Thereās a Right Way to Handle a Spill
Be Ready for Spills, Big or Small!
Beyond the mess, oil and fuel spills can create slip hazards, contaminate surrounding ground and potentially enter nearby drainage systems. No matter what your role is, knowing how to respond to a spill is essential.
Fortunately, with the right kit, many small spills can be contained safely and quickly.
Below we've broken down how to clean up a spill into 6 easy steps.
How to Clean Up a Hydraulic Oil or Diesel Spill in 6 Steps
If you discover a spill, acting quickly is important. However, always assess the situation before attempting to clean it up.
These steps apply to smaller spills that canbe managed safely. Large spills, uncontrolled leaks or incidents involving significant fire or environmental risks may require specialist assistance.
1. Identify the Spill and Make the Area Safe
First, establish what has been spilled and where itās coming from.
If safe to do so, stop the machinery, isolate the leaking equipment or shut off the fuel supply. Keep unnecessary personnel away from the affected area and eliminate potential ignition sources, particularly when dealing with diesel. Wear suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow your siteās risk assessment and the substanceās safety data sheet.
2. Stop the Spill from Spreading
Before cleaning up the liquid, prevent it from travelling further. Use absorbent socks or booms to create a barrier around the spill, paying particular attention to nearby drains, gullies and exposed ground. The Health and Safety Executiveās spill control guidance identifies absorbent pads, booms and temporary barriers as useful methods of containing hazardous substances.
Remember: Containment comes before cleanup. Preventing a spill from reaching drainage systems can significantly reduce its environmental impact.
3. Apply Suitable Absorbent Materials
Once the spill is contained, it's time to absorb the liquid so it can be disposed off quickly and safely. Different spill kits and products serve different purposes:
| Spill control product | Best used for |
|---|---|
| Absorbent granules (clay or isol8) | Smaller spills on hard surfaces, including concrete and workshop floors |
| Absorbent pads | Soaking up oil and fuel on machinery, floors and equipment |
| Absorbent socks | Surrounding spills and preventing liquids from spreading |
| Absorbent booms | Similar to socks but usually larger, made for containing larger spills and protecting vulnerable areas |
| Drain covers | Preventing liquids from entering drainage systems |
| Spill kits | Providing multiple absorbent products in one accessible pack |
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Top Tip: loose absorbent granules can be particularly useful for dealing with oil on uneven hardstanding, while absorbent pads may be more convenient for wiping down machinery.
Explore our range of oil spill absorbent granules.
4. Allow the Absorbent to Work
Follow the manufacturerās instructions for application and contact time. For granules, distribute the recommended quantity across the affected area and allow sufficient time for the liquid to be absorbed. Avoid spreading the contamination beyond the original spill. If necessary, apply additional absorbent until the free liquid has been collected.
5. Collect and Dispose of Contaminated Materials
Once the liquid has been absorbed, carefully collect the used granules, pads or other contaminated materials. Place them into suitable containers or disposal bags and arrange disposal through an authorised waste contractor. Donāt put oil-contaminated absorbents into general waste bins. GOV.UKās waste management guidance states that materials contaminated with oil must be managed as hazardous waste.
6. Inspect the Area and Restock Your Spill Kit
After cleanup, inspect the affected area for remaining contamination. Check that the source of the leak has been repaired and that machinery is safe before returning it to service. Record the incident according to your companyās procedures and replace any spill control materials used. If a spill has caused, or threatens to cause, environmental pollution, follow your reporting procedures. In England, environmental incidents can be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.
And thatās a wrap! Six simple steps to help you tackle an oil or diesel spill safely and effectively. Hopefully, you wonāt need to put them into practice anytime soon, but if you do, youāll know where to start.
To help businesses prepare for unexpected spills, this November, HTS Spares is offering up to 30% off selected spill control products, alongside three specially created HolworxĀ® spill kit bundles. Take a look at the bundles below, or explore our spill control range to find equipment suited to your working environment.
| Spill Kit Bundle | Whatās Included | Best For | November Price | Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Van & Machine Spill Control Pack | 20L Oil Only Spill Kit Oil Only Socks, 20 Pck 25L AdBlueĀ® Spill Kit | Mobile plant engineers, service vans and machinery operators dealing with different types of spills | Ā£87.95 | Ā£42.66 |
| Workshop Spill Control Pack | 45L Maintenance Spill Kit Maintenance Pads, 200 Pck Drum Top Covers, 50 Pck | Busy workshops, plant hire depots and maintenance teams handling everyday leaks and spills | Ā£154.95 | Ā£70.99 |
| Site & Depot Spill Control Pack | 120L Wheeled Maintenance Spill Kit Maintenance Socks 1.2m 20 Pck Oil Only Roll, 38cm (W) x 44m (L) | Construction sites, plant hire depots and larger working areas requiring greater spill response capacity | Ā£201.75 | Ā£95.81 |
Offers available during November 2026 on selected products.
