Best Practices In Storage And Handling Of Lubricants The
benefits of proper storage and handling of lubricants include improved inventory
control, improved product integrity and decreased risk of environmental fines -
all resulting in significant savings for you business. Listed below are ways to
improve your lubricant storage and handling. Your Ocean State Oil Lubrication
Consultant can assist you by conducting an equipment survey (details on this
site under “SOLUTIONS”) of your facility.
INDOOR STORAGE – Pails, drums and totes must
be stored in a clean and dry location. Lubricants in storage should be located
away from all types of industrial contamination, including dust and humidity.
Bungs must be kept tight at all times and drum covers should be used whenever
drums are stored in an upright position (locate the bungs at 3 and 9 o’clock
positions). Best practice is to store drums and kegs in the horizontal position
on proper storage racks allowing them to be rotated and used in a first-in,
first-out basis.
OUTDOOR STORAGE – Indoor storage is
preferred and recommended but not always possible. If outdoor storage is
necessary, a pro-active manager will track lubricant consumption carefully and
restock inventories “just-in-time” to minimize exposure to adverse conditions.
If storing outside, shelter tanks, drums and pails from rain, snow and other
elements. Lay drums on their sides with the bungs at 3 and 9 o’clock positions –
this will reduce the risk of the seals drying out and the ingestion of moisture
caused by breathing. If the drums must be stored upright, use drum covers or
tilt the drums to drain the moisture that gathers on the top around the bungs.
Avoid outdoor storage of water-based fluids where extreme temperatures can have
an even more damaging effect through freezing and evaporation.
SAFE DISPENSING – Improper dispensing of new
oils into top-up containers is one of the primary causes of contamination. When
transferring stored oil from tanks or drums to a top-up container, it’s best to
filter the dispensing oil. The best practice top-up method utilizes a proper top
up container, one that is sealed form the environment and has a built-in spout,
hand pump, etc. Using washable and re-usable top up containers result in easy
cleaning and maintenance – using and re-using empty milk jugs or old coffee cans
introduce large amounts of contaminates.
PROPER TOP-UP CONTAINER AND GREASE GUN STORAGE
- Appropriate storage for top-up containers, grease guns, rags, etc is another
important step in avoiding contaminates. These tools and supplies should have
their own dedicated, fireproof storage cabinets for easy access and
organization. Open grease tubes and drums are a magnet for airborne contaminates
such as lint and dust. Securing open grease tubes that will be re-used in
sealed, washable containers is considered the best practice. Open drums or kegs
of grease are at a higher risk of contamination than tubes – some of the best
methods for avoiding contaminates are to use Velcro style covers or snap-on
caps. Grease guns should be stored in a clean, dry and controlled environment;
regularly inspected for proper function; and calibrated annually.
LUBRICANT LABELING & IDENTIFICATION - Do not
overlook the importance of labeling! Proper labeling can save you time and money
by preventing misapplication of lubricants and reducing cross-contamination.
Matching stored lubricants to the machines or equipment in which they are used
should be a primary focus of your program. All drums, pails and other containers
must be clearly labeled to ensure proper product identification. Avoid using
labels that are not legible or may wear out over time. A best practice for the
industry is to use the Oil Safe ® or similar color-coded system which conforms
to the EPA and Right-To-Know laws. Color-coded systems can also be an asset when
dealing with the language barriers of your staff.
MSDS’s - Do not neglect keeping your MDSD file up to date. Each time you bring
in a new product, update your file! Any inspector will request this information.
SPILL CONTAINMENT - There are a number of
federal, state and local regulations that affect the bulk storage of oils in
facilities. A critical and current issue affecting many plants is the EPA’s
Spill Prevention, Control & Countermeasures (SPCC) Rule. These regulations state
that facilities with total, above ground oil storage capacity (not actual
gallons on site) of greater than 1,320 gallons must comply. If you have more
than this you must adhere to the regulations. Ocean State Oil can provide you
with secondary containment for your drums in the form of a 1, 2 or 4 drum spill
pallets. Spill containment pans are an excellent way to adhere to the EPA
regulations.
SPILL KITS AND CLEANUP – Having materials to
clean up any spills in your shop is not only wise, many times it is required by
state and local regulations. When a spill occurs, having products such as Oil
Dri’s, booms and pads on hand at all times are a quick and convenient way to
resolve your spill .
INFORMATION SOURCES:
• Oil Maintenance- Retooling Your Lubricant Storage and Handling Equipment
written by Gerry Looman for www.oilmaitenance.com
• Best Practices Notebook – Proper storage and handling of lubricants by Mike
Johnson for Feb 2008 issue Tribology and Lubrication Technology
• Paul Beaulieu, CLS, Ocean State Oil sales team
• Lubrication Lifesaver – 10 Ways to Improve Lubrication Storage and Handling by
Stephen Sumerlin at http://www.machinerylubrication.com/
