Spill Kits for Trucks: Planning for Roadside Spill Response

Do truck drivers have a responsibility to address hazardous material spills? The short answer is “yes,” but the extent of the spill is an important factor.

Because spills can create emergency conditions on roadways (and serious environmental contamination events), all truck drivers who transport liquids should have spill response supplies and receive appropriate training. That may include training for emergency spills: When emergencies occur, the responsible party is directly accountable for vehicle fluid spillage, and truck drivers are in the best position to begin safe cleanup.

Per OSHA standard 1910.120(q)(1):

“An emergency response plan shall be developed and implemented to handle anticipated emergencies prior to the commencement of emergency response operations.”

Employers are exempt from this requirement if they do not permit their employees to assist in handling emergencies. However, truck drivers must also be prepared to address spills that do not constitute an emergency.

The bottom line: Spill kits for trucks help to keep hazards contained — and keep drivers safe. Below, we’ll review federal requirements and provide tips for choosing the right kits for roadside spill response.

When Is a Roadside Spill an “Emergency?”

The Department of Labor defines emergency spills as “a response effort by employees from outside the immediate release area or by other designated responders (i.e., mutual aid groups, local fire departments, etc.) to an occurrence which results, or is likely to result, in an uncontrolled release of a hazardous substance.”

If a spill doesn’t require third-party responders, the truck driver — and their employer — is responsible for the safe cleanup and disposal of the hazardous materials.

Other key OSHA standards for roadway spill response include 1910.120(j)(1)(vii), which requires “suitable quantities of proper absorbent,” and 1910.120(b)(4)(ii)(C) requires the use of personal protective equipment. Per OSHA, driver training must include leak and spill cleanup procedures.

Ultimately, if truck drivers are expected to assist in cleanup, they should keep spill kits in their cabs when moving hazardous materials, along with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) suited to the hazard.

Read More: What Is A Spill Kit and Why Is It Essential?

Choosing Spill Kits for Roadside Spill Response

While OSHA requires truck drivers to carry appropriate supplies for spill response, the administration doesn’t provide technical specifications for the contents of spill response kits (other than requiring an “appropriate" amount of materials).

Spill kits should include enough absorbents to address the hazard. Loose sorbents may be most effective for roadway cleanup, but depending on the hazard, absorbent pads, pillows, and socks may be useful for limiting emergency spills before first responders arrive. The best kits also include essential supplies for cleanup and disposal — along with sufficient PPE for handling minor spills.

Solus Group offers convenient spill kits for addressing a variety of hazardous liquids. Options include:

• Universal Spill Kits - With fast-solidifying sorbents and UN/DOT-compliant packaging, Solus Group's Universal Spill Kits address the needs of most material transportation applications. Kits include loose sorbents, sorbent pads & socks, and disposal materials.
• General-Purpose Spill Kits - For basic spills, Solus Group’s General Purpose kits provide everything needed for clean-up and containment. Each kit contains loose sorbents, sorbent socks, pads, and disposal bags, with multiple options available including tote bags and tilt-wheel spill carts.

• Oil Spill Kits Oil-selective spill kits are ideal for service vehicles, delivery trucks, and mobile use. Solus Group carries kits in a variety of sizes and configurations.
• Acid Spill Kits - Large acid spills require an emergency response, but small spills can be safely addressed by appropriately trained personnel. AcidSafe spill kits include absorbents designed for acidic liquids (except hydrofluoric acid), with included PPE for safe cleanup and disposal.
• Personal Protective Equipment Kits - Solus Group carries a selection of PPE-only kits with safety glasses, nitrile gloves, chemical coveralls, and other essentials

Choose spill kits that are appropriately sized for the worst-case scenario. While truck drivers can’t completely address a full-tote spill, they should have the resources they need for non-emergency cleanup — and by providing sufficient materials for larger spills, employers can limit their liability in a disaster.

Our experts can help you find spill kits for trucks that assist in OSHA compliance. For more guidance, call our sales team at 314-696-0200.