There are few things worse than a poorly organized shop or garage. Mess and clutter can be overwhelming, dangerous and can make it hard to work efficiently. It can be frustrating to search for something you need when there’s no system in place. It also wastes time and money. If your employees spend time rummaging around for supplies instead of working, that’s money out of your pocket.

One problem area for some businesses is the lubrication storage area. A proper lubrication supply area is essential for safety and efficiency for any business that consistently uses these supplies. If your space is in need of some organization, try these tips:

  • Choose the right room. You need to make sure the space you’re using is large enough for proper storage and dispensation. It’s a good idea to select a location that is easily accessible for delivery.
  • Invest in climate control. Temperature fluctuations can cause chemical breakdowns and oxidation. We suggest rotating your supplies regularly using a first-in/first-out system to ensure freshness.
  • Invest in proper storage. Choose adequate cabinets or shelves to support the weight of the supplies, dispensers, grease guns and other materials you will need.
  • Invest in safety measures. Spills and other safety issues can occur, and your business could be liable if you don’t have proper safety features. Make sure your storage area has proper spill containment, auto shut-off features, fire safety equipment and all necessary safety documentation.

If your business only requires a small inventory of lubricant and fuel supplies, you may not need to dedicate a whole room for storage. However, proper storage practices are still a must. These are basic storage principles you should always follow:

  • Maintain a dedicated storage area. Even if it’s just a shelf in the shop, keep things in the same spot every time. It will save time and energy when you need to find and use supplies.
  • Keep storage records. It can be very frustrating to pull a brand new container down only to discover that it has expired. Make sure to track the shelf life of all your products and rotate them regularly to ensure freshness.
  • Use proper dispensing equipment. It’s easy to cause contamination or spills without appropriate dispensing equipment. Make sure you develop proper dispensing procedures for your employees to follow. Proper training can save time and money, and keeps everyone safe.
  • Test for quality. Regular quality checks of your supplies can prevent maintenance issues and equipment breakdowns. If you need help with oil analysis testing, get in touch with us. We offer this service to help our customers reduce their maintenance costs over time.
  • Follow proper labeling procedures. Safety labels save lives, time and money. Make sure your storage area has all the appropriate safety documentation and labeling required by law.
  • Choose proper storage containers. Improper storage containers can lead to contamination and spills. If you want to protect your supplies, you need to invest in the right containers. Oil storage containers need to meet UL SU2258 standards for above ground non-metallic tanks for fuel and other combustible materials. Here is an excellent guide on choosing storage containers and the different available options.

Your lubricants are not the only supplies you need to worry about storing. Many businesses keep oil drums on their property. The same principles used for lubricant and other supply storage should be applied to oil drums. They should be stored inside to avoid contamination and kept away from any sources of humidity, dust or liquids. Avoid stacking drums on a factory floor as contamination could be a risk. Invest in proper shelving and storage and employ the first-in/first-out system to ensure freshness.

Oil drums have slightly different storage needs. The drums are very susceptible to temperature fluctuations and will expand and contract as the temperature changes. This process can make it easy for contamination to occur. Make sure to consistently check that drum bungs are sealed tight and use drum covers if possible. Keep drums in a room with a consistent temperature of 70° F.

Don’t waste time searching for the supplies you need. A little organization and investment into your fuel and lubricant storage practices will save your business time and money. If you create a dedicated fuel and storage room, you will reduce your risk of contamination, supply waste, minimize the risk of spills or safety issues, and improve your preventive equipment maintenance.

We are your partners in maintaining your fuel and lubricant supplies. Our order team works hard to help you stay on top of your inventory with detailed order reports. If you invest in proper storage practices, you will get the best return on investment for your fuel and lubricant needs. Put these principles into action, and you’ll see how it saves your business time and money.