Step 3:
Identification & Inspection

Why is proper identification critical in lubrication?

Incorrect lubrication is one of the most common, and costly!, errors in machinery maintenance. When lubrication points are not clearly identified, the risk of cross-contamination increases significantly. The wrong oil or grease can lead to rapid degradation, component failure, or even complete machine breakdown.

Surprisingly, it takes very little to avoid these high-impact mistakes. Through colour coding, clear labelling, and consistent identification protocols, maintenance teams can drastically reduce lubrication-related errors. Properly identifying lubricants, application points, and storage areas builds a solid foundation for reliability.

How to implement a lubrication identification system

Introducing an identification system doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. These are the key steps:

1. Colour coding:

Assign colours to specific lubricant types and use them across dispensers, storage containers, and application points.

2. Labeling and codification:

Use durable, standardised tags or stickers on every lubrication point. Include lubricant type, quantity, and interval.

3. Lube charts:

Implement a centralised lubrication map or chart that cross-references machines, lubricants, and intervals.

4. Digital integration:

Align your system with internal platforms like SAP or CMMS for traceability and audit readiness.

5. Compliance:

Ensure your system adheres to relevant standards such as ISO 22000, OSHA (EU), TPM, or IFS guidelines.

Coulor-coding 1. Colour-coding

Labelholders OilSafe

2. Labeling & codification

Labeling and codification

3. Lube Charts

4. Digital integration

5. Compliance

“We use multiple lubricants.
How do we prevent cross-contamination?”

When multiple lubricants are in use, compatibility becomes critical. Even small traces of an incompatible lubricant can trigger chemical breakdown or compromised performance. Prevent this by:

Consolidating lubricant types where possible
Conducting compatibility assessments
Storing and handling each product in clearly separated zones
Training staff to follow precise identification and dispensing protocols

"Machines speak through their oil;

it’s up to us to listen before they fail."

Lubretec engineering insight

Inspection: more than just a quick glance

Identification alone isn’t enough. Regular and thorough inspection is just as vital. All too often, machines are found running without sufficient lubricant; either due to unnoticed leaks, blocked sight glasses, or a complete absence of level indicators.

CMP-Condition Monitoring Pod

BullsEye

Columnar sight glass

What does a good inspection culture look like?

A strong inspection culture should include:

Installation of visual oil level indicators on all critical machines
Daily walk-around checks with structured inspection routes
Visual oil analysis to detect contamination, oxidation, or water ingress
Use of sampling points for deeper diagnostic testing
Integration with TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) practices to ensure accountability

“We don’t have oil level indicators;
What should we do?”

If your machines lack built-in oil sight glasses or indicators, retrofit them as a matter of urgency. Without visual access, technicians are left guessing; an unacceptable risk in a high-reliability environment. External level indicators, sampling valves, or transparent reservoirs are affordable upgrades that can prevent major failures.

"Inspection isn’t a task;

it’s a habit that protects your assets every day."

Industrial Lubrication Expert

From reactive to proactive

The goal of Step 3 is to shift from reactive maintenance to a proactive reliability culture. Proper identification and frequent inspection ensure that the right lubricant is applied, at the right point, at the right time; every time!

Back to the 10 LR steps

For more info contact us

Step 3: Identification & Inspection