Industrial lubricants ensure machines run smoothly, reducing friction and breakdown. Improper storage and handling can cause serious problems like leaks, contamination, and safety problems. Knowing the safe method of lubricant storage and handling is important for any industry, whether small or large, but most importantly, it protects your equipment and keeps your employees safe. Let’s learn how to store lubricants properly.
Why is it Important to store the Lubricants Safely and Prevent Mishandling?
Industrial lubricants are delicate and need to be stored in a suitable environment. Factors such as heat, moisture, dust, and even time can weaken lubricants’ chemical structure and decrease effectiveness. Also, there are safety concerns. Storage that is not appropriate can cause spills, leaks, fires, and even injuries in the workplace.
Improper handling and poor storage of lubricants lead to increased waste, prolonged equipment downtime, and shorter lifespans of the equipment.
Know the Risks: What Can Go Wrong?
- Contamination: The right dust and humidity levels, along with the correct lubricants, must be applied to prevent the product.
- Spills and Leaks: These are not only cost-inefficient, but also dangerous and illegal from an environmental standpoint.
- Fire Hazards: Some lubricants are flammable; therefore, they must be stored in a cool, dry place to avoid heat sources.
- Health Hazards: Putting the health of workers at risk due to long-term exposure or failure to properly manage the risks involved.
Always the go-to reference of the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) of the particular lubricant, which details everything and its handling procedures. For proper storage and safe handling, consider the following points provided by the industrial lubricants supplier.
Setting up the Right Storage Environment
Temperature and Ventilation
Ensure lubricants are stored indoors in cool, dry, well-ventilated places. Store lubricating oils at temperatures between 40°F and 80°F. Avoid exposing oils to extremes of hot weather or cold weather, as they may reduce the performance of the oils.
Portable tip: Do not store barrels on concrete floors. Store them on wooden pallets or on drum racks to prevent moisture wicking.
Keeping storage areas clean and free of contamination
Lubricants are susceptible to dirt and contamination, and even the smallest particles can be severely detrimental to high-performance machinery. Make sure to store all containers in a clean environment that is free from dust, and ensure that the area is clean when opening and dispensing containers.
Best Storage Practices That Work
Proper Storage of Drums
Store drums on their sides with the caps facing sideways. This helps stop air and water from getting in, which keeps the lubricant clean and safe to use.
When working with fluids, if you need to store drums upright, ensure to use appropriate drum covers and always store them above floor level.
Label Everything
Each industrial lubricant container should be clearly labeled with:
- Product name
- Batch number
- Date received
- Expiration or use-by date
To prevent confusion, especially with similar-looking oils, dedicated tags or color coding should be employed.
First-In, First-Out (FIFO)
Stock rotation should be practiced to use the oldest product first. Remember, expired lubricants do not improve with time.
Safe Handling Guidelines: What Your Team Needs to Know
Use the Right PPE
Protective clothes, safety goggles, and gloves are a must. Depending on the lubricant type, masks and face shields are often mandatory as well. Safety is not the only concern. Encouraging the use of appropriate PPE is a culture that should be embraced.
Use Clean, Dedicated Equipment
When working with oils, always ensure to use dedicated equipment. The use of shared strainers or pumps is a major contributor to lubricant failure. Use a dedicated lubricant applicator for each equipment to prevent failure and ensure that they are color-coded for bonus points.
Mix Prior To Dispensing
Gently rolling or using a circulation pump on a drum before dispensing makes sure proper mixing if the drum has been sitting for a while. Even high-quality oils require a certain amount of gentle support to remain homogeneous.
Don’t Miss Spill Prevention And Environmental Compliance
Spills are something that is bound to occur. However, you can plan for such occurrences.
- Use big containers that hold a minimum of 110% as secondary containment units to store lubricants.
- Have the spill kits, absorbent pads, and fire extinguishers nearby.
- Create appropriate cleanup and reporting procedure training for your staff.
- To prevent combustion, place oily rags in fire-resistant closed containers.
Easy compliance and reduced costly penalties are achievable by following the simple cleanup and reporting protocols.
Invest in Systems That Make It Easier
Simple infrastructure improvements can greatly increase operational efficiency. For example:
- Temperature-controlled lubrication rooms.
- Color-coded lube carts.
- Sight gauges, breathers, and filtration systems.
These are all practical improvements that increase operational uptime, prolong equipment lifespan, and decrease lubricant waste.
Watch Out for Common Mistakes
Even the best-intentioned teams make these mistakes:
- Using open-top containers (a magnet for contamination!)
- Neglecting to label or rotate stock
- Storing lubricants near heat sources or sunlight
- Using the same tool for different oils
Spotting these mistakes early can save you a lot of time and money in repairs and rework.
Safe Lubricant Practices Are a Long-Term Win
Industrial lubricants may appear to be a small part of your operation, but the safe and efficient handling of these materials significantly impacts your operation’s maintenance and custodial expenses. With the right systems, adequate training, and a dose of disciplined daily practice, you can turn your facility into a reliability model.
When in doubt, the SDS product guides and your supplier can offer tailored guidance on storage. They are there to assist you—and so are we.