Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1378657
50 | May - June 2021 | www . machinerylubrication.com What Do I Do with My Oily Rags? Rags are one of the most essential items to have for a lubrication technician, mechanic or anyone working on equipment on the plant floor. ey're a neces- sity for cleaning up greasy or oily surfaces on tools, machine compo- nents and our own hands once work is done. We can go through quite a few just working on one machine, especially during machine assembly and disassembly. When we drain oil and dispose of any lubricants, there are procedures to follow to ensure we do not accidentally pose any safety, health or environmental risks with the waste oil. ere are plenty of regulations established to help workers fully comprehend the importance of these procedures. But what about the materials, like rags, that are soaked with oil and grease? Do we just toss them out? It's common to find these rags or shop towels tossed into waste bins or left around. Aside from these, there are many other similar materials used for cleaning in industrial work environments, including lint-free cloths, spill mats, absorbent socks/ dikes or loose absorbent. ese are particularly necessary when spills occur but may be difficult to handle afterwards. e same holds true for other lubricant-contaminated mate- rials — used oil filters, oil-soaked breathers and single-shot top-up containers can all contain leftover volumes of lubricant. When oily rags and other lubri- cant-contaminated materials are handled properly, it keeps the work- place safe, clean and helps maintain an organized front. When this occurs, many other efficiencies can result. In addition to equipment operation, it also helps manage a stronger, healthier culture in the workforce. A Brief History on Related Standards and Regulations In 1973, under the Clean Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protec- tion Agency (EPA) implemented the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulation. Bennett Fitch | Noria Corporation ENERGY CONSERVATION, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT Factor: E2P Learn More: noria.com/ascend/ Factor: E2P – Storage & Disposal of Used Oil & Materials Level: Platform (P) Stage: Energy Conservation, Health & Environment About: Used oil, lubricants and other contaminated materials should be stored in accordance with laws and regula- tions while incorporating Reuse, Reduce and Recycle methodology to minimize environmental impact. More about this ASCEND ™ Factor