Spill Response Kits

A spill response kit is a pre-assembled collection of absorbents, PPE, and cleanup tools designed to safely contain and clean up hazardous substance spills in the workplace.

Spill kits are an essential part of any hazardous substance management plan and are required under Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017. They enable rapid, compliant response to chemical leaks, preventing:

• Contamination of soil, drains, and waterways.
• Worker exposure to hazardous substances.
• Environmental and regulatory breaches under EPA New Zealand.

pH7’s SpillTech Spill Kits are engineered for specific spill types, including chemical, oil, and general liquid spills, ensuring every site has the correct solution for its risk profile.

pH7 supplies a full range of hazchem spill response kits suitable for industrial, laboratory, and transport applications. Our range includes:

• Chemical Spill Kits – for acids, bases, and aggressive liquids.
• Oil and Fuel Spill Kits – for hydrocarbons that float on water and repel water.
• General Purpose Spill Kits – for non-aggressive liquids such as coolants or water-based paints.
• Laboratory kits – compact versions for small-scale use.

Each kit contains absorbent pads, socks, pillows, PPE (gloves, eyewear, etc), disposal bags, and an instruction card. Kit sizes range from small bags for vehicles, to weatherproof wheelie bins for outdoor use. All SpillTech kits meet or exceed EPA secondary containment and WorkSafe NZ spill response requirements.

We are also able to create customised spill kits based on your needs. Send us an email or give us a ring if you’d like to learn more about our custom spill kits.

The right spill response kit depends on the type and quantity of hazardous substances stored, and the environment in which spills could occur.

When selecting a spill kit, consider:

• Chemical compatibility – identify if the spill risk involves acids, oils, solvents, or water-based liquids.
• Spill volume – select a kit large enough to manage your worst-case spill scenario.
• Location – indoor, outdoor, or mobile applications require different container types.
• Accessibility – kits must be located near hazardous substance storage areas or transfer points for rapid deployment.

Spill kits contain high-absorbency materials designed to capture and retain liquids quickly. The absorbents are manufactured from specialised fibres tailored to the spill type:

• Polypropylene melt-blown fibres – offering high absorbency and chemical resistance.
• Hydrophobic absorbents – used in oil-only kits to absorb hydrocarbons while repelling water.
• Loose fibre or granular absorbents – many spill kits contain loose absorbents such as SpillFix (Coir Peat) or Mineral Sponge (Zeolite).  These are excellent adsorbents for larger spills.

Each absorbent component, for example pads, socks, and pillows, work together to contain, absorb, and recover spilled liquids. PPE and disposal bags ensure safe handling and compliant waste segregation after cleanup.

All SpillTech absorbents are lint-free, non-reactive, and tested to ASTM F726 standards for liquid absorption performance.

Regular maintenance ensures spill kits remain fully equipped, compliant, and ready for use.

Follow these best practices:

• Use break-away cable ties to keep spill kits closed until needed.  It is easy to spot if the cable tie is broken or gone which suggests the spill kit has been used and may need to be replenished.
• Inspect monthly to confirm all absorbents and PPE are present and undamaged.
• After any spill, replace used items immediately.
• Keep kits sealed and clearly labelled, positioned in accessible, high-risk areas.
• Record inspections in your site’s hazardous substance management plan, as required by WorkSafe NZ.
• Train staff in correct spill response and disposal procedures.

Using a spill kit correctly ensures spills are contained, absorbed, and cleaned up safely while minimising environmental impact and regulatory breaches. Follow these steps for a compliant spill response:

1. Assess the situation – Identify the substance spilled and ensure responders wear the correct PPE (gloves, goggles, respirator if required). Evacuate the area if the chemical is unknown or poses inhalation hazards.
2. Stop the source – If safe, isolate the leak or turn off valves to prevent further release.
3. Contain the spill – Use absorbent socks or booms to form a barrier around the spill, keeping it away from drains or walkways.
4. Absorb the liquid – Place absorbent pads or pillows over the contained spill to soak up the liquid. Replace as they become saturated.
5. Collect and dispose – Place used absorbents and contaminated materials into hazardous waste disposal bags or bins provided in the kit.
6. Dispose responsibly – make sure all used absorbent are disposed of as if they are the original hazardous material. 
7. Review and restock – Record the incident as part of your HSWA 2015 hazardous substances register and replenish any used kit components immediately.

Every SpillTech kit supplied by pH7 includes a step-by-step instruction card and recommended PPE, ensuring a safe, structured, and compliant spill response aligned with WorkSafe NZ guidelines.