How to Absorb Oil After a Workplace Spill

Oil spills pose significant risks in industrial workplaces — but despite the fact that nearly every business relies on equipment that uses oil, many operations don’t have effective spill control strategies.

That can create compliance issues: OSHA standard 1910.22(a)(2) requires that floors must be "maintained in a clean and, so far as possible, a dry condition." Oil is also a potential skin irritant and fire hazard (covered under standard 29 CFR 1910.1200(h)), so personnel need access to oil absorbers and appropriate PPE (29 CFR 1910 Subpart I). Health and safety is paramount in these situations.
Here’s everything you need to know to absorb and clean oil spills while minimizing the disruption to your operation’s workflow.

Steps for Absorbing an Oil Spill

Note that spill response training is crucial — and a consistent response will minimize operational disruptions. To that end, here’s a general strategy for oil spill response:

1. Secure the Area

Immediately alert personnel in the vicinity. Prevent foot traffic or machinery from passing through the spill to avoid spreading the oil and reduce slip risks.  
If possible, identify where the oil is coming from (e.g., leaking equipment, drum, or container) and stop the flow before starting spill containment.

2. Contain the Spill

Use spill containment socks or booms to surround the perimeter of the spill. Create a dike for spills and a barrier to prevent the oil from spreading further, especially towards drains or sensitive equipment. Mold socks to fit corners or uneven surfaces.  

Choose the appropriate oil-selective absorbent based on the spill size and location. Consider the weight in oil spills when selecting containment materials:

• Pads and Rolls: These are ideal for soaking up the bulk of the liquid and for wiping down affected surfaces once the main spill is absorbed. Lay pads or roll material directly onto the contained spill. Allow time for the pads to absorb the oil; replace saturated pads with fresh ones until the oil is removed.  
• Socks: Primarily used for containment, white oil-only spill socks can be placed around the perimeter of a spill to create a barrier. This prevents the oil from spreading further, protecting drains or equipment. Mold the flexible socks to fit corners or conform to uneven surfaces for effective containment.
• Pillows: For larger volume spills within the contained area or in drip pans, use oil-selective pillows. They have a higher capacity than pads and can be placed directly into the pooled oil.  
• Loose Sorbents: After initial absorption with pads or pillows, sprinkle loose polypropylene sorbents over the spill area to manage remaining residue. Some loose sorbents can also improve traction on the slick surface.
• Drum Top Pads: For spills or drips originating from drums, place pre-cut drum top pads on the lid to absorb leaks at the source, preventing them from reaching the floor.  

3. Clean Up and Dispose

Once the oil is absorbed, carefully collect the saturated absorbents. Personnel involved in cleanup must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and eye protection. Place used absorbent materials into designated disposal bags. Remember, oily waste usually qualifies as hazardous materials, so dispose of the waste according to federal, state, and local regulations.

Clean the affected floor or surface area according to standard operating procedures to remove any remaining oily residue. Don’t resume vehicle or foot traffic until all residue is removed.

Why Use Special Oil Absorbers for Industrial Spill Response?

General-purpose absorbent materials are perfectly appropriate for most liquid spills, and in a pinch, they can be used for small oil spills. Some universal kits (such as the Universal Spill Kit) are specifically approved for smaller oil spills, and they’re effective for that purpose.

When the spill is more significant — or oil is mixed with other liquids — oil-selective adsorbents are a more appropriate choice. Most effective oil absorbents leverage materials like polypropylene, a polymer that is both hydrophobic (repels water) and oleophilic (attracts and holds oil). This selective absorption is vital because it allows the material to soak up the oil spill without becoming saturated with water, which might be present from cleaning efforts or the environment itself.

Product to Consider: Oil-Selective Spill Kits

Oil Selective Spill Kits provide targeted solutions for hydrocarbon spills across various environments. Each kit contains materials specifically designed to absorb oils, fuels, and other petroleum-based liquids while actively repelling water. Contents include oil-selective sorbent socks for containment, pads for absorption, and loose sorbent for residual cleanup, along with disposal bags for handling used materials.

Available in a number of configurations, Oil Selective Spill Kits meet diverse needs from compact vehicle preparedness to large-scale industrial response. Options range from easily portable tote bags and small pails suitable for vehicles or maintenance carts, to substantial UN/DOT-rated drums (20 to 95 gallons) for fixed station placement.

Related Content: Absorbent vs. Adsorbent: Which is the Best for Spill Response?

Be Prepared for Oil Spill Response

Effective absorption relies on preparation. Some more general tips:

• Ensure that oil spill kits and supplies are readily available near areas where spills are likely, such as machinery operation zones, fluid storage areas, and maintenance workshops.
• Operations should implement a system for regularly checking inventory levels and replenishing used supplies immediately.
• Personnel must receive training on the location of spill kits, the proper use of different absorbent materials, safe cleanup procedures, and the correct handling and disposal of used sorbents.
• Document all training to ensure compliance and preparedness. Learn about OSHA’s PPE training requirements.
• Keep PPE easily accessible; consider using storage carts to organize gear and keep it in good condition.

To ensure your facility is prepared, keep a steady stock of complete Oil Selective Spill Kits or individual absorbents. For assistance selecting the right supplies or to place an order, contact Solus Group at (314) 696-0200.