Plant Nappy Base Unit - Portable Spill Containment Mat

Plant Nappy Base Unit - Portable Spill Containment Mat

The Plant Nappy Base Unit is the main body component of the Plant Nappy spill containment system, comprising the yellow PVC side wall with integrated oil filtration, the internal base absorbent layer, and the base layer beneath. It is designed to sit under plant machinery, generators, compressors, and hand-held equipment on construction sites, absorbing oil and fuel spills before they reach the ground. Sold without a liner, the base unit is the reusable core of the system: the liner is purchased separately and replaced when contaminated, whilst the base unit itself continues in service across multiple liner cycles. For site managers, environmental officers, and plant hire companies who are setting up a spill containment system from scratch or replacing a worn base unit, this is the correct starting point.

Why Choose the Plant Nappy Base Unit

• Yellow side wall oil filtration: the side wall allows rainfall to escape at a controlled rate whilst filtering out oil residue picked up by rainwater, preventing oil from leaving the mat even in wet conditions.

• Internal base rapid oil adsorption: the internal base layer absorbs oils and fuels rapidly and, more importantly, traps them in one place rather than allowing them to spread across the mat surface.

• Reusable base unit design: the base unit is designed for extended reuse across multiple liner replacement cycles, making it the most cost-effective component of the Plant Nappy system over time.

• PVC coated polyester construction: high tensile strength and puncture resistance give the base unit the durability to survive daily site use under heavy plant and equipment without the mat body failing.

• Fire retardant, UV and abrasion resistant: rated for all outdoor construction site conditions, covering proximity to hot work, extended UV exposure, and the abrasion of daily repositioning under plant.

• Temperature range -15°C to 107°C: rated for year-round outdoor use across all UK climate conditions, from winter frost through to summer heat near running engine components.

• Three sizes for all equipment types: 500x685mm for small hand-held equipment, 1000x685mm for generators and compressors, and 2000x1370mm for large plant machinery.

What's Included

• One Plant Nappy Base Unit in the selected size (yellow side wall, internal base layer, and base layer)

• Liner not included, available separately

 Specifications

Compatibility

Who Is This For?

The Plant Nappy Base Unit is aimed at site managers, environmental officers, plant hire companies, groundworkers, and civils contractors who need to set up a spill containment system from scratch or replace a worn base unit within an existing Plant Nappy setup. It suits the site manager equipping a new site with documented spill prevention under every piece of plant, the plant hire company supplying equipment with a base unit as a contractual environmental requirement, and the environmental officer replacing base units that have reached the end of their service life across a multi-site operation.

Typical Applications

• Initial setup of a Plant Nappy spill containment system under generators and compressors on a new site

• Replacement of worn or damaged base units within an existing Plant Nappy system on an ongoing site

• Used under excavators, dumpers, and other plant machinery during static working periods

• Deployed under hand-held equipment during refuelling operations on site

• Supplied by plant hire companies alongside hired equipment as a documented spill prevention measure

• Used as a deployable spill prevention measure to satisfy Environment Agency site inspections

• Positioned under site vehicles during maintenance and oil change operations

How to Use

1. Select the correct size for the equipment: 500x685mm for small hand-held tools, 1000x685mm for generators and compressors, and 2000x1370mm for larger plant machinery.

2. Purchase the appropriate Plant Nappy liner separately before deploying the base unit.

3. Position the base unit flat on the ground beneath the equipment, ensuring it extends beyond the equipment footprint on all sides where oil or fuel could drip.

4. Insert the liner into the base unit before placing equipment on or near the mat.

5. Ensure the yellow side walls are upright and correctly positioned around the equipment base.

6. Inspect the liner regularly and replace when contamination is visible.

7. When the liner requires replacement, remove and dispose of it as hazardous waste, then refit a fresh liner into the base unit before returning to service.

Safety

• Handle contaminated liners using nitrile or chemical-resistant gloves to EN 374.

• Dispose of oil-contaminated liners as hazardous waste in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and your site waste management plan.

• Do not deploy the base unit without a liner fitted. The liner is the primary oil retention layer within the system.

• Inspect the base unit body for punctures or tears before each deployment. A damaged base unit will not contain spills effectively.

• Do not use as a substitute for a full secondary containment bund where one is required by your environmental permit.

Maintenance

• Inspect the base unit after each liner replacement for punctures, tears, or delamination of the PVC coating.

• Clean the base unit surface with a damp cloth after liner removal to remove surface contamination before storage.

• Store the base unit flat or rolled in a dry environment away from direct sunlight when not in use.

• Record each liner replacement and base unit inspection as part of your site environmental monitoring documentation.

• Replace the base unit when the PVC coating shows signs of cracking, delamination, or when puncture damage cannot be repaired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between the Plant Nappy Base Unit and the complete Plant Nappy system?

 A: The base unit is the reusable core of the Plant Nappy system, comprising the yellow side wall, internal base absorbent layer, and base layer. The liner is a separate consumable component that is replaced when contaminated. The complete system requires both the base unit and at least one liner to function correctly.

Q: Does this product come with a liner?

 A: No. The Plant Nappy Base Unit is sold without a liner. The liner is available separately and must be purchased alongside the base unit for the system to function. This allows you to reorder liners independently as they become contaminated without replacing the entire base unit.

Q: Which size base unit do I need?

 A: The 500x685mm (DRIP12) suits small hand-held equipment and tools. The 1000x685mm (DRIP04) suits generators, compressors, and medium plant. The 2000x1370mm (DRIP07) suits larger plant machinery. Always select a size that extends beyond the equipment footprint on all sides.

Q: How long does the base unit last before it needs replacing?

 A: The base unit is designed for extended reuse across multiple liner replacement cycles. Service life depends on the frequency of use, the weight of equipment placed on the mat, and site conditions. Inspect the PVC coating regularly for signs of cracking or delamination and replace the base unit when the coating integrity is compromised.

Q: Does the Plant Nappy Base Unit meet Environment Agency spill prevention requirements?

 A: The Plant Nappy system, comprising the base unit and liner, is specifically designed to help operators fulfil their environmental duty of care under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Always confirm specific permit conditions with your environmental officer or EA contact as requirements vary by site and permit type.

Q: Can the base unit be used without a liner?

 A: No. The liner is the primary oil retention layer within the system. The internal base provides adsorption but the liner contains the oil and allows for clean removal and disposal. Always fit a liner before deploying the base unit under plant or equipment.

Q: Why should I order from CMT Group?

 A: CMT Group is an authorised supplier of Plant Nappy products and has supplied UK construction sites since 2010. Orders placed online by 7pm qualify for next working day delivery on a FORS Silver accredited fleet covering 90% of the UK mainland. CMT's EDGE procurement portal provides agreed contract pricing for ongoing spill containment supply across multiple sites.