The state of your lube room plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal machine performance. A clean, well-organized lube room ensures lubricants are clean, cool, and dry when they enter the machine while a dirty lube room results in contaminated, degraded lubricants that cause increased costs and frequent breakdowns. In this article, we'll shed light on five lube room practices that can break the bank.

1. Inadequate Storage Practices 

One common problem in the lube room is improper storage. Oil drums should be stored indoors away from potential contamination including dust and humidity. If possible, keep drums in a temperature-controlled environment at 70 degrees F. Temperature variations in the storage areas cause the oil drums to “breathe.” During the heat of the day, the air and liquid will expand, while at night when things cool down, they will contract, pulling microscopic particles of dust and moisture into the drum. Either of these types of contamination can severely diminish your lubricant’s performance and in turn will affect the life of your machines, resulting in costly repairs. If outdoor storage is unavoidable, use drum covers or dedicated shelters to protect drums from direct sunlight and precipitation.  

An even better option is to invest in a color-coded bulk storage system. These deliver best practice contamination control and labeling in a compact and space efficient form. The use of high-quality desiccant breathers in addition to this will help keep out moisture and dirt. The desiccant gel traps and holds moisture from the air as the tank “breathes.”  

OilSafe Advanced Bulk System 

2. Not Performing Lube Room Maintenance and Inspections 

To maintain the integrity of lubricants, it is crucial to implement a routine inspection schedule, starting in the lube room. Regular inspections should focus on identifying signs of contamination, leaks, or damage to drums. Additionally, checking for leaks or damage to drums helps prevent the loss of lubricants and ensures a secure storage environment.  

Furthermore, establishing a first-in, first-out (FIFO) rotation system is essential to optimize lubricant usage. This approach ensures that older lubricants are used before newer ones, reducing the risk of expiration and maintaining the freshness and effectiveness of the lubricants. By combining routine inspections with a FIFO rotation system, you can enhance the longevity and reliability of stored lubricants, contributing to efficient machine performance and minimizing unnecessary costs associated with premature lubricant degradation. 

3. No Labeling System 

The impact of bad labeling in the lube room cannot be overstated as it introduces a host of consequences that negatively affect the efficiency and safety of operations. Inaccurate or unclear labels on lubricant containers pose a significant risk because it can lead to confusion among those tasked with lubrication activities. Misidentified lubricants may be inadvertently used in the wrong machine, compromising the effectiveness of the lubricant and potentially causing damage to equipment.   

The lack of proper labeling also poses safety risks, as maintenance staff may not have clear information about the characteristics and hazards of the lubricants they are handling. This can result in mishaps, ranging from improper application to the inadequate use of PPE. In essence, the consequences of bad labeling extend beyond increased maintenance costs. Establishing a robust labeling system in the lube room is crucial to ensuring accurate lubricant identification, promoting safety, and optimizing efficiency.  

4. Poor Lubricant Handling Procedures 

One of the primary consequences of poor lubricant handling is the introduction of contaminants. Contaminants, such as dust, dirt, and debris, can infiltrate lubricants during transfer or dispensing and accelerate wear and tear on machine components. Avoiding this starts with ensuring you have the appropriate equipment. Though commonly used for dispensing oil, funnels often collect dust and debris in storage. Frequently after use, they are drip-dried and thrown into a cabinet until needed again. Someone then pulls out the funnel to top off a reservoir and may or may not give it a quick wipe before pouring oil through it. You can imagine how much dirt is distributed into the reservoir just from the funnel alone. 

Implement procedures to ensure that all equipment used for lubricant handling is kept clean. Regular sanitation and maintenance of pumps, hoses, and transfer containers is essential to prevent the introduction of impurities into lubricants. Additionally, establish dedicated zones for activities such as transfer, dispensing, and equipment cleaning to maintain a controlled environment.