Sorbents

In plain words. Spill control products are described by what they soak up and what shape they come in. Universal (grey) sorbents take up oils, water-based liquids and most chemicals; oil-only (white) sorbents float and take up oil and fuel but repel water, for use on water or in rain; hazmat (yellow or pink) sorbents are for aggressive chemicals such as acids and caustics. Forms are pads, rolls, socks, pillows and booms, plus kits that bundle them with disposal bags; capacity is the manufacturer's stated volume absorbed per pad, bale or kit. Containment pallets and berms hold drums and leaks under them.

Technical. Sorbent capacity is published by the manufacturer per unit (gallons per pad, bale or kit) and is not standardised across brands; ASTM F726 describes a sorbent performance test some manufacturers cite. Spill pallets are sized to EPA 40 CFR 264.175 secondary containment (the larger of 10% of total volume or the volume of the largest container); SPCC rules under 40 CFR 112 apply to oil storage. Colour coding (grey, white, yellow) is a convention, not a standard. Values shown are the manufacturer's.

Ratings and specifications on this page are shown as published by the manufacturer or the named standard and describe performance in that standard's test. They are not a recommendation for any task. The employer's hazard assessment decides what protective equipment a job needs. Verify details against the manufacturer's current documentation before you buy.