subject: Common Spill Control Problems Facing Small Businesses [print this page] For small businesses the challenge of choosing the most appropriate spill control solutions is a very real one, and potentially a very expensive one too. For large businesses or industrial locations choosing the right spill control solutions can still be something of a challenge, but in terms of storage and replenishment, space is not usually an issue. But for small businesses it can often be difficult making sure that you not only have sufficient spill control products or spill kits to deal with the variety of spillages which could potentially occur, but also that you have enough space to store all the variety of spill kits necessary.
It is important that spill kits are available on hand near to the location where a potential spillage could occur. For small businesses or for small sites within a larger business this can prove problematic, and when the number of spill kits necessary rises to two or three, the problem becomes even worse. The only saving factor is usually that within small businesses or small locations within a large business the volume of spillage which could potentially occur is usually fairly small, but this in no way means that spill control solutions can be overlooked or ignored.
Quite apart from the regulations under health and safety policies, a small spillage could cause a hazard which may lead to an accident occurring, which in turn could easily end up costing the business dearly. Even small businesses have been penalised financially for allowing harmful chemicals or oil to seep into the water table or into the local environment, and this is another very good reason why it is important for small businesses to consider very carefully what their spill control needs are, and how best to fulfil those needs.
The first thing to be aware of is that spill kits are generally available in a variety of sizes, despite the fact that many suppliers of spill kits seem only to stock the larger sizes. This is usually because their main clients tend to be warehouses, large industrial sites, big businesses or large workshops, but this doesn't mean to say that smaller spill kits aren't available.
Purchasing small spill kits that can be wall mounted for convenience is a much better way for small businesses to be able to fulfil their spill control requirements. But there is another problem, and one which can prove very expensive if not thought through in advance.
In some cases it is possible to purchase a spill kit which covers the whole range of potential spillages which can occur in that area, but which is then useless once partially used. A spill kit may contain several different items, but if one or more of those items has to be used, this renders the spill kit less than fully effective, and certainly unable to comply with health and safety legislation or regulations. This could mean small businesses having to replace entire spill kits even though they have only partially been used.
A more economical solution is to purchase small spill kits which are compatible with spill control refills. This means that if one or more items are used from the spill kit, only those used items needs to be replaced, at a much lower price.
By understanding the fact that spill control solutions are available in smaller sizes than are normally sold by many retailers, and that refillable spill control solutions are available helping to dramatically cut the cost of health and safety compliance, small businesses can save significantly both in terms of time and space.
by: Justin Arnold
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