Fuel Spill Kits

About Fuel Spill Kits

Fuel spill kits are essential safety equipment designed to quickly contain, absorb and clean up hazardous liquid spills in workshops, garages, construction sites and industrial facilities. Whether dealing with diesel, petrol, hydraulic oil or other petroleum-based fluids, having proper spill response equipment isn't just good practice—it's a legal requirement under HSE and COSHH regulations. These specialised kits contain hydrophobic absorbent materials specifically formulated to tackle hydrocarbon spills without absorbing water, preventing environmental contamination and reducing workplace slip hazards.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of fuel spill kits from leading brands including Scan, Draper, Armorgard and Sealey. Our selection includes compact portable spill kits suitable for small workshops, oil and fuel absorbent pads for regular maintenance use, and heavy-duty drum spill pallets designed for bulk fuel storage areas. From two-drum containment pallets to complete spill response kits with absorbent socks and disposal bags, you'll find professional-grade solutions that meet UK safety standards and environmental protection requirements.

Applications

• Vehicle workshops and garages: Motor mechanics and MOT centres handling oils, fuels and hydraulic fluids
• Construction sites: Site managers maintaining fuel supplies for generators, excavators and plant machinery
• Agricultural contractors: Farmers storing diesel and oils for tractors and farm equipment
• Transport and logistics: Haulage companies and fleet operators with refuelling facilities
• Manufacturing facilities: Production sites using oils, lubricants and hydraulic systems
• Maintenance engineers: Facilities managers responsible for boiler rooms and plant equipment
• Marine facilities: Boatyards and marinas handling marine fuels and oils
• Fuel distributors: Heating oil suppliers requiring emergency spill response capability

Choosing The Right Fuel Spill Kits

Assess your storage volumes: Calculate total fuel and oil volumes on your premises. Spill pallets must meet the 110% containment rule (110% of largest container or 25% of total volume). A two-drum workshop needs different solutions than a four-drum storage area.

Identify spill risk areas: Position portable spill kits near high-risk zones like refuelling points, drum storage and machinery maintenance areas for rapid response. Spill pallets provide permanent containment for storage locations.

Select appropriate absorbents: Fuel spill kits use hydrophobic absorbents that repel water, making them effective outdoors and in wet conditions. This differs from general purpose kits which absorb all liquids and may become waterlogged.

Consider kit size and portability: Small workshops might need compact 20-30 litre kits, whilst larger facilities require multiple strategically-placed solutions. MyToolShed.co.uk offers everything from portable emergency kits to wheeled bins for bigger capacity requirements.

Check compliance requirements: Ensure your spill control measures meet HSE and COSHH regulations. Oil Storage Regulations apply to fuel storage above 200 litres, requiring appropriate containment and response equipment.

Safety Information

Under COSHH regulations, employers must assess risks from hazardous substances including fuels and oils, implementing appropriate control measures. All personnel should receive training on spill response procedures, kit locations and correct use of absorbent materials. Always wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection when responding to fuel spills, and ensure adequate ventilation as fuel vapours are flammable.

Contain spills immediately using absorbent socks to prevent spreading towards drains—fuel entering watercourses can result in substantial Environment Agency fines. Used absorbent materials contaminated with fuel must be disposed of as hazardous waste through licensed carriers. Regularly inspect spill pallets for damage and replace used kit components immediately to maintain emergency response capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between fuel spill kits and general purpose spill kits?

Fuel spill kits contain hydrophobic absorbents specifically designed for hydrocarbon-based liquids like diesel, petrol and oils. These materials float on water and won't become saturated in wet conditions. General purpose kits absorb all liquids including water, making them less effective for fuel spills as they can become waterlogged before absorbing the fuel.

What size spill pallet do I need for my drums?

UK regulations require spill pallets to hold at least 110% of the largest container's capacity, or 25% of total stored volume—whichever is greater. For a standard 205-litre drum, you need minimum 225-litre capacity. Two-drum pallets typically offer 250 litres capacity, whilst four-drum pallets provide 450+ litres.

Do I legally need a fuel spill kit?

If you store oil or fuel above 200 litres, Oil Storage Regulations require appropriate containment. COSHH regulations mandate control measures for hazardous substances including adequate spill response equipment. Even below these thresholds, having spill response capability demonstrates due diligence and protects against pollution penalties.