outdoor? Make sure your kit is weather-resistant and UV-protected.

Step 3: Make Sure It’s Fully Stocked

A spill kit is only as good as what’s inside. At a minimum, your kit should include:

• Absorbent pads, socks, and pillows
• Disposal bags with zip ties
• Protective gloves, goggles, and maybe a mask
• Easy-to-follow instructions

Missing contents? Check out our refill kits for replacements to your existing spill kits.

Step 4: Placement Is Everything

Even the best spill kit won’t help if it’s buried in the back closet. Place kits where they’re most likely to be used:

• Loading docks
• Shop floors
• Warehouses
• Maintenance areas
• Laboratories

Make sure they’re visible, clearly labeled, and regularly restocked.

Need help deciding where to place your kits? Contact us — we’re happy to help with spill response planning.

Step 5: Train Your Team (Yes, It’s Required)

OSHA may not spell out exactly what kind of kit to use, but it does require you to have the right tools and train your team on how to use them. That includes:

• Knowing what kit to grab
• How to use the contents in the kit
• How to dispose of waste properly

Want to boost team readiness? Each kit includes an instruction sheet for When A Spill Occurs…

Quick Kit Finder

Still not sure what you need? Use this table to start narrowing it down:

Your Situation	Recommended Kit
Mixed fluids in a production area	Universal Spill Kit – 30-Gallon Drum
Oil spill in parking lot	Oil-Only Spill Kit – Outdoor
Lab with acids and unknowns	HazMat Spill Kit – Small format
Mobile response team	Wheeled Spill Kit – High Capacity

Be Ready Before It Happens

Spills are inevitable. The mess, the downtime, and the regulatory risk don’t have to be. With the right spill kit in the right place, you’re ready to act fast, stay compliant, and protect your people and facility.

Browse all Spill Kits here or email us at Support@SpillKit.com to customize the perfect solution!