ENV/Water Pollution/TBT-ENV-008
Fuel and Oil Spill Prevention on Site
Environmental › Water Pollution › Fuel and Oil Spill Prevention on Site
Toolbox Talk
Fuel and Oil Spill Prevention on Site
Fuel and oil spills on construction sites can cause serious pollution to watercourses, groundwater, and land. A single litre of oil can contaminate over one million litres of drinking water. The Environment Agency treats pollution incidents seriously, and companies face unlimited fines and criminal prosecution for causing contamination. Prevention through proper storage, handling, and spill response is essential on every site where fuel and oil are used.
Key Hazards
Contamination of watercourses and groundwater from uncontained spills
Soil pollution requiring costly remediation and project delays
Fire and explosion risk from spilled fuel near ignition sources
Skin irritation and health effects from direct contact with fuel products
Control Measures
- Store all fuel and oil in double-skinned or bunded containers with 110% containment capacity.
- Position fuel storage areas away from watercourses, drains, and surface water drainage systems.
- Lock fuel storage when not in use and restrict access to authorised and trained personnel only.
- Use drip trays beneath all plant during refuelling and beneath stationary plant during operations.
- Keep spill kits stocked and accessible at every fuel storage location and refuelling point on site.
- Seal or block any surface water drains in the vicinity before transferring or handling fuel.
- Report all spills immediately, regardless of size, to your supervisor and the environmental team.
- Check fuel hoses, nozzles, and connections for leaks before and after every refuelling operation.
- Dispose of contaminated absorbent materials as hazardous waste through the correct disposal route.
Remember
- One litre of oil can contaminate over one million litres of water — every drop matters.
- All fuel and oil must be stored in bunded areas with at least 110% containment capacity.
- Report every spill immediately, no matter how small, because pollution spreads rapidly.
- Spill kits must be available at every storage and refuelling location and restocked after use.
- The Environment Agency can prosecute and issue unlimited fines for pollution incidents.
- Never refuel plant within 10 metres of a watercourse, drain, or surface water outlet.
Applicable Legislation: Environmental Protection Act 1990 · Water Resources Act 1991 · Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001 · Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016
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