Oil and fuel spill control
Oil and fuel spill control is about stopping hydrocarbons from spreading, entering drains or contaminating ground and water. The best solution normally combines oil and fuel spill kits, oil absorbent pads, drip trays, bunding and a simple incident response plan.
What problem are you trying to solve?
- How do we control an oil or fuel spill quickly?
Stop the source if safe, protect drains first, contain the spill edge with socks or booms, then absorb the remaining liquid with oil absorbent pads or rolls. - Why not use general absorbents for fuel spills?
Oil-selective absorbents are designed for hydrocarbons and are especially useful where rainwater, yard washdown or standing water may be present. - What should be near fuel storage?
Keep spill kits, drain covers, absorbents and disposal bags close to the fuel store, bowser, generator or delivery point.
How to choose the right spill control approach
| Site problem | Best practical response | SERPRO link |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel tank or bowser storage | Use spill kits with bunding or drip trays to control releases before they spread. | Oil and Fuel Spill Kits |
| Small oil drips from machinery | Use drip trays under engines, pumps, hydraulic equipment and generators. | Drip and Spill Trays |
| Oil sheen, rainwater or yard contamination risk | Use oil-selective pads and absorbents for hydrocarbon spills. | Oil Absorbent Pads |
| Stored drums, IBCs or mobile containers | Use compliant secondary containment and inspect it regularly. | Spill Containment |
Practical next steps
- Map all oil and fuel storage, transfer and dispensing points.
- Check whether business oil storage rules apply to the container size and location.
- Fit secondary containment where a leak could escape from the storage area.
- Keep oil and fuel spill kits where staff can reach them without crossing the spill.
- Document the response: liquid type, estimated quantity, cause, clean-up materials used and disposal route.
Useful references
- GOV.UK oil storage regulations for businesses
- NetRegs secondary containment systems
- NetRegs preventing oil and fuel pollution
- GOV.UK report water pollution
Need help selecting spill kits, absorbents, drip trays or containment? SERPRO supplies oil and fuel spill kits, oil absorbent pads, drip trays and containment products for workshops, yards, plant rooms, logistics sites and refuelling points.