Select specialist yellow absorbents for containing and recovering spills involving acids, alkalis, solvents, coolants and other hazardous or unidentified water-based workplace liquids.
Different formats perform different spill-control tasks. Choose according to whether you need to stop a spill spreading, cover a surface, absorb a concentrated pool or manage a persistent leak.
Easy-to-position sheets for smaller spills, contaminated surfaces and localised drips. Pads can be placed directly onto pooled liquid or beneath leaking equipment and containers.
View chemical absorbent padsFlexible rolls for covering workbenches, walkways, production areas and larger spills. Cut or tear off the amount needed for ongoing protection or emergency use.
View chemical absorbent rollsFlexible tubular absorbents for surrounding spills, protecting nearby work areas and controlling leaks around drums, machinery, pipework and storage vessels.
View chemical absorbent socksHigher-capacity absorbents for concentrated liquid and confined areas. Position beneath valves, pipe joints, drums or equipment where leakage may continue over time.
View pillows and cushionsUse the substance, spill behaviour, likely volume and response method to narrow down the most suitable product.
Check the container label, workplace chemical inventory and Safety Data Sheet wherever the substance is known.
Where trained and safe to do so, isolate the leak before deploying absorbents around or onto the liquid.
Use socks or booms to restrict movement, then use pads, rolls or pillows to recover the contained liquid.
Select enough absorbency for the credible spill volume, including replacement material and final surface cleaning.
Chemical absorbents are intended for spill situations where oil-only products would not be appropriate. Depending on their construction and confirmed compatibility, they may be suitable for acids, alkalis, solvents, coolants, water-based process liquids and other aggressive fluids.
Manufactured chemical absorbents are commonly yellow. This allows personnel to identify the specialist response material quickly and helps distinguish it from white oil-only absorbents or grey general-purpose products.
The selected format is as important as the absorbent material. Socks and booms are primarily used to contain or divert a spill. Pads and rolls provide broad surface contact, while pillows and cushions hold greater volumes in localised areas. A combination of formats is often the most practical approach.
The table below provides a simple starting point when choosing between the four principal absorbent formats.
| Format | Principal use | Typical positioning | Useful feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pads | Absorbing and wiping smaller spills | Directly onto liquid or beneath a drip | Fast and easy to distribute |
| Rolls | Covering larger areas or long surfaces | Walkways, benches and production areas | Can be cut to the required length |
| Socks and booms | Containing, diverting or surrounding liquid | Around machinery, drums and spill perimeters | Flexible barrier construction |
| Pillows and cushions | Absorbing concentrated pools or ongoing leaks | Beneath valves, pipework and containers | Higher localised absorption capacity |
No absorbent product should be assumed to be suitable for every chemical. Review the substance’s Safety Data Sheet, the absorbent product information and your workplace risk assessment before use.
Personnel should wear the required personal protective equipment and should not tackle a spill that exceeds their training, available equipment or safe level of control. Isolate the area and obtain specialist assistance where necessary.
Tell us the liquid involved, the likely spill volume and where the absorbent will be used. We will help you identify the most appropriate product format and pack size.