Lubricant Storage & Handling Equipment

Lubricants should be stored in a clean and dry area, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and dust. Keep products in their original, clearly labelled containers with lids, caps, and seals securely closed.

Different lubricants should have designated storage and dispensing equipment to reduce the risk of contamination or accidental mixing. Drums, containers, and tanks should also be protected from vehicle movements and machinery.

Using suitable Storage Cabinets, Bunded Tanks, Spill Pallets, and Drip Trays can help keep your lubricants organised while containing any leaks or spillages.

There is no single expiry period that applies to every lubricant once it has been opened. Its usable life will depend on the type of product, its formulation and how carefully it is stored.

Opening a container increases the possibility of moisture, dirt and other contaminants entering the lubricant. Always reseal it immediately after use, store it in a clean and sheltered environment and mark the container with the date it was opened.

Check the manufacturer’s recommendations before using older stock. Do not use a lubricant if you notice contamination, an unusual smell, a significant colour change, separation or a noticeable change in consistency.

Oil storage regulations vary between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, so you should check the requirements that apply to your site.

In England and Wales, for example, businesses storing 200 litres or more of many types of oil, including synthetic, biodegradable, lubricating and hydraulic oils, will generally need to follow oil storage regulations. Containers must be suitable for their purpose, protected from damage and provided with appropriate secondary containment.

For a single tank, the containment system will usually need to hold at least 110% of the container’s capacity. Where multiple containers are stored together, it must normally hold either 110% of the largest container or 25% of their combined capacity, whichever is greater. Different requirements can apply to drums, indoor storage, farms, underground tanks and waste oils.

Because every site is different, you’ll need to seek advice from the relevant environmental regulator or a suitably qualified professional when planning your storage area.

Secondary containment is a protective system designed to capture oil if its primary container leaks, fails or is overfilled. Common examples include bunds, spill pallets, and drip trays.

The correct option depends on the type, size, and number of containers being stored. Fixed tanks generally require bunding, while drums and smaller containers may be suitable for storage on compliant spill pallets or drip trays.

In addition to helping businesses meet their environmental responsibilities, secondary containment makes spillages easier to control and reduces the risk of oil reaching floors, soil, and drains.

Lubricants can be stored outside when suitable weatherproof equipment and secondary containment are used. Containers should be protected from rain, direct sunlight, temperature extremes and accidental impact.

Avoid leaving standard drums exposed to the elements. Water can collect around closures or enter damaged containers, while repeated temperature changes can encourage condensation. Outdoor storage equipment should be secure, clearly labelled and positioned away from drains, watercourses, forklift routes and busy vehicle areas.

Bunded storage units, covered spill pallets, and purpose-built storage tanks provide a safer option for outdoor lubricant storage. Any rainwater that collects within secondary containment should be checked and removed safely.

Use clean, sealed, and clearly labelled dispensing equipment for each lubricant. Pumps, funnels, hoses, and transfer containers should not be shared between different products unless they have been thoroughly cleaned and their compatibility has been confirmed.

Keep containers closed when they are not in use and clean around caps, bungs, and openings before dispensing. Avoid using open buckets or unlabelled containers, as these can allow dirt and moisture in.

Colour-coded or individually labelled fluid transfer containers can make it easier for employees to match each lubricant to the correct machine, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and application errors.

Different products can sometimes be kept within the same storage area, but each lubricant should remain in its own sealed and clearly identified container. Storage should be organised to prevent products from being confused, mixed, or dispensed using the wrong equipment.

Extra care is needed with greases because products with different thickeners or additive systems may be incompatible. Mixing them can cause the resulting grease to become too soft or too hard, which might affect equipment performance.

Use dedicated transfer equipment wherever possible, and check product compatibility before changing from one lubricant or grease to another.

Storage containers, tanks, bunds, and dispensing equipment should be checked regularly for leaks, corrosion, cracks, damage, and loose fittings. The surrounding area should also be inspected for staining, spills, or signs that a container has been struck.

Secondary containment should be kept clear of rubbish, oil and accumulated rainwater. Labels, valves, hoses, pumps, and locks should remain legible, secure and in good working order.

The appropriate inspection schedule will depend on the equipment, storage conditions, and level of use. Government guidance also recommends that oil storage containers are professionally inspected each year by someone registered with a ‘competent person’ scheme.