Proper storage and handling of lubricating oils and greases is important. Careless handling may render excellent products useless. Contamination with dust and water, over-aging, exposure to extreme temperatures, leakage and confusion about different brands should be prevented.
Lubricants should be stored in a central place free from dust for ease of supply to various work sites. Indoor storage prevents contamination and exposure to high outside temperatures. When stored outside, the carrels should be placed on their sides on racks or should be covered on the top to prevent rain water and dust collecting on the top. Cleanliness and orderliness in storage helps in effective and correct application of lubricants. If heating is required during cold weather exhaust steam may be used to the extent just enough to render the oil thin to flow. Never apply direct heat through a flame to the exterior of a drum. Long periods of storage lower the quality of lubricating oils and greases. Thus it is desirable to procure only reasonable quantities of lubricants which would be used up during 6-9 months. Old stocks should be used first.
During handling the important precautions are prevention of contamination and avoiding leakage or dripping. Proper grade and brand of lubricant should be ensured. Transfer and dispensing equipment that fit standard barrels should be used. Use of intermediate transfer receptacles which decrease chances of contamination should be avoided. But if necessary, avoid contamination. During dispensing hoses, guns, funnels and nozzles should be kept absolutely clean. Mobile fueling and greasing units should be used on a job having a large fleet of equipment scattered over the construction area. Fueling units are fitted with fuel tanks, transfer pumps, fuel meters and rubber hoses on reels. These units have barrels of various lubricants with transfer pumps; hoses on reels for air, water, oils and greases; and extra empty barrels for collecting waste oil. Small, hand-operated grease guns and volume compressors may also be provided for lubricating small bearings or where high pressure might be undesirable. A small air compressor and a lighting plant of about 1.5 kw capacity are also provided on the mobile unit.
Used crank case oil may be reclaimed for use in applications like air filters.
Proper record keeping is necessary to carry out lubrication and servicing according to a specified plan, and to have proper control over the issue of stock.
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