Now that you have ordered your product, what do you do with it?  Correctly handling and storing your lubricant is critical to product functionality and employee safety A few general rules for storage and handling include:

-Check the label for any specific instructions

-Protect from any potential ignition sources.

-Keep all equipment that will come in contact with the product clean

-Practice good hygiene when working with the products.  Most aren’t health hazards, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

Most lubricants come as packaged goods in drums, cases, pails or other similar containers.  All containers should be handled with care and the heavier containers should be loaded and unloaded with a forklift.  Dropping the containers could result in leakage.  When storing the lubricants, remember:

-Outdoor storage is never recommended under any circumstance.  Even inside the drums, exposure to the elements and varying temperatures can alter lubricant properties.  Containers themselves can also be damaged.  Drums in particular should never be stored outdoors.  If drums must be stored outside, they should be laid sideways holes horizontally or slightly tilted using a block, so water does not pool on top.

-Storage in a warehouse or indoors is preferred.  Product should be handled in a safe manner with labels clearly visible.  Ensure all handling equipment conforms to the appropriate safety standards, as it will be required to move drums.  Lubricants stored in a warehouse should follow the “first in, first out” rule. 

In any capacity, make sure products are labeled properly and in accordance with the appropriate regulations.