Fuel and Oil Spill Prevention

Fuel and oil spills are the most common type of pollution incident on UK construction sites.
Just one litre of oil can contaminate up to one million litres of drinking water.
The Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 and Water Resources Act 1991 make it an offence to pollute watercourses.
All fuel and oil must be stored in double-skinned or bunded containers at 110% of capacity.
Refuelling operations are a high-risk activity and must take place on hardstanding away from drains.
Hydraulic hose failures on plant and machinery are a frequent cause of oil spills on site.
Spill kits must be available at every fuel storage area and on every item of major plant.
The Environment Agency can issue enforcement notices, stop work, and prosecute for pollution incidents.
Fines for water pollution offences are unlimited and can result in criminal records for individuals.
Every person on site has a responsibility to prevent pollution and report spills immediately.

Protect water	Oil and fuel contaminate rivers, groundwater, and drinking supplies — the environmental damage can take years to recover.
Avoid prosecution	Polluting a watercourse carries unlimited fines, and individuals can face criminal prosecution and imprisonment.
Protect wildlife	Even small spills can kill fish, invertebrates, and plants, destroying entire sections of waterway habitat.
Project reputation	Pollution incidents cause project shutdowns, client complaints, and reputational damage that affects future work.

Do

Don't

Store all fuel and oil in double-skinned or bunded containers on hardstanding.
Refuel plant on hardstanding using drip trays and nozzle holsters at all times.
Check plant daily for hydraulic leaks, damaged hoses, and worn seals.
Know where the nearest spill kit is located and how to use it.
Report any spill, no matter how small, to your supervisor immediately.
Keep drain covers and spill mats over nearby drains during refuelling operations.
Attend the refuelling nozzle at all times — never leave it unattended during filling.
Store spill kits next to fuel storage areas and on all major items of plant.
Dispose of used absorbents and contaminated material as hazardous waste.
Follow the site pollution incident response plan if a spill reaches a watercourse.

DON'T store fuel or oil in single-skinned containers without secondary containment.
DON'T refuel plant on bare ground, near drains, or close to watercourses.
DON'T operate plant with known hydraulic leaks — report and take it out of use.
DON'T ignore small drips or minor leaks — they quickly become major spills.
DON'T try to wash spills away with water — this spreads contamination further.
DON'T leave drain protection off during deliveries or refuelling activities.
DON'T walk away from a fuel nozzle while filling a tank or bowser.
DON'T overfill fuel tanks — leave space for expansion and prevent overflow.
DON'T put used absorbents in general waste — they must go as hazardous waste.
DON'T delay reporting a spill — early action prevents major environmental harm.

See also: Spill Kit Use & Deployment | Pollution Incident Reporting

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