Best Practices for Storing and Handling Industrial Lubricants

Industrial lubricants are critical for keeping machines running efficiently, reducing wear, and minimizing downtime. However, even the best lubricants can lose their effectiveness if they are not stored and handled correctly. Contamination, temperature fluctuations, and poor handling practices can all shorten lubricant life and harm equipment.

This guide outlines the best practices for storing and handling lubricants to ensure they deliver maximum performance and protect your investment.

1. Store in a Clean, Dry, and Cool Environment

Lubricants should always be kept in a controlled environment:

• Temperature: Keep between 0°C and 40°C. Excessive heat can accelerate oxidation and shorten oil life.
• Humidity: Avoid areas with high moisture, as water contamination leads to rust, sludge, and loss of lubricating properties.
• Cleanliness: Store away from dust, dirt, and chemicals that can enter containers when opened.

For high-quality lubricants that remain stable under various conditions, check out Coolair Lubricants’ Industrial Product Range.

2. Keep Containers Properly Sealed

Always keep drums, pails, and totes tightly closed when not in use. Open containers allow airborne dust, dirt, and moisture to mix with the oil, leading to contamination.

If you use bulk storage tanks, ensure they have desiccant breathers or proper seals to minimize exposure to air and moisture.

Coolair Lubricants provides premium oils and greases that maintain their performance when stored and handled correctly.

3. Use FIFO (First-In, First-Out) Inventory Rotation

Lubricants have a recommended shelf life, so it is best to rotate stock and use the oldest inventory first. Clearly label each container with the date received and date opened to avoid keeping expired products.

Following FIFO reduces the risk of using degraded oil that could harm your equipment. For more guidance on lubricant shelf life, you can consult Coolair’s Technical Support.

4. Prevent Cross-Contamination

Mixing different lubricants can compromise their properties. For example, mixing mineral oils with synthetic oils, or oils with incompatible additives, can lead to foaming, sludge formation, or loss of protection.

• Dedicate transfer equipment (funnels, pumps, hoses) for each type of lubricant.
• Label all equipment clearly.
• Clean dispensing tools before switching to a different oil or grease.

Coolair Lubricants offers a wide range of specialized products so you can select the right lubricant for each application, avoiding the temptation to “mix and match.”

5. Protect Lubricants from Contaminants

Dirt, water, and metal particles are the biggest enemies of lubricants. They can accelerate wear, cause corrosion, and clog filters.

• Filter new oil before it enters equipment.
• Use proper transfer systems with filtration where possible.
• Regularly inspect containers for leaks or damage.

Coolair Lubricants also provides industrial lubricant solutions designed to stay clean longer and resist contamination.

6. Train Staff on Proper Handling

Even with the right storage facilities, poor handling can still lead to contamination. Train staff on:

• Correctly opening and closing containers
• Using clean transfer equipment
• Avoiding overfilling or spilling oil
• Reporting damaged containers or leaks immediately

Coolair Lubricants’ customer service team can provide technical advice on safe handling and best practices tailored to your operations.

Conclusion

Proper storage and handling of lubricants are just as important as selecting the right product. Clean, dry, and well-labeled storage areas, FIFO inventory rotation, sealed containers, and trained staff all play a vital role in extending lubricant life and protecting your equipment.

For businesses seeking reliable solutions, Coolair Lubricants offers high-quality industrial oils, greases, and technical guidance to help you implement best practices and achieve peak equipment performance.