The SpillTrapper® Rail Track Mat is a specialist five-metre oil and fuel absorbent mat for railway depots, rolling-stock maintenance, trackside engineering and other long industrial work areas. It provides continuous hydrocarbon leak protection beneath stationary rail vehicles, maintenance plant, generators, pumps and hydraulic equipment.

Measuring approximately 146 cm wide × 500 cm long, the mat offers an extended protected area and absorbs up to approximately 150 litres of compatible oil, diesel, petrol and other hydrocarbon liquids.

Its hydrophobic multi-layer construction is designed to absorb oil and fuel while resisting clean rainwater. This makes it particularly useful in suitable outdoor railway environments where an ordinary absorbent pad or uncovered rigid tray may quickly lose useful capacity during wet weather.

What Is the SpillTrapper Rail Track Mat?

The SpillTrapper Rail Track Mat is an elongated, backed absorbent mat developed for railway environments where oil or fuel may leak across a longer area than a conventional absorbent pad can protect.

A locomotive, maintenance vehicle or item of rail plant may have several potential leak points positioned along its length. These can include the engine, gearbox, hydraulic system, fuel tank, lubrication points and auxiliary equipment.

The five-metre SpillTrapper mat creates one continuous absorbent surface beneath the credible leakage area. This reduces the need to overlap numerous individual pads and helps avoid uncovered gaps between separate absorbents.

Who Is the Rail Track Mat Designed For?

The mat is intended for organisations responsible for railway maintenance, transport engineering, rolling-stock servicing and associated plant. Potential users include:

• Railway maintenance depots
• Train operating companies
• Rolling-stock service and repair providers
• Rail infrastructure contractors
• Track-maintenance teams
• Rail plant and machinery operators
• Heritage railway workshops
• Industrial locomotive operators
• Transport engineering facilities
• Plant-hire and specialist maintenance contractors

Where Can a SpillTrapper Rail Mat Be Used?

Subject to the site risk assessment and safe placement, the Rail Track Mat may be used in:

• Locomotive inspection and servicing areas
• Rolling-stock maintenance sheds
• Trackside maintenance possessions
• Rail engineering workshops
• Fuel and lubrication service areas
• Beneath stationary rail maintenance vehicles
• Under generators, pumps and hydraulic power packs
• Beneath compressors and mobile plant
• Temporary repair and breakdown locations
• Long industrial machinery maintenance areas

Which Liquids Will the Rail Track Mat Absorb?

The mat is intended for compatible hydrocarbon liquids such as:

• Diesel fuel
• Engine oil
• Hydraulic oil
• Gear oil
• Transmission oil
• Lubricating oil
• Petrol
• Heating oil
• Many other petroleum-based liquids

The oil-selective absorbent materials attract hydrocarbon liquids while resisting clean water. Actual suitability should still be confirmed where synthetic lubricants, specialist hydraulic fluids or mixed liquids are involved.

How Does the Rail Track Mat Handle Rainwater?

The inner absorbent construction is hydrophobic. This means it is designed to resist clean rainwater while continuing to absorb compatible oils and fuels.

This characteristic is valuable in open railway environments, depots and temporary outdoor maintenance areas. An uncovered rigid tray may fill with rainwater, while ordinary general-purpose absorbents may use much of their capacity absorbing water.

SpillTrapper helps preserve its working capacity for hydrocarbon leakage. However, water that becomes contaminated with oil or emulsified fuel must not be allowed to drain into ballast, soil, drainage systems or surface water.

Inside the SpillTrapper Multi-Layer Construction

The Rail Track Mat contains several functional layers. Each contributes to protection, absorption or retention.

Heavy-Duty Upper Mesh

The mesh protects the absorbent materials from routine handling and general industrial wear. Oil and fuel can pass through the mesh and enter the inner layers.

Hydrophobic Oil-Selective Layer

This layer attracts compatible hydrocarbon liquid while resisting clean water. It supports indoor and outdoor leak-control applications.

EVO Recycled® Burst-Fibre Core

The main absorbent core incorporates recycled burst-fibre technology, providing substantial hydrocarbon retention within the five-metre mat.

Oleophilic Retention Layers

Additional oil-attracting materials help hold absorbed hydrocarbon liquid within the body of the mat and reduce the risk of free liquid spreading across the surface.

Hard-Wearing Backing

The backed construction helps separate absorbed contamination from the ground or floor beneath. It also provides a more stable base on a suitable prepared surface.

Reinforced Edges and Eyelets

Heavy-duty edging protects the perimeter, while reinforced metal eyelets allow the mat to be secured where an appropriate fixing method is available.

Why Use One Five-Metre Mat Instead of Separate Pads?

Individual absorbent pads work well for wiping and smaller localised spills, but they can be less effective when a long section of trackside or maintenance flooring requires protection.

Using several pads can create:

• Gaps between absorbent sheets
• Overlapping areas that use extra material
• Movement caused by wind or foot traffic
• Different saturation levels across the protected area
• More individual items to inspect and replace

The SpillTrapper Rail Track Mat creates one continuous protected area with integrated backing, protective mesh and securing points.

Benefits of the SpillTrapper Rail Track Mat

• Five-metre length: Provides extensive coverage beneath rail vehicles and equipment.
• Up to 150 litres absorbency: Offers substantial capacity for recurring hydrocarbon leakage.
• Oil-selective: Intended for diesel, oil, fuel and compatible hydrocarbons.
• Hydrophobic: Resists clean rainwater during appropriate outdoor use.
• Continuous surface: Reduces gaps associated with multiple separate absorbent pads.
• Protective mesh: Helps protect the inner absorbent materials.
• Backed construction: Helps limit contamination reaching the surface below.
• Eyeleted edges: Allows suitable securing methods to be used.
• Low-profile format: Easier to position than a large rigid containment tray in many rail areas.
• British manufacture: Made in the United Kingdom.

How to Select a Rail Track Mat Installation Area

Before installation, consider:

• The complete length and width of the likely leak zone
• The position of engines, tanks and hydraulic components
• The possibility of leakage moving along rails or uneven surfaces
• The condition of the floor, ballast or maintenance area
• Nearby drains, channels, ditches or environmentally sensitive areas
• Pedestrian access and working routes
• Moving rail equipment and machinery
• Weather exposure and wind
• The expected inspection and replacement interval

How to Install the SpillTrapper Rail Track Mat

1. Confirm that the leaked liquid is compatible with an oil-selective absorbent.
2. Identify the complete credible leakage area beneath the stationary rail vehicle or equipment.
3. Remove sharp stones, metal fragments, swarf and debris that may damage the backing.
4. Unroll or position the mat so that it lies flat beneath the expected leak points.
5. Keep the mat clear of rails, moving wheels, flanges, points, switches and operating mechanisms.
6. Ensure it does not obstruct walkways, steps, cables or maintenance access.
7. Secure the eyelets where necessary using a method approved for the installation area.
8. Add the mat to the relevant inspection and environmental-control schedule.

Important Rail Safety Considerations

The SpillTrapper Rail Track Mat is a leak-control product and must not interfere with railway operations.

Do not place the mat where:

• Rail wheels or flanges may pass over it
• It could move into points or switch mechanisms
• It may obstruct signalling or track equipment
• It blocks emergency or maintenance access
• It creates a slip, trip or entanglement hazard
• Electrical equipment could be affected
• It could contact hot exhaust components
• Concentrated loads may puncture or crush the mat

Work near electrified rails, overhead-line equipment and other electrical infrastructure must follow the applicable railway electrical-safety procedure.

Inspection and Replacement Guidance

The Rail Track Mat should be checked according to the risk posed by the installation. A mat beneath known leaking machinery may need inspection before and after each shift or maintenance activity.

The maximum 150-litre absorbency should not be treated as the normal safe operating limit. Replace the mat early enough to prevent free liquid escaping from its edges or backing.

Replace the mat when:

• Hydrocarbon liquid begins pooling on the surface
• Liquid escapes from the sides or underside
• The mat becomes excessively heavy
• The mesh is torn or worn through
• The backing is punctured
• The edges begin separating
• The eyelets become damaged
• The mat no longer remains securely positioned
• Contaminated rainwater begins escaping

Rail Track Mat Compared with Other Spill-Control Products

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the SpillTrapper Rail Track Mat?

The mat is approximately 500 cm long, equivalent to five metres. It is approximately 146 cm wide.

How much oil can the Rail Track Mat absorb?

Its stated maximum absorbency is approximately 150 litres. Actual capacity depends on the hydrocarbon, viscosity, temperature and operating conditions.

Is the mat suitable for diesel?

Yes. Diesel is one of the principal hydrocarbon liquids for which the mat is intended.

Can the Rail Track Mat absorb hydraulic fluid?

It is suitable for many petroleum-based hydraulic oils. Compatibility should be checked where water-glycol, synthetic or specialist fire-resistant hydraulic fluids are involved.

Can it be used outside?

Yes, in a suitable installation. The hydrophobic absorbent materials resist clean rainwater while absorbing oil and fuel.

Can a locomotive drive over the mat?

No drive-over capability should be assumed. Rail wheels, flanges and concentrated loads may damage the mat and create a serious operational hazard.

Can the mat be washed and reused?

No. The mat should not be washed to remove absorbed oil or fuel. It may remain in position while it is undamaged and has safe remaining capacity, but it should be replaced once contaminated beyond its working condition.

Does the mat neutralise diesel or oil?

No. It absorbs compatible hydrocarbons but does not remove their flammable, harmful or environmentally hazardous properties.

How should a contaminated mat be handled?

Wear suitable protective equipment and place the mat in an appropriate container or heavy-duty bag. Manage it through the approved waste route for the liquid absorbed.

Technical Specification

Product notice: Dimensions and absorbency figures are approximate. Materials and construction may be updated as part of ongoing product development. Always confirm the delivered mat and its suitability for the intended railway application before use.