SpillTrapper Pit Railtrack Mat SpillTrapper-Mats TRAP-TM

The SpillTrapper® Rail Track Mat is an extra-long, oil-selective absorbent mat developed for controlling oil, diesel, fuel and hydraulic-fluid leaks during railway maintenance, rolling-stock servicing and trackside engineering work.

Measuring approximately 146 cm × 500 cm, the mat provides five metres of continuous absorbent coverage and has a stated maximum absorbency of up to 150 litres. Its specialist multi-layer construction captures compatible hydrocarbon liquids while resisting clean rainwater, making it suitable for appropriate indoor and outdoor railway applications.

What Is a SpillTrapper Rail Track Mat?

The SpillTrapper Rail Track Mat is a five-metre-long absorbent oil mat for railway depots, track-maintenance areas, inspection facilities and engineering locations where rolling stock, maintenance vehicles or trackside machinery may release hydrocarbon liquids.

Its extended shape provides continuous coverage beneath a substantial length of equipment. This is useful where oil or fuel may leak from several points along a locomotive, carriage, maintenance unit, engine, hydraulic system or mobile item of railway plant.

Instead of arranging numerous separate absorbent pads, the Rail Track Mat creates one long protected area. This can help reduce gaps between absorbents and simplify routine inspection of the working surface.

What Does the SpillTrapper Rail Mat Absorb?

The Rail Track Mat is intended to absorb oil, diesel, petrol, hydraulic oil, lubricating oil and other compatible petroleum-based hydrocarbon liquids.

The hydrophobic inner material is designed to reject clean water while attracting oil and fuel. This helps preserve the absorbent core for hydrocarbon leaks when the mat is used outdoors or in damp railway environments.

Typical compatible liquids may include:

• Diesel fuel
• Engine oil
• Hydraulic oil
• Gear and transmission oil
• Lubricating oils
• Petrol
• Heating oil
• Many other petroleum-derived liquids

Designed for Railway and Trackside Leak Control

Railway engineering work can involve locomotives, rolling stock, plant and maintenance equipment with multiple engines, tanks, hydraulic components and lubrication points. Even relatively small recurring leaks can spread across ballast, concrete, depot flooring or track-maintenance areas if they are not captured close to the source.

The SpillTrapper Rail Track Mat provides a long oil-absorbent surface that can be positioned beneath the likely leak zone. Its five-metre length is especially useful where a shorter square or rectangular mat would leave sections of the equipment footprint unprotected.

The mat is suitable for planned leak prevention beneath stationary equipment and for temporary use during servicing, inspection and repair, subject to the site risk assessment and safe-working procedure.

Typical Rail Track Mat Applications

• Railway maintenance depots
• Locomotive servicing areas
• Rolling-stock inspection facilities
• Trackside engineering projects
• Rail plant and maintenance vehicles
• Diesel multiple-unit maintenance
• Hydraulic equipment used during track work
• Generators, compressors and pumps
• Fuel-transfer and refuelling areas
• Temporary maintenance possessions
• Rail construction and infrastructure projects
• Industrial maintenance areas requiring extended coverage

Multi-Layer SpillTrapper Technology

The Rail Track Mat uses several layers rather than relying on one sheet of absorbent material. Each layer contributes to durability, hydrocarbon absorption or liquid retention.

Heavy-Duty Protective Mesh

The upper mesh helps shield the internal absorbent materials during handling and routine industrial use. Leaking oil and fuel can pass through the mesh into the absorbent layers below.

The mesh is intended to improve durability, but the mat should still be protected from sharp ballast, metal swarf, dragging, cutting and direct vehicle loads.

Hydrophobic Oil-Selective Layer

The hydrophobic layer attracts compatible hydrocarbons while resisting clean rainwater. This is particularly useful in open rail environments, where an ordinary open containment tray might lose capacity as it fills with rainfall.

EVO Recycled® Burst-Fibre Core

The central absorbent layer incorporates EVO Recycled® burst-fibre technology. This provides high absorbent capacity within the body of the mat and contributes to its maximum stated capacity of approximately 150 litres.

Dual Oleophilic Retention Layers

Additional oil-attracting layers help retain absorbed hydrocarbons inside the mat. This can reduce pooling and run-off when the product is inspected and replaced before saturation.

Hard-Wearing Non-Slip Backing

The backing helps contain absorbed liquid and reduce direct contact between the contaminant and the ground or floor below. It also provides a more stable base when the mat is installed on a suitable prepared surface.

Reinforced Edging and Metal Eyelets

Heavy-duty edging protects the perimeter of the mat. Integrated eyelets allow it to be secured where required, helping to reduce unwanted movement in exposed or temporary installations.

Can the Rail Track Mat Be Used Outdoors?

Yes. The SpillTrapper Rail Track Mat is designed for suitable outdoor use. Its hydrophobic internal layer resists the absorption of clean rainwater so that more of its working capacity remains available for oil and fuel leaks.

Outdoor use must still be carefully managed. Water contaminated with oil, fuel or emulsified hydrocarbon liquid must not be allowed to escape into ballast, soil, drains, ditches or surface water.

Inspect the mat after heavy rainfall, known leakage, maintenance activity or any incident that may have caused movement or physical damage.

Key Benefits of the SpillTrapper Rail Track Mat

• Five metres of continuous coverage: Suitable for long railway vehicles, plant and maintenance areas.
• Up to 150 litres absorbency: Provides substantial capacity for repeated drips and hydrocarbon leakage.
• Oil-selective performance: Designed specifically for oils, fuels and compatible hydrocarbons.
• Hydrophobic construction: Rejects clean rainwater during suitable outdoor use.
• Fewer gaps between absorbents: One continuous mat replaces numerous separate pads.
• Durable upper mesh: Helps protect the absorbent core during industrial use.
• Backed construction: Helps reduce contaminant contact with the surface beneath.
• Securing eyelets: Allows the mat to be fixed in an appropriate position.
• Low-profile leak control: Useful where a large rigid containment tray would be impractical.
• Made in Britain: Manufactured in the United Kingdom.

How to Install a SpillTrapper Rail Track Mat

1. Identify the likely oil, fuel and hydraulic-fluid leak points beneath the rolling stock, rail plant or equipment.
2. Measure the required coverage and confirm that the full 146 cm × 500 cm mat can be laid without unsafe folding or obstruction.
3. Inspect the ground or floor and remove sharp debris, ballast projections, metal fragments and other objects that could puncture the backing.
4. Lay the mat flat beneath the complete credible leak zone.
5. Keep the mat clear of moving wheels, rails, points, cables, access routes and working mechanisms.
6. Use the eyelets to secure the mat where required and where the fixing method will not damage the mat or railway infrastructure.
7. Record the installation within the site inspection or maintenance procedure where appropriate.
8. Inspect the mat regularly and replace it before saturation or structural failure.

Important Railway Installation Considerations

The Rail Track Mat should only be used where its position does not interfere with railway operations, electrical equipment, signalling systems, drainage, access routes or moving components.

It should not be laid across an operational rail where wheels or flanges will pass over it. It should also be kept clear of points, switches, crossings and other mechanisms where movement of the mat could cause an obstruction.

Where the product is used near electrified infrastructure, third rails, overhead-line equipment or other electrical systems, installation must follow the relevant site electrical and railway safety procedure.

The mat must not replace established secondary containment, drainage protection or emergency spill-response arrangements where these are required by the site risk assessment.

How Often Should the Rail Track Mat Be Inspected?

Inspection frequency should reflect the likely leak rate, operating environment and consequences of a failure. A mat used beneath known leaking equipment may require inspection before and after every maintenance shift, while a preventative installation should be included within a documented routine inspection schedule.

The stated 150-litre absorbency is a maximum figure and should not be regarded as the normal safe working limit. Do not wait until the mat is completely saturated before replacing it.

Replace the Rail Track Mat if:

• Oil or fuel pools on its upper surface
• Liquid escapes from the sides or backing
• The mat feels excessively heavy or saturated
• The mesh is torn or badly worn
• The vinyl backing becomes punctured
• The reinforced edging separates
• The eyelets or fixing points become damaged
• The mat shifts into an unsafe position
• Contaminated rainwater begins to escape

SpillTrapper Rail Mat or Individual Absorbent Pads?

Individual oil absorbent pads are useful for wiping surfaces and responding to smaller localised spills. However, many pads may be required to protect a five-metre maintenance area, and gaps can remain between them.

The SpillTrapper Rail Track Mat provides one continuous absorbent surface, a protective mesh, backed construction and integrated securing points. It is therefore better suited to planned, extended leak control beneath railway equipment.

SpillTrapper Rail Mat or Rigid Containment Tray?

A rigid tray physically contains free liquid and may be preferable where recovered oil needs to remain visible or be pumped out. However, a tray capable of covering a five-metre railway application would be bulky, difficult to position and vulnerable to filling with rainwater outdoors.

The SpillTrapper mat provides low-profile oil-selective absorption without requiring a large rigid sump. The choice should be based on the expected leak volume, site layout, inspection frequency, weather exposure and environmental risk assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is the SpillTrapper Rail Track Mat?

The mat measures approximately 146 cm wide × 500 cm long, providing a total length of five metres.

How much liquid can the Rail Track Mat absorb?

Its stated maximum absorbency is approximately 150 litres per mat. Actual performance will depend on the hydrocarbon involved, its viscosity, temperature and conditions of use.

Is the Rail Track Mat suitable for diesel?

Yes. The mat is intended for diesel and other compatible hydrocarbon fuels.

Will it absorb rainwater?

The internal material is hydrophobic and designed to resist clean rainwater. This allows the absorbent capacity to remain focused on oil and fuel leakage.

Can it be used beneath locomotives and rolling stock?

It may be used beneath stationary rolling stock where the installation has been assessed as safe and the mat remains clear of wheels, rails and moving mechanisms.

Can trains or rail vehicles drive over the mat?

No drive-over capability should be assumed. Wheels, flanges and concentrated loads may damage the mat and could create an operational hazard. The mat should be installed only when equipment is safely stationary and positioned according to the site procedure.

Can the mat be washed and reused?

It should not be washed to remove absorbed hydrocarbons. It may remain in position while it has safe remaining absorbent capacity and is undamaged, but once saturated or contaminated beyond its safe working condition it must be replaced.

Does the Rail Track Mat neutralise oil or diesel?

No. The mat absorbs and retains compatible hydrocarbons but does not neutralise their flammable, harmful or environmentally hazardous properties.

How should a used Rail Track Mat be disposed of?

Disposal must be based on the substance absorbed. The contaminated mat should be placed in a suitable container or bag, labelled where required and managed through the site’s approved waste procedure.

Technical Specification

Product notice: Dimensions and absorbency figures are approximate. Product construction may be updated as part of continuing development. Confirm the delivered product, liquid compatibility and suitability for the railway application before use.