Step 9:
Environmental Control

Clean surroundings support clean lubrication

A clean, organised workspace plays a fundamental role in effective lubrication reliability. Beyond just visual appeal, good housekeeping directly contributes to better contamination control, reduced waste, improved safety, and regulatory compliance. Step 9 addresses why maintaining a clean working environment is vital for both equipment reliability and environmental responsibility.

Why workspace cleanliness matters in lubrication

A clean environment reduces the risk of contamination during lubrication and maintenance activities. Oil spills, dust, and poor storage conditions are major contributors to degraded lubricant performance and premature component failure.

By integrating cleanliness into your lubrication strategy, you help ensure that lubricants remain clean, effective, and safe throughout their life cycle.

“Do spills really affect equipment reliability?”

Absolutely. Spills not only waste valuable lubricant, they often indicate poor handling practices that increase the risk of contaminants entering the system. Even minor leaks or accidents during oil changes can introduce dirt, water, or debris into otherwise clean systems, compromising lubricant performance.

Implement proper spill control

Spill prevention and response are key. Every facility should:

Use spill trays and drip pans during lubrication and maintenance.
Install absorbents at high-risk areas and refill stations.
Ensure drain valves and containers are properly sealed and in good condition.
Train staff on how to handle, report, and clean spills correctly.

Products like absorbent pads, barriers, and spill kits should be readily available in all lubrication zones.

Control spills - cut costs

Read our latest blog on how to maintain a clean, compliant work environment.

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Support 5S methodology in lubrication areas

5S (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardise, Sustain) isn't just for lean manufacturing. When applied to lubrication, 5S promotes:

Organised storage of lubricants and tools.
Clear labelling and colour-coding to prevent cross-contamination.
Clean, debris-free workspaces to reduce contamination risk.
Routine inspections to spot leaks or wear early.
A culture of discipline and ownership around lubrication tasks.

More info on 5S methodology

Environmental compliance and lubricant management

Modern maintenance practices aim to minimise environmental impact. Spilled lubricants can pollute soil and water, and improper disposal contributes to hazardous waste volumes.

Key practices include:

Using environmentally responsible lubricants (e.g. biodegradable or low-toxicity products)
Choosing longer-life lubricants to reduce oil change frequency and waste

Filtering rather than replacing oil, when possible
Avoiding “time-based” oil changes—only replace when the oil has reached the end of its useful life, as confirmed through condition monitoring

These steps lower overall consumption, reduce waste, and improve sustainability—without compromising performance.

Equipment design matters too

Well-designed equipment can support a cleaner lubrication environment. For example:

Enclosed lubrication systems reduce exposure to contaminants
High-quality seals prevent leakage
Properly placed breathers, filters, and sampling ports reduce maintenance mess

Ready to improve your lubrication environment?

Download your 5S Lubrication Checklist.

A clean and organised lubrication area is key to reliable maintenance and environmental compliance.

Use our practical 5S Lubrication Checklist to evaluate and improve your lubrication zones today.

Back to the 10 LR steps

5S Lubrication Checklist

Step 9:Environmental Control