Efficient Plant May 2018 - 28

feature | lubrication strategies

When storing, keep each waste
oil separate. Oils may contain other
fluids that can cause unknown
chemical reactions.

Contributing editor Ken Bannister
is co-author, with Heinz Bloch, of
the book Practical Lubrication for
Industrial Facilities, 3rd Edition
(The Fairmont Press, Lilburn, GA).
As managing partner and principal
consultant for Engtech Industries
Inc., Innerkip, Ontario, he specializes
in the implementation of lubricationeffectiveness reviews to ISO 55001
standards, asset-management
systems, and training. Contact him at
kbannister@engtechindustries.com,
or telephone 519-469-9173.

| EFFICIENTPLANTMAG.COM

function cannot be performed without
dismantling or entering through a machine's
envelope perimeter, or removing guards
to gain access to bearing points, always
perform lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures
before starting work. While it may seem
inherently safe to perform perimeter-based
lubrication, in which all bearings, fill ports,
and lube points are accessible outside of
the moving danger zone, exercise extreme
caution, focusing full attention on the job at
hand. In other words, respect the machine
at all times.
Of course, the basics must always be
covered. These include using eye protection (glasses or goggles, depending on
whether the product splashes easily); safety
boots with oil-resistant soles; long-sleeve,
close-fitting coveralls that are cleaned regularly; hardhat; and gloves to protect the skin
from dermatological rashes and high-pressure injection hazards.
Grease systems reach and sustain high
line pressures to move the lubricant into
place. On 150-psi plant air, a simple 40:1

air-operated drum pump can deliver pressures well in excess of 5,000 psi. Pressures
at that level can inject lubricant through the
skin into the body if the pump is triggered
while accidentally touching the end of the
grease-gun nozzle.
Hand grease guns can generate pressures
as high as 15,000 psi. Never horseplay with
greasing equipment and, no matter how
tempting, never try to plug a pressure leak
with a finger.
In situations that require the technician
to enter a pit or confined space, a permit is
required, along with an oxygen "sniffer" instrument. If setting up oil-misting systems,
always wear the correct respirator to protect
from vapor inhalation.
Should lubricant be inhaled or swallowed,
follow the SDS instructions. If a lubricant is
injected, seek immediate medical attention.
If lubricant gets in an eye, use the eyewash
station and refer to the SDS for further
instructions.

DISPOSAL
When a lubricant is spilled, it is immediately contaminated and must be disposed of
according to the local and state legislative
requirements. When storing lubricants,
label waste oil and keep each waste oil separate. Oils may contain other fluids that can
cause unknown chemical reactions, endangering humans and/or the environment.
Always make sure fluids are stored in an
enclosed pad, surrounded by a berm, so no
lubricant is released to the ground and possibly into a nearby water aquifer. Keep all
oily rags and open containers in a fireproof
cabinet. Do not keep paint or linseed-oil
rags in containers, as they could spontaneously combust, causing a flash fire.
Finally, to ensure personnel all follow the
same safety practices, take the time to build
a safety document for training purposes
centered on this three-part approach to
lubrication safety. EP

MAY 2018

http://www.EFFICIENTPLANTMAG.COM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Efficient Plant May 2018