Understanding sorbent use

Responding is Ryan Schmidt, regional vice president of sales, Sellars Absorbent Materials, Milwaukee.

Each industry and facility has its own requirements to consider when selecting sorbent put-ups. Two important factors are the fluids, oils and chemicals that are used regularly and the machinery and equipment present.

Based on that information, the most appropriate sorbent products can be selected.

First, sorbent products are color coded to indicate the type of fluids they handle. Gray is universal because it soaks up oil, water and most chemicals. White is oil-only and yellow is for hazmat situations.

Second, sorbents come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Sorbent pads are the most widely used because they function as both a prevention and emergency response product. In industrial settings where there’s a known slow leak, a pad can soak up the fluid and be changed out regularly. For emergency spills, a pad is quick and easy to lay down and effectively contains the fluid.

Sorbent pillows can also be used in situations where there’s a consistent leak. They slide under and in between equipment and have more absorption capacity, so they don’t need to be changed out as frequently as a pad.

Sorbent rolls are commonly used in manufacturing facilities or anywhere aisles are found. Rolls cover more square footage and can be selected based on the amount of foot traffic that’s expected – from light to heavy. Putting down a roll helps prevent slips and falls on walkways and other trafficked areas.

Walk-on mats are designed to hold up to heavy foot or even forklift traffic. Depending on the use, rag rug or needle-punched mats are available.

Socks are malleable tubes that can be used throughout a facility. They can be tucked around machinery, placed in dock areas to soak up rain and snow, or used in cracks and crevices. They’re also an excellent tool to corral a spill and keep it from spreading. Once the spill has been contained, it can be soaked up with a sorbent pad.

Oil-only booms are the first line of defense when a spill on or near water occurs. Booms can be hooked together to extend their length and encircle an area. Once the spill has been contained, other products are used to mitigate it.

Drum toppers fit a 55-gallon drum and have an opening to accommodate a pump. Auto shops, printing plants and other industries frequently use toppers to prevent liquid from pooling on top of the drum or dripping down the side and onto the floor.

Spill kits are an item every facility should have on hand. They range in size from a 5-gallon bucket to a 65-gallon overpack and contain a variety of put-ups to deal with unexpected spills.

Of course, regular equipment and facility maintenance, fluid management protocols, and safety training should be the first lines of defense to prevent leaks and spills. However, when something does occur, having the right materials to quickly manage a situation is imperative.

Editor's note: This article represents the independent views of the author and should not be considered a National Safety Council endorsement.