As useful as generators and other plant machinery are, when used outdoors they can leak oil and fuel which will damage the environment. To protect the environment as best as possible, as well as minimise your risk of a health and safety violation notice, investing in products that protect the ground from oil and fuel leaks is the best way forward.
With that being said, not all drip trays are created equal so there may be a few things you want to consider before deciding which one to purchase.
The three main types of oil and fuel protectors
Basic drip trays
The most affordable option out of the three, the basic drip tray is easy to set up and adequately protects the ground from soaking up any spills or leaks.
Benefits:
Consisting of a toughened plastic tray, the basic drip tray is very simple to use. Simply position your generator or equipment on top of the tray and you are good to go. As any oil or fuel leaks will gather in the bottom of the tray.
Drawbacks:
Although this option is reusable, if you leave it outside when it rains the oil and water will mix which risks the tray overflowing and allowing the mixture to seep into the ground. There is also the risk of spillage when moving the drip tray for emptying due to the lack of any absorbent materials within the tray.
Plant nappy
Marketed as the first innovative solution, the plant nappy is a well-established drip tray that is widely used for many types of machinery. Its simplicity and ease of use allows it to be set up quickly, no matter the project.
Benefits:
The main advantage of the plant nappy is that it filters water out through its permeable foam walls, but retains oil. Thanks to its hydrophobic elements that keep rainwater out, its resistance to ultraviolet rays, and its fire-resistant construction, the plant nappy is suitable for use outdoors no matter the weather. This makes it ideal for longer tasks that need to be undertaken outside.
The British made plant nappy is also temperature resistant from -20oC to 107oC and has the option of being used alongside removable and replaceable liners, expanding the lifespan of the product.
Drawbacks:
This option is the most expensive out of the three which can be a problem if your business is running on a tight budget. The plant nappy also doesn’t come in the largest sizes required for bigger pieces of machinery.
Spilltector
If you are looking for an option that combines the best features of both the plant nappy and the basic drip tray, then the Spilltector may be just right for your business. As a product that has only recently been launched in the market, this option consists of a flexible tray with a unique base that drains water but contains oil and fuel.
Benefits:
This drip tray is able to catch and absorb oils and fuels features an absorbent laminate base that consists of four layers:
- Base layer – hydrophobic fuel and oil absorbent pads
- Evo layer – features burst fibre cotton technology for oil retention
- Hydrophobic layer – resists rainwater and only absorbs fuel and oil
- Top layer – tough plastic mesh grid that prevents damage from machinery
The Spilltector tray is reusable and long-lasting and is more affordable than the plant nappy. You only need to replace the absorbent mat when soiled. They come in a variety of sizes to suit most generator and machinery sizes, providing you with all you need to protect the environment from harmful spills.
Drawbacks:
As with any product, the spilltector also has some setbacks. It is a more expensive option than a basic drip tray, which can set you back if trying to keep costs to a minimum. This option also won’t work without the necessary laminate base, so having a few backups in storage is always a good idea.
It is important to note that no matter which drip tray option you decide on, always follow health and safety guidelines and report any environmental incidents to your local authority straight away.
Author Bio: First Mats started life as safety matting specialists, but have since expanded to become a complete industrial and commercial supplies company. The focus of First Mats is to provide safety-focused products that improve the wellbeing of staff through quality approved products, backed up by extensive knowledge. www.firstmats.co.uk