• 1. What determines the necessary protection?
• 2. The right hydraulic oil
• 3. What construction-side solutions are available?
  • 3.1 The oil-resistant coating
  • 3.2 The oil-resistant coating with an additional oil separator
• 4. What steps should you take?

When hydraulic lift tables are used outdoors, the question often arises: How can the environment be protected from potential leaks? A valid concern, considering that just one drop of mineral oil can contaminate up to 1,000 liters of water.

The aim of protective measures is to safeguard groundwater and other bodies of water from contamination. Since the required actions vary depending on the scissor lift table’s application area, only general procedures and suitable protective measures can be outlined here.

The choice of appropriate protection depends on two key factors:

1. Water hazard class of the hydraulic fluid used
2. Volume of the hydraulic fluid used

The water hazard class indicates how dangerous a substance is to water. It depends on the type of hydraulic oil used. Depending on the water hazard class of the hydraulic oil, different protective measures must be taken.

The volume of hydraulic oil is determined by the size of the lift table and the type of application. For our lift tables, the volume typically ranges between six and forty liters.

Conventional hydraulic oil like HLP 32 is often used in standard lift tables. However, for our scissor lift tables, biodegradable or non-water-hazardous hydraulic oils are also suitable alternatives. These oils are commonly used in mobile construction machinery such as excavators and wheel loaders.

Using biodegradable hydraulic oil can reduce the water hazard. Non-water-hazardous hydraulic oils minimize the risk to bodies of water almost entirely. Therefore, choosing the right hydraulic oil can eliminate the need for certain protective measures.

However, the use of non-water-hazardous, biodegradable hydraulic oil does not automatically mean that all additional protective measures can be disregarded. While the risk of water contamination can be significantly reduced in most cases, even non-water-hazardous hydraulic oil poses a risk to stagnant bodies of water. Since the oil does not mix with water, it remains on the surface and can only be skimmed off or slowly broken down. In the event of a larger spill, the entire water surface could be covered, blocking oxygen exchange.

For this reason, we always recommend close coordination with local building authorities to ensure that all necessary measures for water and environmental safety are followed.

An oil-resistant coating is a special protective layer that prevents hydraulic oil from seeping into the soil. This type of coating is typically applied by a professional contractor. However, depending on the federal state, exceptions may apply if only small quantities of hazardous substances are used.

One issue with using an oil-resistant coating outdoors is the accumulation of rain and meltwater in the pit, which is unavoidable. As a result, a drainage system is necessary to remove the water. However, this poses a challenge: In the event of a leak, hydraulic oil could still enter the environment through the drainage system, despite the oil-resistant coating.

A solution to the issue of potential contamination through drainage is the combination of an oil-resistant coating with an oil separator. An oil separator acts as an intermediate tank within the drainage system. Since hydraulic oil has a lower density than water, it floats on the water's surface, allowing it to be separated from rainwater and meltwater.

There is no universal approach for protecting against hydraulic oil leaks, as the measures required depend heavily on the specific application and local regulations. However, we recommend the following steps:

1. Inform the lift table manufacturer about the application area: Share details with us or the manufacturer of the scissor lift platform about where the platform will be used and what protective regulations for water safety apply at that location. 
2. Choose the right hydraulic oil: Depending on the location and environmental requirements, we will recommend a suitable hydraulic oil. This could be biodegradable or non-water-hazardous hydraulic oil, which minimizes the environmental impact.
3. Coordinate with the local building authority: Consult with your local building authority regarding the necessary construction-side protective measures. If required, we can provide you with the data sheets for the hydraulic oil.