How ID Tabs and Fill Point ID Washers optimise lubrication systems

15 mei 2025

Effective lubrication management is one of the most critical factors in maintaining industrial equipment and machinery. Yet, one of the most common causes of equipment failure is the use of the wrong fluid in the wrong machine. That's where ID Tabs and Fill Point ID Washers from OilSafe come in—two complementary tools designed to help your plant run with optimal efficiency and minimal downtime.

  • ID Tabs are durable, colour-coded labels for equipment identification.
  • Fill Point ID Washers clearly mark lubrication fill points to avoid fluid mix-ups.
  • Both are part of the OilSafe system to prevent cross-contamination and reduce human error.
  • Using these tools ensures efficient, safe, and compliant machinery maintenance.


What are ID Tabs and how do they work?

ID Tabs, also known as identification tabs, are small, colour-coded plastic tags used to label machinery and equipment. These tabs typically include important information such as:

  • Equipment name or ID number
  • Model and serial number
  • Maintenance instructions
  • Safety warnings

OilSafe ID Tabs are designed to withstand harsh industrial conditions. They are made of high-quality plastic and available in 10 distinct colours, allowing for clear visual identification across different types of equipment or fluid systems.




Durable and practical

Each ID Tab can be paired with a clear protective lens, safeguarding the information against smudges, scratches, and environmental wear. These lenses are available in bulk bags of 100 and help extend the life of your ID system.



Why use Fill Point ID Washers?

Fill Point ID Washers are placed directly on or around the lubrication fill point of a machine. They are colour-coded to match OilSafe fluid containers, creating a fully synchronised system from storage to application.

These washers come in various BSP thread sizes—1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", and 1"—to fit a wide range of industrial applications.


Preventing costly mistakes

When the wrong lubricant is introduced into a machine, the consequences can range from reduced performance to catastrophic failure. Fill Point ID Washers help prevent:

  • Cross-contamination
  • Human error
  • Unscheduled downtime

By providing a visual cue at the fill point, they make it clear exactly which fluid should be used, minimising the risk of incorrect application.


Reader question: How do I match ID Tabs and Fill Point Washers?

This is a common concern, and fortunately, the solution is simple. The OilSafe system uses the same 10-colour code across all products. For instance:

  • If you use red containers for engine oil, use red ID Tabs on the machinery and a red Fill Point Washer at the oil inlet.
  • If blue is assigned to hydraulic oil, the entire system—from storage to application—follows the same colour.

This creates a closed-loop identification system that leaves no room for guesswork.




Where are ID Tabs and Fill Point Washers used?

These identification systems are most commonly found in:

  • Manufacturing plants
  • Industrial facilities
  • Power generation stations
  • Automotive workshops
  • Food and beverage processing plants

Any environment where multiple fluids are used in numerous machines can benefit from this simple yet powerful labelling approach.




What happens if I don’t use a proper identification system?

Operating without a clear and consistent labelling system increases the risk of:

  • Equipment damage due to incorrect lubricant use
  • Costly downtime
  • Contamination and reduced lubricant lifespan
  • Safety hazards

Moreover, many industries face regulatory requirements for lubrication procedures. A well-documented and colour-coded system helps ensure compliance.


How OilSafe completes the system

OilSafe doesn’t just offer ID Tabs and Fill Point Washers—it provides a complete fluid management solution. Their containers are:

  • Available in five sizes (1.5L to 10L)
  • Equipped with five lid types (stretch spout, mini spout, utility lid, etc.)
  • Fully sealed and contamination-proof

When you combine containers, tabs, and washers, you get a closed system that maximises efficiency, traceability, and safety.



Small tags, big impact

While they may seem minor, ID Tabs and Fill Point ID Washers play a critical role in preventive maintenance. By helping technicians quickly identify machinery and match the correct fluids to the correct equipment, these tools drastically reduce errors, save money, and improve workplace safety.


ID Tabs and Fill Point ID Washers, a team that works as one,

Keeping factories running, with minimal downtime done.

ID Tabs mark the machines, with serial numbers and more,

While Fill Point Washers label fluids, so we can avoid any pour.


Together, they help us maintain, the equipment in prime shape,

And identify any problems, before they can cause an escape.

So let's appreciate these tags, that make our jobs easier to do,

ID Tabs and Fill Point Washers, we're grateful for all that they do!


Ready to take control of your lubrication system?

Contact Lubretec today for expert advice and a tailored solution using OilSafe ID Tabs and Fill Point ID Washers.