Short answer: Most repair shops need two kinds of absorbent. Oil-only pads and socks soak up oil and repel water, so they still work on a wet floor. Universal absorbents take coolant, solvents and water as well as oil (SpillTech). Keep a small kit by the lifts and a box of pads where people can grab them. If anyone handles acids or other harsh chemicals, add a hazmat kit. Store flammables in a closed flammable storage cabinet.
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Ships to US addresses only. Shipping is calculated at checkout, and freight items are quoted in writing.
What spills happen most in a repair or body shop?
Most of them are small and they happen every day. A drain plug drops into the pan and oil slops over the rim. A transmission line gets cut and drips until someone rings it with a sock. Coolant comes out every time a radiator hose is pulled. None of it is dramatic. It still ends up on the floor, and it's slippery.
Oil and fuel are the easy part. Oil-only absorbents take them and repel water (SpillTech). That same water-repelling trait makes them the wrong pad for coolant or washer fluid. For those, and for parts-washer solvent, use universal absorbents, which take oils, coolants, solvents and water (SpillTech).
Acids, caustics and anything you can't identify call for hazmat absorbents (SpillTech). If you service batteries, read the electrolyte's SDS. In the paint area the bigger issue is thinner and other flammables, and that's about storage more than cleanup.
What do the rules say about spills on a shop floor?
Rules vary by location, so always check your federal, state and local regulations.
- Floors. OSHA wants workroom floors kept clean and, as far as feasible, dry, and walking-working surfaces kept free of hazards such as leaks and spills (29 CFR 1910.22(a)).
- Used oil. Used-oil containers and aboveground tanks have to be in good condition, not leaking, and labeled "Used Oil." If used oil gets out, the generator has to stop the release, contain it, clean it up and manage the material properly, then repair or replace a leaking container before using it again (40 CFR 279.22). Some states run their own used-oil programs, so check yours too (same source).
- Floor drains. EPA says service-bay floor drains that connect to a septic system or dry well are typically motor vehicle waste disposal wells, regulated as Class V injection wells. It lists auto body shops among the businesses that use them (EPA). New or converted ones have been prohibited since April 5, 2000 (40 CFR 144.88).
- Dry cleanup. EPA's stormwater guidance for vehicle maintenance areas says to clean up leaks, drips and spills without large amounts of water, and to use absorbents for dry cleanup whenever possible (EPA Sector P fact sheet, Feb 2021).
Pads and kits are part of a spill plan. Buying them doesn't meet any rule for you.
What should a shop keep on hand?
Spill kits
Pads, socks and pillows
Drain protection
Shop spill kits by type
- Universal spill kits (gray)
- Oil-only spill kits (white)
- HazMat and chemical spill kits (yellow)
- OverPack salvage drum spill kits
- Trucker, fleet bag and 5-gallon pail kits
Buyer guides
- Universal vs. oil-only vs. hazmat spill kits
- How to size a spill kit
- Trucker and fleet spill kit guide
- OverPack drum vs. wheeled vs. bag spill kits
- SpillTech refill cross-reference
How does ordering and shipping work?
We ship everything. There's no pickup or will-call, and the Florence address is a mailing address only. Shipping is calculated at checkout, and freight is quoted.
WellKept Supply is a distributor. Some items ship directly from the manufacturer, and lead times vary by product. We confirm the lead time on the product page or in your quote. We ship to US addresses only.
Not sure what size to buy?
The kit finder asks three questions and suggests a kit. It's set for oil, up to 5 gallons, indoors, and you can change any answer. If you'd rather have a list priced in writing, send a quote request with your bay count and what spills most.
Find a kit (3 questions)Request a quote
Questions? Call (859) 534-9715 or email sales@wellkeptsupply.com, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM ET.
Related pages: Machine shops and manufacturing · Warehouses and fleets
FAQ
What kind of absorbent does an auto repair shop need?
Most shops keep two kinds. Oil-only absorbents pick up oil and repel water, so they work on a wet floor. Universal absorbents take oils, coolants, solvents and water, which covers coolant and parts-washer spills. If you handle acids or chemicals you can't identify, add hazmat absorbents.
What size spill kit should I keep at the lifts?
Size it to the biggest spill you can reasonably expect in that spot. A 5-gallon oil-only kit covers drips and small containers. Put a drum-size kit near any 55-gallon drum of oil or used oil. The kit finder suggests a size in three questions.
Can I hose a spill into the shop floor drain?
Check first. EPA says service-bay floor drains that connect to a septic system or dry well are typically motor vehicle waste disposal wells, regulated as Class V wells, and new ones have been prohibited since April 5, 2000. EPA's guidance for vehicle maintenance areas says to use absorbents for dry cleanup whenever possible.
What do I do if used oil spills?
EPA's used-oil rules say the generator must stop the release, contain it, clean it up and manage the material properly, then repair or replace a leaking container before using it again. Used-oil containers must be labeled "Used Oil."
Can I pick up an order?
No. We ship everything, and there's no pickup or will-call. The Florence, KY address is a mailing address only. Shipping is calculated at checkout, and freight items are quoted in writing.
WellKept Supply is a distributor. Some items ship directly from the manufacturer, and lead times vary by product.