Storing and Handling Lubricants

Properly storing and handling Lubricants is crucial for maximising the performance of lubricants and greases. When stored and managed correctly, these products can significantly improve the efficiency of your equipment, extend its life and reduce machinery downtime.

Why Proper Storage and Handling Matters

Correct storage and handling ensure that lubricants always have the optimal level of performance and maintain their original properties, leading to peak performance in various applications. It also means you can prevent contaminants from getting into your lubricants and greases, as bad storage practices can expose lubricants to dust, dirt, and moisture, which can degrade their quality and effectiveness. Ultimately, the most important factor is Safety and Environmental Protection because improper handling can lead to spills, posing risks to both your workforce and the environment.

Lubricant Labelling

A lubricant label might seem like a minor detail, but it plays a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of your machinery. Two common pitfalls in lubricant storage and handling are confusion and cross-contamination. These issues can lead to costly equipment failures, downtime, and reduced productivity.

Why Clear Labelling Matters

To prevent these problems, keeping all lubricant containers clearly labelled is essential. This ensures that employees can quickly identify the correct product, minimising the risk of misapplication. When labelling, consider the following:

• Durability: Avoid labels that may fade or wear off over time.
• Readability: Ensure the labels are easy to read, even in low-light conditions.
• Weather Resistance: Use labels that can withstand exposure to the elements for outdoor storage.

Colour Coding

Colour coding is a popular method for simplifying lubricant identification (we recommend iCan products). By assigning a specific colour to each lubricant type, you can quickly and easily distinguish between different products.

Best Practices for Lubricant Labelling

• Clear and Concise: Use clear, concise language on your labels.
• Consistent Formatting: Maintain consistent formatting across all labels.
• Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect labels for damage or fading.
• Training: Train employees on proper lubricant identification and handling.

Cross-Contamination and Dispensing Issues

Lubricant cross-contamination is a silent saboteur that can significantly impact the performance and lifespan of your machinery. When different lubricants mix, their effectiveness can be affected, leading to potential equipment failures.

Contaminated Dispensing Equipment

One common source of cross-contamination is poorly maintained dispensing equipment. Hand pumps, transport containers, filter carts, and transfer carts can all harbour residual lubricants from previous uses. When these tools are used with a different lubricant, the two substances can mix, creating a potentially harmful blend. The importance of labelling comes into play here as well, each tool should be clearly marked with the specific lubricant it is designated for. This simple practice can significantly reduce the risk of accidental mixing. Additionally, it’s essential to establish a thorough cleaning procedure for dispensing equipment. When switching between different lubricants, the equipment should be thoroughly flushed or cleaned to remove all traces of the previous fluid. This will help ensure that the new lubricant remains pure and effective.

Extending the Prevention Efforts to Machinery

The prevention of cross-contamination doesn’t stop at dispensing equipment. It’s equally important to identify and label lubricant fill ports on machinery. Using colour codes or identification tags can help prevent the wrong lubricant from being added to the wrong reservoir.

Understanding the Shelf Life of Your Lubricants

Lubricants, like many other products, have a shelf life. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick; it’s crucial to ensuring your machinery is always performing as it should.

Why Does Shelf-Life Matter?

The shelf life of a lubricant is usually determined by its additive package. These additives, designed to enhance performance, can degrade over time, especially when exposed to certain conditions. For instance, lubricants containing rust inhibitors may lose their effectiveness after just six months of storage. On the other hand, some turbine oils with minimal additives can last years, so those old cans at the back of your grandad’s garage might not be completely dead!

Factors Affecting Shelf Life

Several factors can accelerate the degradation of lubricants:

• Temperature Fluctuations: As temperatures vary, air is exchanged between the atmosphere and the container. This can introduce moisture and contaminants, leading to oxidation and additive breakdown.
• Extreme Temperatures: Both high and low temperatures can negatively impact lubricants. Extreme heat can accelerate chemical degradation, while cold temperatures can cause additives to not perform as they should.
• Humidity: Lubricants absorb moisture from the air. This moisture can degrade the additives.

Maximising Lubricant Shelf Life

To ensure your lubricant performs the best it possibly can, consider the following tips:

• Check the Shelf Life: Always consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific storage conditions and shelf life.
• Rotation: Implement a rotation system to minimise the risk of using old or expired lubricants.
• Ideal Storage Conditions: Store lubricants in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Proper Container Sealing: Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent contamination and moisture ingress.
• Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect stored lubricants for signs of degradation, such as discolouration, sedimentation, or unusual odours.

How Lubricants SW Can Help

At Lubricants SW, we specialise in providing comprehensive lubrication storage and handling solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our experienced team can assess your requirements and recommend the most suitable products, from bulk storage to point-of-use dispensing systems.

Our Services Include:

Expert Consultation: Our knowledgeable staff will work with you to identify the best storage and handling practices for your operation.

Product Selection: We offer a wide range of high-quality storage cabinets, spill containment systems, and other equipment to meet your needs.

Installation and Maintenance: Our team can provide professional installation and ongoing maintenance services to ensure optimal performance.

By prioritising proper lubrication storage and handling, you can optimise your equipment’s performance, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance overall operational efficiency. Let Lubricants SW be your partner in achieving these goals.

Lubricants SW

Established in the mid-1990s, our family business is dedicated to serving diverse industrial sectors by providing a comprehensive range of lubrication products and equipment. Our offerings include grease and oil gun accessories, oil cans, atomisers and sprayers, hose reels, and more. With specialised expertise in food-grade lubrication, we are well-equipped to assist you in implementing food safety management plans, including achieving BRC Certification.

For further information on our products and the sectors we cater to, or if you have any enquiries, kindly complete the contact form or reach us at 01822 855885. Should you require a survey, please fill out the “Request a survey” form, and we will promptly respond to your request.