Top 4 Tips for BRC Compliance on Safe Lubricant Handling and Storage in Food Facilities

Wholesale food manufacturers operate equipment that requires lubrication maintenance procedures for continued safe and reliable operation.? Understanding?best practices for lubricant storage, lubricant handling, application and disposal of food-grade lubricants used in your workplace enables maintenance technicians, health and safety officials, engineering personnel and operations management to ensure that lubricants are handled and used properly to ensure that your facility meets BRC and other site audits.

1. Provide proper storage and identification of food-grade lubricants

When selecting a food-grade lubricant, it is important to obtain a declaration or document from the food-grade lubricant supplier that the product adheres to BRC Issue 7, clause 4.7.6 and is "food grade and of known allergen status".? If a lubricant is manufactured in a facility containing allergens, all associated information and risks should be documented and maintained on-site.?When planning lubricant storage, to avoid mixing non-food grade and food grade lubricants, be sure to identify and separate food grade lubricants in "lube room" storage.

2. Use common proper methods of application of food-grade lubricants

Where possible, when applying lubricants to equipment follow procedures and frequencies?set out by equipment manufacturers.? Methods of application include manual, automatic, brush, spray, drip, continuous, and timed application.? Some methods have advantages over others.? When selecting a method of application factors to consider include OEM recommendation, pitch of chain, speed of chain, and if automatic application during operation is required.? It is important to ensure that when applying lubricant proper amounts are applied.? Over-application can lead to excess and/or flooding.? Best practices should ensure that lubricant does not come in contact with food and that any spillage is contained?and absorbed safely and that areas are left free of lubricating equipment.

3. Follow national and local lubricant safe?disposal procedures

Although most food-grade lubricants are not classified as hazardous, proper disposal is a must.? Many food processing plants are still using industrial-grade lubricants (we?hope you are not!!) such as graphite, and these hazardous lubricants definitely require Sanitation and Maintenance departments to follow safe disposal procedures.?? BRC guidelines suggest that each food plant have a dedicated area marked "Waste Oil Only" that is separate from unused lubricants, greases and oil storage areas.???In addition, when disposing of empty lubricant and aerosol containers local, provincial/state?and federal guidelines must be adhered to.

4. Keep proper documentation records including Safety Data Sheets and Technical Data Sheets

Along with Allergen statements, it is important to keep the most up-to-date documentation of ALL?food-grade lubricants used in your facility.? Collect the latest Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Technical Data Sheets (SDS).? Often, plant personnel only focus on having the latest SDS and Allergen Statements, but a good practice is to also have the Technical Data Sheets available.??This documentation should be stored both in hard copy and electronic soft copy.? It is a great practice to set quarterly?reminders to reach out to lubricant suppliers for the most recent documentation.? Don't wait for an audit!? Create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and make sure you are up to date and not relying on your supplier at the 11th hour.??

Want more tips? We wrote an extra 3 top tips in our most popular article here: Top 7 Tips for BRC Compliance on Safe Lubricant Handling and Storage in Food Facilties.