Factory Consumables

Factory Consumables are products that businesses use regularly to keep machinery, equipment, and working environments clean, safe, and efficient. Unlike permanent equipment, consumables need to be replaced or replenished as they are used.

Having the correct Factory Consumables readily available can help businesses maintain their equipment, respond quickly to spills, improve workplace safety, and reduce avoidable downtime.

The Factory Consumables required will depend on the machinery, materials and processes used within your facility. Some of the most common types include:

• Absorbents for controlling oil, chemical, and general liquid spills
• Industrial Cleaners and Degreasers for removing oil, grease, and dirt
• Wipes and cleaning cloths for machinery and general maintenance
• Adhesives and Sealants for repairs, assembly, and maintenance
• Anti-Slip Products and floor mats for improving workplace safety
• Paints and protective coatings for machinery, floors and equipment
• Skin Care Products, hand cleaners, and barrier creams

Lubricants SW can help you identify suitable Factory Consumables for your working environment and specific applications.

Start by checking the machinery manufacturer’s instructions, as these should specify the recommended lubricant type, viscosity, and performance requirements.

You should also consider the machinery’s operating temperature, speed, load, working environment, and exposure to water, dust, or chemicals.

Compatibility is also important. Mixing incompatible oils or greases can reduce performance and potentially damage machinery. Before changing products, check whether the new lubricant is compatible with the lubricant currently in use.

Our team can review your machinery, operating conditions, and existing lubrication practices to recommend a suitable product.

Industrial Cleaners are designed to remove general dirt, dust, residues, and surface contamination. Degreasers are formulated specifically to break down and remove oil, grease, and other stubborn deposits commonly found on machinery, tools, and factory floors.

The correct product will depend on the surface being cleaned and the type of contamination involved. For example, some powerful degreasers may not be suitable for certain plastics, painted surfaces, or sensitive materials. When in doubt, always follow the product instructions and test it on a small area first.

The correct absorbent will depend on the liquid that has been spilled.

General-purpose Absorbents can be used for many everyday industrial liquids, while oil-only absorbents are designed to absorb oils and fuels while repelling water. Specialist chemical Absorbents may be required for aggressive chemicals, acids, or other hazardous substances.

Before selecting an absorbent, identify the spilled substance and consult its Safety Data Sheet. Your workplace should also have appropriate spill procedures, protective equipment, and disposal arrangements in place.

Some Factory Consumables are specifically designed for use in food, drink, and other hygiene-sensitive production environments. These can include Food Safe Lubricants, Cleaners, Wipes, Adhesives, and Maintenance products.

However, not every industrial product is suitable for use near food production. Always check the product’s approvals, technical information, and intended application before use. Lubricants SW can help you find products that meet the hygiene and safety requirements of your facility.

Safety Data Sheets are available for chemical products where required. They provide important information about potential hazards, safe handling, storage, personal protective equipment, first aid, and what to do in the event of an accidental spill.

A Safety Data Sheet can help you complete your workplace COSHH assessment, but it does not replace the assessment itself. Staff should be trained to use each product correctly and follow the controls established by your business.

Please contact us if you require a Safety Data Sheet or further technical information for a particular product.

Factory Consumables should be stored in accordance with their labels, technical information, and Safety Data Sheets.

Products should normally be kept in their original, clearly labelled containers in a secure and well-ventilated area. They should be protected from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight and sources of ignition where applicable.

Incompatible chemicals should be separated, while liquids should be stored in a way that helps contain leaks or spills. Stock should also be checked regularly for damage, expired products, or deteriorated packaging.

There is no single replacement schedule that applies to every workplace. Floor Mats and Anti-Slip Products should be inspected regularly and replaced when they become worn, damaged, saturated, curled at the edges, or unable to provide effective grip.

How often you inspect them will naturally vary based on the level of foot traffic and the likelihood of contamination from water, oil, grease, dust, or other substances. As a general rule of thumb, any product that creates a trip hazard or can no longer be cleaned effectively should be replaced promptly.