Whether it’s in an industrial kitchen, a grocery store isle, or an office kitchenette, fluid spills can be dangerous. Slick, wet floors are a serious trip hazard to customers and employees in the area. What’s the best way to get a spill cleaned up as thoroughly and quickly as possible? Follow the steps below for rapid spill solutions.
Stop the Spill
The first step in managing any spill is to make sure that source of the spill is dealt with. In some cases this can be done fairly easily. If a carton of milk is dropped in a grocery store and breaks open, the source of the spill is obvious. It’s also apparent that the spill will not continue to grow, as the carton only contained a certain amount of fluid. However, a continuous spill, such as a leaking appliance, can cause more issues. Make sure to identify and stop the source of the spill as soon as it is noticed to prevent the spill from getting worse.
Alert Customers and Staff
Never leave a spill unattended. Once it has been identified, make sure someone stands by to warn passersby of the spill until it can be cleaned. Additionally, make sure that proper signs are posted to warn customers and employees about the danger. Signs should be posted as soon as possible and be kept in place until after the spill has been cleaned and the area has dried completely. Clean floors that are still slightly wet can present a slip and fall hazard as dangerous as the original spill.
Clear Away Debris
Another step to consider is making sure the spill is safe to clean by removing any debris at the site of the spill. For some spills, such as a leaking appliance, there may not be any debris. However, in situations where a container was dropped, pieces may need to be cleared away before the spill can be cleaned. Anyone cleaning a spill should be especially careful if a broken glass container caused the spill. In this case, and in any instance in which sharp pieces of a container or something else are involved, special care should be taken to avoid injury.
Clean the Spill
Once the spill is secured and debris is cleared away, it’s time to clean the area. There are several different methods for dealing with a spill.
- Absorbent: Depending on the size of the spill, and what fluid was spilled, there are a variety of absorbents that can be used. Absorbents can be sprinkled over the spill and absorb the fluid, creating a dry material that can be swept up or vacuumed.
- Mop: The most common method for cleaning a spill is mopping. Many businesses don’t have absorbent on hand, and grabbing a mop and squeegee is a quick way to clear away fluid. Unfortunately, there are downsides to this method. Sticky or thick fluids are difficult to mop and can just end up getting spread farther. This can create an even more hazardous spill.
- Wet-Dry Vac: If possible, use a wet-dry vac for spills. This piece of equipment can vacuum up the fluid from spills effectively with minimal spreading. They can also minimize drying time. Many professional cleaners offer this type of equipment.
Need more information about rapid spill solutions? Contact Business Hygiene of Central Texas, located in San Marcos, TX, to learn how we can keep your business clean.
