Incorrect handling of lubricants can lead to quite serious health problems.

While exposure to some oils and greases carries little to no risk of health problems, incorrect handling of industrial lubricants could lead to health problems such as dermatitis and even respiratory problems.

Workers, such as automotive technicians, who come into contact with lubricants on a daily basis should be trained and given the correct safety equipment in order to handle lubricants while preventing health problems

Knowledge is power when handling lubricants safely.

One of the best ways to prevent
health problems while handling industrial lubricants is through knowledge.

Inform the workers who have the highest exposure risk of what the hazards are so they can take extra care when using the lubricants. Information about how dangerous a substance is to humans as well as to the environment can be found in the material safety data sheets (MSDS).

These sheets are available from the lubricant supplier and should be accessible to everyone who comes into contact with the product. Many plants have MSDS posted in a variety of locations throughout the facility for quick reference if a problem arises.

Preventing health hazards from industrial oils through critical machine design.

A proactive way to reduce the risk of exposure would be to design machines so the chance of contact with the lubricant is decreased.

 For example, take an oil-lubricated gearbox: By adding quick-connect fittings to the fill and drain ports and having a top-up container with a quick connect on the spout could effectively diminish the chance for exposure and spillage from a simple oil top-up.

Using good transfer containers with spouts or pumps with hoses would also negate the need for funnels and other devices that increase the risk of direct contact with oils. These practices are recommended, especially where toxic fluids are being used.

Sometimes, there are more severe health hazards when handling oil: as this short video of the consequences of the Exon Valdez clean-up shows:


In places, such as automotive workshops, where frequent contact occurs or is unavoidable, use safety equipments to keep the material from coming into contact with skin. Items like gloves, long sleeves or barrier creams offer protection from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.

When it comes to health hazards caused industrial lubricants, the best way to avoid problems is simply by employing good housekeeping skills, and enforcing safe working practices.

Making sure everyone is informed about the health risks of oil leaks and exposure to lubricants will go a long way in reducing health issues caused by prolonged contact.

In order to eliminate all health hazards posed by unsafe handling of industrial lubricants, Habot Synthetic Lubricants provide full Material Data Safety Sheets for the lubricants we supply.