Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1189076
as needed), when an employee is changing positions or responsibilities to include more lubrication, or when a change or implemen- tation in processes is being made, such as a new lubrication type being added, a new piece of lubrication equipment being used, or some other hazard or condition being introduced. Refresher training should also be offered based on the company or group need or by regulation (at least annually). Storage As the old adage states, an ounce of preven- tion is worth a pound of cure. Properly storing and containing oils and greases will go a long way toward making your lubrication program safe. ere is no single right way to store lubricants safely, but there are many wrong practices for managing lubricant storage. Common factors that contribute to stored lubricants being unsafe are as simple as weather exposure or storing lubricants in high-traffic areas. Precipitation and direct sunlight can corrode barrels and other metal connections. Corrosion may result in leaks or escaping fumes from barrels or other storage totes. Exposure to the environment can also damage the lubricants. Damaged oil being pumped through your systems can lead to earlier machine failure and possibly cata- strophic failure, which is far more alarming for most workers than spotting a sheen of oil heading to the environmental drains. Design your lubricant storage to help prevent spills or leaks by keeping lubricants inside and away from high-traffic areas or pipes that are known to leak or vent, such as steam traps. Store tools and smaller lubricants like greases in specially designed lockers to prevent fire or contamination. Additional ventilation or atmospheric monitoring may be needed to meet air-quality regulations. Follow all guidelines established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concerning the storage of lubricants, including oil breaks, approved drains, stacking and positioning of containers, and fire suppression or ventilation systems. Work closely with your HSE team to ensure any changes to your lubrication program take these regulations into account. In the illustration on page 49, you can see many of these safe practices at work. e lights and electrical are rated as explosion-proof, a ventilation system has been installed in the ceiling, a fire-suppression system is employed, the floor is sealed to prevent seepage from leaks into the ground, and there's a proper waste-dis- posal receptacle for rags and other rubbish. Handling While many lubricants are nontoxic, some may contain a trace mineral or ingredient that can cause a reaction or injury if mishandled. Read the SDS for the lubricant in question and keep copies readily available for workers who use the area. Some common lubricant classification types are listed above with approximate toxicity concerns. Additionally, the Amer- ican Petroleum Institute (API) has classified all lubricants into one of five groups with specific warnings. Group I lubricants have been identified as having sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity to humans. e carcino- genetic component is called a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), also referred to as an aromatic. If your facility handles Group I lubricants, be sure to take extra precautions, such as large placards or other warning signs to keep unknowledgeable team members away. Similarly, Group II lubricants have been identified as having possible carcinogenicity to animals. While not as dangerous as Group I, these lubricants require the same types of precautions and warnings. Group III and IV lubricants have been treated in such a way as to remove most aromatic compounds, but some components may still be of concern. Lastly, Group V lubricants are chemically engineered esters, polyglycols and silicone based. In this group, attention should be paid to any phosphate esters, as these compounds have the most poten- tial to harm humans. Allergic reactions are also common for triphenyl- phosphate compounds. Keep the appropriate PPE nearby, such as gloves, goggles, face shields or other safety gear. Practices that help to prevent spills, leaks or overuse should be employed, such as using a metered filter cart with quick disconnects for transferring or filling oils from storage. When sampling, use a pressure reducer if the oil is normally more than 100 pounds per square inch gauge (psig). Greases have a few unique handling precau- tions as well. ese lubricants tend to settle in the tube when stored at lower temperatures and may need to be warmed before applying. Grease shouldn't be manually warmed above 75 degrees F and should never be warmed with any sort of flame. Also, never hold a grease gun coupler with your hand during applica- tion, and consider using grease guns with an installed pressure relief or avoiding pneumatic types for high-risk situations. Worksite Monitoring After any lubrication activity, such as draining, changeouts or f illing, always BACK PAGE BASICS 50 | November - December 2019 | www . machinerylubrication.com HEALTH HAZARDS OF LUBRICANTS Lubricant Type Acute Toxicity Dermatitis Cancer Mineral Oil Some risk Care required Care required Synthetic Hydrocarbon Very slight Care required None reported Diester and Polyolester Slight Care required None reported Phosphate Ester Some risk Care required None reported Silicone Nontoxic Little risk None reported Polyglycol Believed to be low Believed to be low None reported Chlorinated Diphenyl Irritant vapor when hot Care required Same as mineral oil Fluoroether Toxic vapor when overheated Not known Not reported Soluble Oil Care required Care required Same as mineral oil Grease Very slight Little risk Little if any risk