The SpillTrapper® Rail Track Mat Pack of 3 provides extensive oil and fuel leak protection for railway depots, rolling-stock maintenance, trackside engineering and long industrial work areas. Each heavy-duty mat measures approximately 146 cm wide × 500 cm long, creating a substantial oil-selective surface beneath trains, rail vehicles, maintenance equipment, generators and machinery.

Each Rail Track Mat absorbs up to approximately 150 litres of compatible oils, fuels and hydrocarbons. With three mats included, the pack provides a combined stated maximum absorbency of up to 450 litres.

SpillTrapper mats use a specialist multi-layer construction that absorbs hydrocarbon leaks while resisting clean rainwater. This makes them particularly useful in outdoor or partially covered rail environments where an ordinary absorbent mat or open drip tray could lose capacity by collecting rainwater.

Long Oil-Absorbent Mats for Rail Maintenance

Rail vehicles and engineering plant can release oil or fuel from several points along their length. Potential leak sources include engines, gearboxes, hydraulic equipment, lubrication systems, fuel lines, pumps and maintenance components.

A standard absorbent pad covers only a small area and may leave gaps between separate sheets. The SpillTrapper Rail Track Mat provides a continuous five-metre absorbent surface, allowing multiple potential leak points to be protected using one long-format mat.

The pack of three provides flexibility across larger sites. The mats can be installed in three separate working areas, positioned consecutively for extended coverage, or retained as replacement stock so that a contaminated mat can be removed without leaving the area unprotected.

Typical Uses for SpillTrapper Rail Track Mats

SpillTrapper Rail Track Mats are suitable for a wide range of railway, transport, engineering and industrial applications, including:

• Railway engineering and maintenance depots
• Rolling-stock service and inspection areas
• Beneath locomotives, carriages and rail vehicles
• Trackside engineering and repair work
• Rail-mounted maintenance machinery
• Fuel and lubrication service points
• Train-cleaning and preparation facilities
• Beneath diesel generators and compressors
• Under hydraulic power packs and pumps
• Plant-hire and fleet-maintenance depots
• Commercial vehicle servicing areas
• Industrial machinery with elongated footprints
• Temporary repair and maintenance locations
• Outdoor plant and equipment storage areas

Which Liquids Can the Rail Track Mat Absorb?

The SpillTrapper Rail Track Mat is intended for compatible oil-based and hydrocarbon liquids. Typical examples include:

• Diesel fuel
• Petrol
• Engine oil
• Hydraulic oil
• Gearbox oil
• Transmission oil
• Lubricating oil
• Heating oil
• Generator fuel
• Other compatible petroleum-based liquids

How Does a SpillTrapper Rail Track Mat Work?

SpillTrapper uses several functional layers to absorb hydrocarbon liquid, resist clean water, protect the absorbent core and help reduce direct contamination of the surface beneath.

Heavy-Duty Mesh Grid

A tough mesh grid covers the upper surface of the mat. The mesh helps protect the internal layers during handling and routine industrial use while allowing oil and fuel leakage to pass into the absorbent material.

Hydrophobic Absorbent Layer

The hydrophobic layer attracts compatible oils and fuels while resisting clean rainwater. This helps preserve the mat's absorbent capacity for the contaminants it was installed to collect.

EVO Recycled® Burst-Fibre Core

The internal absorbent core incorporates EVO Recycled® burst-fibre technology. This creates high oil-retention capacity throughout the five-metre mat and contributes to the stated maximum absorbency of approximately 150 litres per mat.

Dual Oleophilic Retention Layer

Additional oil-attracting material helps retain absorbed hydrocarbons within the mat. This reduces the risk of liquid remaining pooled on the surface when the product is inspected and replaced before reaching saturation.

Hard-Wearing Vinyl Backing

The durable backing helps contain absorbed liquid and limits direct contact between the contaminant and the ground or floor below. It also provides a stable base when the mat is positioned correctly on a suitable surface.

Reinforced Metal Eyelets

Metal eyelets provide securing points where the mat needs protection from wind, vibration or accidental movement. Any fixing method should avoid tearing the edging and must not interfere with rails, moving equipment, access routes or safe working practices.

Why Is SpillTrapper Suitable for Outdoor Rail Environments?

Outdoor rail installations present a particular containment problem. Conventional absorbents may take up rainwater, while rigid open trays can fill during wet weather and leave less capacity for an oil or fuel leak.

SpillTrapper's hydrophobic inner construction is designed to reject clean rainwater while retaining compatible hydrocarbon liquids. This allows the mat to remain focused on oil and fuel leakage in suitable outdoor, trackside and partially covered installations.

The mat must still be inspected after heavy rainfall and following any known leak. Water contaminated with oil, diesel or emulsified hydrocarbons must not be allowed to escape into drains, ballast, soil, groundwater or surface water.

Advantages of Buying a Pack of Three

A three-mat pack provides practical stock coverage for sites with several service areas, repeated maintenance operations or equipment that moves between different working positions.

• Protect three separate areas: Install one mat beneath each active service or maintenance position.
• Create extended coverage: Position mats consecutively where more than five metres of working area requires protection.
• Hold replacement stock: Remove a contaminated mat and replace it without waiting for another delivery.
• Support planned maintenance: Allocate mats to scheduled engineering tasks involving oil or fuel systems.
• Standardise spill control: Use the same mat format across several depots, bays or work locations.
• Provide up to 450 litres of stated capacity: Each mat is rated at up to approximately 150 litres.

Key Benefits of SpillTrapper Rail Track Mats

• Five-metre coverage: Protects a long section beneath rolling stock, trackside plant or industrial machinery.
• Oil-selective absorbency: Designed specifically for compatible oils, fuels and hydrocarbons.
• Rainwater resistance: Hydrophobic inner layers resist clean water during suitable outdoor use.
• High individual capacity: Each mat absorbs up to approximately 150 litres.
• High pack capacity: Three mats provide a combined stated maximum absorbency of up to 450 litres.
• Durable upper mesh: Helps protect the absorbent core during industrial use.
• Non-slip vinyl base: Provides a durable backing layer beneath the absorbent construction.
• Reduced use of loose granules: Absorbed liquid remains within a contained mat rather than being mixed into loose floor absorbent.
• Flexible positioning: Mats can be deployed separately or used together in an extended installation.
• Reinforced eyelets: Provide options for securing the mat where suitable.
• British manufacture: SpillTrapper mats are manufactured in the United Kingdom.

How to Position a Rail Track Mat

1. Identify the equipment, rail vehicle or machinery that may release oil or fuel.
2. Locate all credible leak points, including engines, hydraulic systems, fuel lines, lubrication points and maintenance components.
3. Measure the full area requiring protection and decide whether one mat or several mats are needed.
4. Check the installation surface for sharp ballast, metal fragments, swarf or debris that could puncture the backing.
5. Position the mat flat beneath the expected leak area without folding, creasing or creating raised edges.
6. Extend the mat beyond the principal drip points wherever the available space permits.
7. Use the reinforced eyelets to secure the mat where movement from wind, vibration or site activity is likely.
8. Confirm that the mat does not interfere with rails, points, cables, signalling equipment, drainage channels or safe access.
9. Record the installation as part of the site's inspection and maintenance procedure.
10. Inspect the mat regularly and replace it before saturation or serious damage occurs.

Using Several Mats Together

Two or three Rail Track Mats may be used to protect an extended working area. Where mats are installed consecutively, the joins should be arranged carefully so oil cannot escape through an unprotected gap.

Avoid thick overlaps or folded edges in pedestrian areas because these may create trip hazards. Mats must not obstruct railway infrastructure, inspection routes or emergency access.

Each mat should remain individually accessible for inspection and removal. A heavily contaminated mat should not have to be dragged beneath another mat or through an occupied working area.

Inspection and Replacement

The stated capacity of 150 litres per mat represents a maximum absorbency figure. It should not be treated as the normal operating level or the point at which replacement begins.

The safe service life will depend on:

• The type of oil or fuel being absorbed
• The viscosity and temperature of the liquid
• The frequency and volume of leakage
• Rain and weather exposure
• The condition of the installation surface
• The frequency of site inspections
• Movement, vibration or physical wear

Replace an individual mat when:

• Oil or fuel remains pooled on the upper surface
• The mat releases absorbed liquid when lifted or handled
• The backing becomes cut, punctured or torn
• The protective mesh is seriously damaged
• The edging or internal layers begin to separate
• The mat no longer lies flat or remains safely positioned
• Contaminated water or hydrocarbon liquid escapes from the installation
• The remaining absorbent capacity cannot be assessed reliably

Rail Track Mat Compared with Alternative Products

Frequently Asked Questions

How many SpillTrapper mats are included?

This product includes three individual SpillTrapper Rail Track Mats.

What size is each Rail Track Mat?

Each mat measures approximately 146 cm wide × 500 cm long.

How much can each mat absorb?

Each mat has a stated maximum absorbency of approximately 150 litres of compatible oils, fuels and hydrocarbons.

What is the total absorbency of the three-pack?

Three mats provide a combined stated maximum absorbency of up to 450 litres.

Is the Rail Track Mat suitable for diesel?

Yes. Diesel is a hydrocarbon fuel and is one of the principal liquids for which SpillTrapper mats are designed.

Can the mats absorb engine and hydraulic oil?

The mats are suitable for many petroleum-based engine, transmission, lubricating and hydraulic oils. Compatibility should be confirmed where a synthetic, water-glycol or specialist hydraulic fluid is involved.

Can the Rail Track Mats be used outdoors?

Yes, subject to correct positioning and regular inspection. The hydrophobic inner layers resist clean rainwater while absorbing compatible oils and fuels.

Will the mats absorb AdBlue?

AdBlue is a water-based urea solution rather than a hydrocarbon. The oil-selective SpillTrapper construction should not be assumed to absorb it. A general-purpose absorbent confirmed as suitable for water-based liquids should be selected instead.

Can the mats be placed directly over railway rails?

Installation must be authorised by the responsible site or railway operator. The mats must not interfere with rails, points, signalling equipment, electrical systems, drainage, vehicle movement or safe access.

Can trains or maintenance vehicles drive over the mats?

The Rail Track Mat should not automatically be treated as a drive-over product. Wheels, rails, tracks, stabilisers, jacks and concentrated loads may damage the mesh, absorbent core or backing.

Can the mats be washed and reused?

No. SpillTrapper mats should not be washed to remove absorbed hydrocarbons. A mat may remain in service while it is undamaged and retains safe absorbent capacity, but it must be replaced once saturated, contaminated beyond its safe working level or physically damaged.

Does SpillTrapper neutralise oil and fuel?

No. The mat absorbs and retains compatible hydrocarbons but does not make them harmless. The used product may remain flammable and environmentally hazardous.

Are the three mats joined together?

No. The pack contains three separate mats. They can be positioned independently or installed as part of a planned extended-coverage layout.

Technical Specification

Product notice: Dimensions and absorbency figures are approximate. Product materials and construction may be updated as part of continuing product development. Confirm suitability for the liquid, installation area and operating conditions before use.