FAQ's

What is the purpose of a Spill Clean-Up sign?

A Spill Clean-Up sign is used to show people where the spill response supplies are and procedures to follow in case of a spill.

Where should Spill Clean-Up signs be put up?

These signs should be put up near the spill kit stations. They should also be put up near areas where chemicals are stored and in the aisles of warehouses where people are handling liquid materials. You should also put them up near floor drains and at stations where people mix things together. Basically they should be put up in any area where spills could happen when people are doing their work.

What are the rules from OSHA about responding to spills and putting up signs?

OSHA has rules that say workers need to know how to handle chemicals, including what to do when they spill. There is a rule, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200, that says workers need to know how to handle chemical hazards. Another rule, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38, talks about emergency plans, which should include what to do in case of a spill. There are also rules from the EPA like 40 CFR Part 112 that might apply to facilities that handle a lot of substances.

Do Spill Clean-Up signs tell workers exactly what to do?

Some Spill Clean-Up signs will give workers steps to follow, but others will just show them where the supplies are. For the procedures, workers should look at your facility's written plan for spill response and be trained accordingly.

We have multiple spill kits in our warehouse. Should each one have a sign?

Yes, each spill kit station should have a sign. This way, anyone who is working in that area can find the spill kit right away without having to look around for it. In an emergency, the fewer decisions a worker has to make, the better.

Are Spill Clean-Up signs for liquids or can they be used for dry chemical spills too?

Spill Clean-Up signs can be used for any kind of spill, not just liquids. If you are working with chemicals, dust, or other dry hazardous materials, you will still need to follow special procedures to clean them up. Spill clean-up signs are relevant for any material that requires a clean-up process rather than just being swept up and thrown away.

What size options are available?

The signs come in different sizes. Some common sizes for hazard signs are 3.5" x 5", 5" x 7", 7" x 10", 10" x 14" These sizes ensure that the signs are visible and easy to read. These signs need to be big enough to grab people's attention and small enough to fit in the space available.