Toolbox Meeting 6 -- LUBRICATING MACHINERY

The lubrication of bearings, wear points, moving parts, etc., is an essential factor in machine maintenance. Accidents occur, however, when safe practices are ignored. Persons doing this work often come in contact with machine parts -- and the safest practice is to make sure that the machine is stopped and that all moving parts are at rest before any lubrication is done. Even with a machine stopped, there is still a chance that it may be accidentally started, so the final safeguard is to lockout and tagout the equipment when the oiler is not able to watch it.

Be certain that when you are lubricating equipment, you are thoroughly familiar with safety practices and that you dress safely for the job -- no dangling sleeves or other loose clothing, which might be caught in moving parts.

It is good accident prevention to plan your lubrication procedure so that it will be done regularly, efficiently and safely.

Sloppy lubrication often causes oily, slippery floor conditions around machines, fire hazards and poor housekeeping. Care in lubricating and the proper selection of lubricant will reduce the slip and fall hazards around many machines.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. Do we have points on our equipment difficult to reach to grease, or in an unnecessarily hazardous position?
2. What could be done about reducing the hazard?

For more information read Section 7 - Lockout/Tagout - in the Elevator Industry Field Employees' Safety Handbook