Absorption: Hazardous materials

Minor spillages can be contained using absorbent materials like pads, sheets and booms. Hazardous materials will retain their hazardous properties when absorbed and this must be considered when handling any absorbed material. Soil and sand all have absorbent qualities and can also be used to create improvised containment barriers or bunds. Using absorbent materials should be avoided for larger spillages because of the amount of waste that will be created and the cost of disposing it.