Small spills are a routine part of maintenance work. Whether someone is topping off hydraulic fluid, transferring fuel from a gas can, cleaning a part, or working on a portable tool, minor leaks and drips are unavoidable. Folding utility trays provide this kind of control. They create a defined area for fluid handling or tool maintenance and can be stored in tight spaces where containment options are usually hard to keep.
Small spills are a routine part of maintenance work. Whether someone is topping off hydraulic fluid, transferring fuel from a gas can, cleaning a part, or working on a portable tool, minor leaks and drips are unavoidable. Even when they seem insignificant, they can spread quickly, create slippery footing, contaminate work surfaces, or interrupt the job for cleanup. A simple, portable way to contain these small amounts of liquid can make day-to-day service work smoother, cleaner, and safer.
Technicians who service small engines, fuel containers, or portable hydraulic tools frequently encounter drips during routine checks, making a compact and stable containment tray especially useful in both shop and field environments.
Folding utility trays provide this kind of control. They create a defined area for fluid handling or tool maintenance and can be stored in tight spaces where containment options are usually hard to keep. For technicians who move between locations or work out of service trucks, the convenience of a tray that folds flat and deploys quickly makes a noticeable difference in keeping the workspace organized.
Most spill-prevention efforts focus on larger storage or transfer scenarios, but the small, frequent leaks that occur during daily tasks cause a significant share of housekeeping and safety issues. Fluids that spread on floors, even in thin films, can lead to slip incidents or require cleanup time that disrupts workflow. Outdoors, these same drips can migrate toward drains or seep into soil. Common sources include gas cans, hydraulic oil containers, antifreeze bottles, paint buckets, carboys, and jerricans. Even when handled carefully, these items can leave residue behind. Many technicians use improvised methods such as cardboard or spare absorbent pads, but those solutions often move, become saturated quickly, or don’t offer reliable containment. A folding tray gives technicians a consistent, reusable way to manage these everyday situations. This supports OSHA and EPA/SPCC best management practices by preventing small spills from reaching walking surfaces or sensitive areas and reinforcing good housekeeping habits.
A folding tray is meant to be a quick, practical tool for short-duration tasks. When unfolded, it creates an immediate containment area for handling liquids, servicing portable equipment, or keeping tools and parts in one place. This helps control drips at the source instead of reacting to them after the fact. Technicians commonly use folding trays for:
Servicing small engines and hydraulic tools
Transfers of fuel, coolant, oil, or similar fluids
Cleaning or degreasing parts
Storing containers temporarily during use
Protecting floors, benches, and cargo areas
Trays are also helpful in locations where absorbents alone would be excessive or impractical. Instead of pulling out large amounts of material, a tray provides a compact, reusable alternative that reduces waste. Justrite folding utility trays are designed to perform reliably in field and shop environments. A reinforced wire frame in the walls helps the tray maintain its shape. This prevents the sides from sagging or collapsing outward, an issue that can occur with products built with flexible fiberglass rods. Stable walls keep liquids contained even on uneven surfaces or when equipment shifts inside the tray. The PVC body resists oils, fuels, coolants, and other common maintenance fluids. After use, the tray can be cleaned with an appropriate cleaner, allowed to dry, and folded flat for storage. Some tasks benefit from an elevated work surface, so one model includes an optional grate to keep tools or containers above collected liquid.
Many types of technicians rely on trays for similar reasons even though their environments differ. Fleet mechanics use them under vehicles during quick service checks or roadside assistance. Utility and public works teams deploy them during pump, generator, or valve maintenance. Manufacturing and facilities personnel set them on benches to keep fluid residues contained during assembly or part cleaning. Grounds and landscaping crews use them when servicing chainsaws, trimmers, blowers, and other gas-powered tools. In every case, the goal is the same: prevent small spills from interfering with the job. A tray that unfolds in seconds and stores neatly afterward becomes part of a technician’s routine. It saves time, prevents small hazards, and supports the kind of orderly workflow that reduces disruptions. For organizations working to strengthen housekeeping and spill-prevention practices, folding trays provide an easy way to reinforce those expectations without adding operational complexity.
Justrite’s folding utility trays are assembled in the United States and built for repeated use in demanding environments. The reinforced wire-frame walls help the tray stay upright and retain its footprint, and the PVC body provides resistance to the fluids commonly handled during maintenance work. The trays fold flat and secure with an attached strap so they can be stored behind vehicle seats or in maintenance carts. Multiple sizes are available, and the optional grate offers additional support for tasks where an elevated surface is helpful.
These trays support good housekeeping practices and help organizations align with OSHA and EPA/SPCC recommendations for managing small spills and drips. They are not intended for large-volume containment but are a practical option for the everyday maintenance tasks where small spills occur most often.
They provide a temporary, controlled workspace for handling small amounts of liquid, servicing portable tools, or protecting surfaces during maintenance tasks.
Yes. By catching drips and small leaks before they reach walking surfaces, trays support safer housekeeping and help prevent slip-related incidents.
The PVC material resists oils, fuels, coolants, and many common maintenance fluids.
Yes. Their portability and durability make them well-suited for outdoor, mobile, or remote maintenance work.
After use, remove any collected liquid according to local guidelines, clean the tray with a compatible cleaner, allow it to dry completely, and fold it for storage.
They support OSHA and EPA/SPCC best management practices for small-scale spill control by helping prevent minor leaks from reaching floors, drains, or soil.
This article was previously featured on Justrite's blog.
Since 1906 customers have relied on Justrite for solutions to protect workers and the environment, reduce fire risks, and improve productivity. Hazardous material storage and handling products comply with applicable OSHA, NFPA, and EPA requirements, and most have been tested and approved by FM Approvals.
