Particulate and water contamination as well as cross-contamination of oils are recognised as being three of the most destructive forms of damage to lubrication and hydraulic systems, and can result in very costly damage, even loss of warranties. Through our experience in the industry, we have seen that these forms of oil contamination often arise during the handling and storage of new oil. Oil stores are also an area of significant risk to an organisation, in terms of health and safety and the environment.
Through simple, effective management of oil storage and handling, oil contamination can be prevented before it occurs whilst at the same time the environmental and health and safety risks associated with oil stores can be mitigated. Cluett Consulting have identified nine possible
interventions for improved management, these are described in this article.