Proper and appropriate storage of lubricants is an important matter that is sometimes overlooked. Although most lubricants tend to deteriorate over time, did you know that when stored correctly and appropriately, it will help ensure that the product quality remains the same as possible and prevents the lubricant from being contaminated? Proper storage of lubricants will allow the lubricant to have a shelf life of 3-5 years.
Lubricants should be stored indoors.
Indoor storage is the most suitable storage. It should be kept away from heat, humidity, air, and dust, as these are factors that affect the deterioration of lubricants and reduce their efficiency. Therefore, lubricants should be stored according to the following recommendations:
🔺The storage area must have good ventilation and air circulation.
🔺The temperature of the storage area must not exceed 45 ° C, not too hot and humid, which is the main cause of oil deterioration.
🔺The lid of the storage container should not be opened if it is not in use.
🔺If it is a 200-liter storage tank, it is even better if the tank can be placed horizontally. Use wedges to prevent the tank from rolling. And both holes in the lid of the tank are in the 3 and 9 o’clock lines.
🔺The storage area should be cleaned and tidy to prevent accidents from slipping and falling and fires. Safety equipment should be installed to prevent fires.
🔺After using the lubricant, the container lid should be closed tightly to prevent contamination.
🔺If it is a grease-type lubricant, it should be stored in the shade to prevent heat from sunlight, which separates the oil from the grease.
🔺After use, the grease surface should be smoothed to prevent the oil from separating from the grease. The container lid should be closed tightly to prevent contamination from dirt.
What should I do if I need to store it outdoors?
As mentioned earlier, the most suitable way to store lubricants is to store them indoors. However, if it is necessary to store lubricants outdoors due to inadequate space, precautions should be taken to prevent deterioration of the lubricant as follows:
🔺If it is a 200-liter storage tank, the tank should be placed horizontally using wedges, logs, or bricks to prevent the tank from rolling. And both holes in the tank cap are in the 3 and 9 o’clock lines to allow the oil to protect from outside air.
🔺If the oil tank is stacked, it should not be stacked more than 3 layers.
🔺Cover the tank with a rubber or plastic sheet to prevent water and dust.
🔺If the tank is placed vertically, there should be a log supporting the bottom to be tilted to prevent water from pooling around the oil tank cap, reducing the problem of the tank rusting.
🔺For unopened engine lubricants, if properly stored, they will have a shelf life of 3-5 years from the date of manufacture (MFD shown on the packaging), depending on the temperature of the storage location.
🔺If the lubricant is stored for a long time and needs to be used, a preliminary test can be performed by shaking the container to distribute the oil components evenly. Then pour it into a clear container and observe the color of the sediment and oil bubbles. If the oil looks normal and the oil bubbles disappear within a short period of time after shaking, it means that the lubricant can be used normally.
Recommendations for using lubricants
❌Avoid direct contact with oil or lubricants for long periods of time to prevent skin damage. Be careful not to let your clothes, gloves, and socks get wet with oil. If it gets wet with oil, it should be changed immediately after the work is done. If the oil touches the body and causes irritation, wash it immediately with soap (do not use detergent). You can apply calamide solution to the area where the oil touches the body to reduce itching. If irritation persists, consult a doctor or see a doctor. ❌Avoid inhaling oil or lubricants. If inhaled in large quantities, it will cause irritation in the bronchi and lungs. Dizziness, nausea, fatigue should be avoided. Rest in an open area with good ventilation. If unconscious due to lack of oxygen, see a doctor immediately.
❗️If you have to work with oil or lubricants, you should have protective equipment such as gloves, glasses, nose masks, aprons, and non-slip shoes.
❗️If oil splashes into your eyes, immediately flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation occurs, see a doctor. ❌Do not use your mouth to suck oil from a hose because it may cause the oil to enter your mouth and into your stomach, which may cause nausea, stomachache, and harm. If the oil is swallowed, drink milk or about 1/4 liter of warm water and immediately go to the hospital! Do not induce vomiting! Because it can cause the regurgitated oil to flow back into the trachea and lungs, which can be danger
