Bennett Fitch | Noria Corporation
ENERGY CONSERVATION, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT Factor: E2P
What Do I Do with My Oily Rags?
More about this
ASCEND™ Factor
Factor:
E2P – Storage & Disposal of Used Oil & Materials
Level:
Platform (P)
Stage:
Energy Conservation, Health & Environment
About:
Used oil, lubricants and other contaminated materials should be stored in accordance with laws and regulations while incorporating Reuse, Reduce and Recycle methodology to minimize environmental impact.
Learn More: noria.com/ascend/
Rags are one of the most essential items to have for a lubrication technician, mechanic or anyone working on equipment on the plant floor. They’re a necessity for cleaning up greasy or oily surfaces on tools, machine components and our own hands once work is done. We can go through quite a few just working on one machine, especially during machine assembly and disassembly. When we drain oil and dispose of any lubricants, there are procedures to follow to ensure we do not accidentally pose any safety, health or environmental risks with the waste oil. There are plenty of regulations established to help workers fully comprehend the importance of these procedures. But what about the materials, like rags, that are soaked with oil and grease? Do we just toss them out? It’s common to find these rags or shop towels tossed into waste bins or left around. Aside from these, there are many other similar materials used for cleaning in
32 | January-February 2022 |
www.machinerylubricationindia.com
industrial work environments, including lint-free cloths, spill mats, absorbent socks/dikes or loose absorbent. These are particularly necessary when spills occur but may be difficult to handle afterwards. The same holds true for other lubricantcontaminated materials — used
oil filters, oil-soaked breathers and single-shot top-up containers can all contain leftover volumes of lubricant. When oily rags and other lubricant-contaminated materials are handled properly, it keeps the workplace safe, clean and helps