Specialist loose materials for absorbing spills on uneven surfaces and treating selected acid or alkali incidents where a purpose-designed neutralising product is required.
The available products include general loose mineral absorbents and chemical-specific neutralising powders. Always select the product according to the substance involved and the intended treatment method.
Browse loose mineral absorbents, acid-neutralising powders and alkali-neutralising products for selected workplace, industrial and laboratory spill applications.
General absorbents, acid neutralisers and alkali neutralisers serve different purposes and should not be treated as interchangeable products.
Loose mineral or granular products spread over liquid to absorb it and support collection from floors, rough concrete and irregular surfaces.
Purpose-designed powders for treating selected acid spills. The correct product may help neutralise the acidity while absorbing or solidifying the liquid.
Specialist products for selected alkaline or caustic liquids. They are formulated differently from acid neutralisers and must be matched to the substance.
Understanding this distinction is essential when selecting a loose spill-control product.
An absorbent takes liquid into or onto its structure, allowing the spill and contaminated material to be collected. The liquid may retain its original corrosive, toxic, flammable or otherwise hazardous properties.
A general loose absorbent must therefore be handled and disposed of according to the substance it has absorbed.
A neutralising product is formulated to react with a particular type of chemical, such as an acid or alkali, and move its pH towards a less extreme value.
Neutralisation may generate heat, gas or other reaction effects. Only use an approved product and follow its instructions, compatibility limits and application rates.
Loose absorbents can provide close contact with liquid on rough concrete, textured floors, gratings, joints and irregular surfaces where a flat pad or roll may bridge over shallow depressions.
They can be spread around the outer edge of a contained spill and worked progressively towards the centre, subject to the instructions for the selected product. This can make them useful for awkward-shaped spills or residues that need to be collected from a broad surface.
Loose powders may also be selected for specialist chemical treatment. Acid and alkali neutralisers are formulated for different substances and should only be used where their compatibility and application instructions have been confirmed.
Loose absorbents should normally be used after the source has been controlled and the spill has been prevented from reaching drains, doorways or unaffected work areas. Compatible socks or other containment products may be required before the powder is applied.
Start with the chemical identity and then consider whether the task requires absorption, neutralisation or both.
Check the container label, Safety Data Sheet and chemical inventory before selecting or applying any loose product.
Decide whether you need only to absorb the liquid or whether an approved chemical-specific neutraliser is required.
Provide sufficient material for the released volume, continued leakage and final collection from the surface.
Follow the product-specific application rate, reaction time, indicators, restrictions and disposal requirements.
The following is general guidance only. The selected product instructions and workplace spill procedure take priority.
Identify the hazard, restrict access and wear the personal protective equipment required by the Safety Data Sheet and risk assessment.
Stop the source where safe and trained to do so. Protect drains and prevent the liquid spreading into unaffected areas.
Distribute the product according to its instructions. Avoid creating airborne dust and allow any required absorption or reaction time.
Use suitable non-reactive tools and containers. Label and dispose of the collected material according to the substance and applicable waste procedure.
Loose materials, pads, rolls and pillows each have different practical advantages.
| Format | Best suited to | Principal advantage | Important consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loose absorbent | Rough floors, joints and irregular spill shapes | Makes close contact with uneven surfaces | Requires sweeping or collection after use |
| Neutralising powder | Compatible acid or alkali spills | May both treat and absorb the selected chemical | Must be matched precisely to the substance |
| Absorbent pads | Small surface spills and final wiping | Fast, clean and easy to position | Less contact with deep surface irregularities |
| Absorbent rolls | Larger floors, benches and planned coverage | Continuous material cut to the required length | Best used once the spill is contained |
| Pillows and cushions | Concentrated pools and persistent leaks | Higher local absorbency within a compact area | Not intended for wide surface coverage |
A general loose absorbent may take up liquid without changing its chemical hazards. An acid neutraliser and an alkali neutraliser are different formulations and should never be substituted for one another unless the manufacturer specifically approves that use.
Neutralisation can cause heat, bubbling, gas release or splashing. Follow the product instructions, apply material gradually where directed and use appropriate personal protective equipment, ventilation and non-reactive tools.
Do not treat an unidentified substance or a spill that exceeds the training, equipment or safe capabilities of the personnel present. Isolate the area and obtain specialist assistance where necessary.
Tell us the substance involved, its concentration, the spill volume and the surface affected. We will help you identify the most appropriate loose absorbent or specialist product to consider.