Spill guide
Which absorbent do I need?
Match the line to the liquid, the format to the job, then work out how many cases to keep on hand. If a spill is active and bigger than you can handle, call 1 Pro Environmental 24/7 at (800) 310-5283.
Step 1
What spilled?
Tap the closest match.
The three lines side by side
| Line | Soaks up | Doesn't take | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil-only white | Gasoline, diesel, motor oil, hydraulic oil and other petroleum | Water and water-based fluids, so it floats | Creeks, ponds, ditches, parking lots in the rain, fuel spills at crash scenes. Shop |
| Universal gray | Oil, antifreeze and coolant, water-based fluids, mild chemicals | Strong acids and caustics: use chemical | Shop floors, maintenance bays, fleet yards and everyday drips. Shop |
| Chemical yellow | Acids, bases, aggressive and unknown liquids, plus oil and water | Check the SDS for anything unusual | Hazmat response, plants, labs, battery rooms and any unknown spill. Shop |
Step 2
Which shape?
Most spills use two: something to stop it spreading, and something to soak it up.
- Stop it spreading: socks (3" x 4') ring a spill on land and wrap machine bases. Booms (5" or 7" x 10') do the same job on water, in ditches and across storm drain inlets.
- Soak it up: mat pads (16" x 20") go on the puddle itself. Lay them, let them fill, replace.
- Cover a big area or a walkway: mat rolls (15" x 150') cut to any length. Heavy duty rolls hold more and stand up to foot traffic.
- Deep or tight spots: pillows pack the most capacity into a small footprint for pits, sumps, and under slow leaks.
- Drum storage: drum pads (22" round) sit on top of 55-gallon drums to catch drips while pouring.
- Stocking a truck or spill kit: a mix of socks to contain, pads to soak up and a few pillows covers most calls. Keep the three colors separate so the right one gets grabbed.
Step 3
How many cases?
Enter the gallons you want to be able to soak up, for one spill or for a kit, and pick a product. The figures are rated absorbency per case from our product sheet. Real pickup is usually lower than the rating, so round up and keep spares.
Added. Review your order →
Know what you need?
Build your order by the case. We confirm it with you before anything is charged.