Lubrication Management
Lubrication management is the controlled selection, storage, handling, application, inspection, and monitoring of lubricants used in equipment.
What this term means in maintenance
Lubrication management is the controlled selection, storage, handling, application, inspection, and monitoring of lubricants used in equipment.
Why lubrication management matters
Incorrect lubricant, contamination, over-lubrication, under-lubrication, and poor application practices can cause premature equipment failure.
Key controls
A lubrication program may define:
- Approved lubricant
- Application point
- Quantity
- Frequency
- Method
- Cleanliness requirement
- Storage and transfer container
- Labelling
- Inspection standard
- Sampling requirement
- Responsible role
Practical example
Electric motors are assigned the correct grease type, quantity, and relubrication interval. Technicians use dedicated labelled tools and record each completed task.
Storage and contamination control
Lubricants should be protected from water, dust, cross-contamination, temperature extremes, and incorrect dispensing equipment.
Common mistake
Using “more grease” as a response to bearing noise can increase temperature and damage seals. Lubrication quantity and condition should follow a defined standard.
Related concepts
Related maintenance terms
Keep exploring connected CMMS, reliability, and maintenance planning terms.
Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is planned work performed at defined time, usage, or meter intervals to reduce the likelihood of equipment failure or deterioration.
Oil Analysis
Oil analysis is the laboratory or field examination of lubricant condition, contamination, and wear debris to assess both the lubricant and the equipment it protects.
Maintenance Job Plan
A maintenance job plan is a reusable definition of the labor, steps, parts, tools, safety controls, references, and completion requirements for a maintenance task.
Lubrication Management FAQs
- What should a lubrication plan define?
Lubricant type, point, quantity, frequency, method, cleanliness, storage, responsibility, and inspection standard.
- What causes lubrication-related failures?
Wrong lubricant, contamination, over-lubrication, under-lubrication, poor storage, and incorrect application.
- Can a CMMS schedule lubrication tasks?
Yes. It can generate tasks by time or meter interval and record the work against the correct asset and lubrication point.