Contamination Control 1A – Storage & Handling

Contamination is one of the leading causes of lubricant degradation and equipment failure, making effective contamination control essential for maintaining machinery reliability, extending lubricant life, and optimizing maintenance costs. This course provides a comprehensive framework for contamination control across all stages of lubricant handling—from receiving and storage to dispensing and application.

Designed for lubrication technicians, reliability professionals, and maintenance personnel, this course delivers practical knowledge and best practices for ensuring lubricants remain clean, dry, and properly managed throughout their lifecycle. Participants will gain insights into proper storage techniques, transfer procedures, and identification methods that help prevent cross-contamination, particulate ingress, and premature lubricant degradation.

Course Modules:
Receiving Procedures – Understand the critical checks and best practices for ensuring lubricants arrive in good condition, minimizing contamination risk from the outset.
Bulk vs. Package – Explore the differences in contamination risks between bulk and packaged lubricants and the best handling procedures for each.
Storage Stability – Learn how environmental factors and storage conditions impact lubricant stability and how to mitigate risks such as oxidation, moisture ingress, and additive depletion.
Drum Storage – Discover the correct methods for storing lubricants in drums, including positioning, sealing, and temperature control to prevent contamination.
Other Pack Storage – Review best practices for handling and storing lubricants in smaller containers such as pails, jugs, and cans while ensuring cleanliness.
Bulk Storage – Examine the proper design, maintenance, and monitoring of bulk storage tanks to prevent particulate and moisture contamination.
Storage of Grease – Understand the specific storage requirements for grease, including temperature control, shelf-life considerations, and contamination prevention.
Lube Dispensing Rooms – Learn how to set up and manage a dedicated lubrication workspace to maintain lubricant cleanliness and prevent cross-contamination.
Colour Coding – Implement a standardized colour-coding system to prevent misapplication and ensure clear lubricant identification across all stages of handling.
Labelling – Develop a robust labelling system to track lubricant type, application, and condition, improving maintenance efficiency and compliance.
Transfers and Dispensing – Master best practices for transferring and dispensing lubricants without introducing contaminants, including filtration techniques and dedicated transfer containers.
Key Learning Outcomes:
Identify common sources of lubricant contamination and their impact on equipment reliability.
Implement best practices for storing lubricants in bulk and packaged formats.
Establish effective receiving, transfer, and dispensing procedures to maintain lubricant integrity.
Utilize labelling and colour coding systems to prevent cross-contamination and misapplication.
Design and maintain a clean and efficient lubrication workspace.
This course is ideal for maintenance professionals, lubrication technicians, and reliability engineers who want to improve lubrication program effectiveness, reduce equipment downtime, and extend the life of both lubricants and machinery components.