As we start a new year, it’s the perfect time to think about safety and responsibility in fleet management. Diesel fuel and oil spills can lead to environmental damage, costly spill cleanups, and safety hazards. Preventing leaks and responding quickly in emergencies is essential.
Here’s how fleet managers can take proactive measures to avoid spills and what to do when accidents happen.
Leaking Oil? Let’s Fix That.
If your fleet vehicles leave oil marks in their parking stalls, that is a problem! A well-maintained fleet is your first defence against fuel and oil spills. Regular fleet inspections help catch problems before they become costly repairs or spill cleanups. Plus, faulty components of your fleet vehicles are more likely to spring a leak if the vehicle is in an accident.
Here are some things you can check on your vehicles. If you need help with inspections and fleet repairs, contact our Motorplex division for inspections and repairs.
- Inspect Fuel Tanks and Lines: Check tanks, hoses, and fuel lines for wear, cracks, or corrosion. Small leaks can quickly become major issues.
- Monitor Oil Systems: Look for oil drips under vehicles and check gaskets, seals, and connections for leaks.
- Check Fuel Caps: Loose or damaged fuel caps can lead to fuel spills while driving or refuelling. Replace them if needed.
- Test Fuel Tank Integrity: Schedule pressure tests on tanks to identify weak spots that could break under stress.
- Watch for Road Damage: Debris or rough road conditions can dent or puncture fuel tanks. Train drivers to report damage immediately.
Proactive maintenance saves time and money and prevents spills that harm the environment. This year, make it a fleet resolution to stay ahead of repairs and fleet inspections.
What to Do If a Spill Happens in a Vehicle Accident
Despite our best efforts and fleet maintenance, vehicle accidents that cause fuel and oil spills can happen. A collision or road hazard can puncture a tank, leading to an oil or diesel fuel leak. Quick action is critical to contain the spill and minimize damage.
If you’re in an accident and notice fluid leaking from your truck, immediately turn off the vehicle and move to safety. Then, report the spill to emergency services like the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Department of Transportation. They’ll dispatch a spill recovery expert like Pro-Enviro to assist with the spill cleanup.
Use your spill kit (if you have one) to contain the leak and stop it from spreading. Barriers, absorbents and drain covers can help mitigate environmental damage and minimize your spill cleanup bill! Learn more about truck spill kits.
Call Team Pro-Enviro for Spill Cleanup
When accidents happen, Pro-Enviro is here to handle spill recovery. We work quickly and efficiently to contain and cleanup spills and remediate the area. Let’s work together to keep Washington’s roads safe and clean in 2025!
