Portable Spill Mats vs. Traditional Absorbents: Which Is Better?
When it comes to workplace safety, companies should be prepared to handle all the most common risks associated with their line of work — their field. For companies in the industrial industry, this means all kinds of possible accidents involving hazardous chemicals, such as spills.
Chemical spills because of its nature are considered hazardous as it might affect your employees in the workplace as well as the integrity of your infrastructure. Because of this, it has become common practice in the industrial industry to make sure they have sturdy absorbents in hand — able to handle the chemical makeup of these spills.
The two most effective absorbents? Portable spill mats and traditional absorbents, both do a great job in making sure that you can be quick to clean up any chemical spills. But, there are a few differences.
Let’s take a look into how Portable Spill Mats differ from Traditional Absorbents!
Portable Spill Mats vs. Traditional Absorbents
Effectiveness
Portable Spill Mats
Portable spill mats are made to quickly capture and soak up spills in industrial settings — stopping hazardous liquids from spreading. These mats can absorb a lot and work with various liquids like oils, chemicals, and water-based solutions.
Their design often includes a non-slip surface and a waterproof bottom layer, ensuring that spills don’t leak onto the floor and can actually be used as a daily additional flooring protection.
Traditional Absorbents
Traditional absorbents, like pads, pillows, and granular materials, are flexible and can handle different kinds of spills — and are more accessible as they can be found in most hardware stores!
They come in many shapes and sizes, making them useful for various spill situations. They are generally good at soaking up liquids but can be more work to use, as they often need to be spread over the spill and then cleaned up and thrown away.
Convenience
Portable Spill Mats
One of the main benefits of portable spill mats is their ease of use — no preparation needed, just lay it out and watch it go!
They can be quickly set up and moved around as needed, making them perfect for emergencies. These mats are also easy to store and carry since they can be rolled or folded. This makes them great for industries where spills can happen anywhere at any time as they can quickly be deployed.
Traditional Absorbents
Traditional absorbents need more preparation and cleanup compared to spill mats, especially if you want to maximise their effectiveness. They often have to be manually applied and once soaked, collected and properly disposed of.
This process can be time-consuming, especially with large spills. However, traditional absorbents are more adaptable since they can be used for specific spill areas or hard-to-reach spots.
Cost
Portable Spill Mats
The initial cost of portable spill mats can be higher compared to traditional absorbents. However, their reusability and durability can offset this initial investment. High-quality spill mats can be cleaned and reused multiple times, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This can be cost-effective in the long run, particularly for businesses that experience frequent spills.
Traditional Absorbents
Traditional absorbents are generally less expensive upfront but can become costly over time due to the need for constant replenishment. Once used, they must be disposed of and replaced, which can add up, especially in industries with frequent spills. Additionally, the cost of proper disposal of hazardous materials must be considered, as it can significantly impact the overall expense.
Environmental Impact
Portable Spill Mats
Portable spill mats are often designed with sustainability in mind. Many are made from recycled or biodegradable materials, reducing their environmental footprint. The ability to reuse these mats multiple times also minimises waste, making them a more environmentally friendly option compared to single-use absorbents.
Traditional Absorbents
Traditional absorbents can generate a significant amount of waste, especially in high-usage scenarios. Single-use pads, pillows, and granular absorbents contribute to landfill waste and require proper disposal, particularly if they have absorbed hazardous materials. However, some traditional absorbents are also available in eco-friendly versions, made from recycled or biodegradable materials.
In the end, if your question is simply “what gets the job done?” then the answer is both of them do a significantly good job in cleaning up chemical spills, helping you contain any hazardous chemicals and protect your workplace and your employees at all times.
It all boils down to your company’s preferences — your workplace space for containment materials, access to a cleaning area for traditional absorbents and the amount you are willing to spend. Once you take in all these factors, you’ll be able to choose which kind of absorbent to use and put in your spill kit to help with handling the risks in your company!
Handle Accidental Spills and Protect your Workplace!
With our wide-variety of spill containment products, Ecospill can help you with your portable spill mat needs anytime! Alongside this, we also offer extensive spill trainings to train your employees and your entire workplace on how to handle spills should it happen — keeping you and your people safe!
Visit our website to see more products we offer, or contact our team for a spill kit servicing. Enhance the safety of your organisation without compromising your obligations to our environment with Ecospill!