Lubricant Storage Systems and Petroleum Containment

It is necessary in nearly every facility that machinery has proper maintenance with lubricants. Providing the correct maintenance positively impacts the life and performance of equipment to keep costs down and production up. To support compliance, lubricant storage systems are essential for containing petroleum chemicals when not in use. Spill berms and secondary containment products from Basic Concepts offer compliant solutions for indoor or outdoor storage areas.

Petroleum and lubricants are commonly found in IBCs, drums and other polyethylene totes. Bulk storage of these containers provide facilities with necessary quantities for keeping machinery lubricated for long periods of time. Basic Concepts spill containment berms are designed to temporarily store bulk quantities of drums and totes and/or single quantities of each.

Manufacturing facilities frequently rely on bulk petroleum lubricants to keep equipment in good working order. Effective lubricant storage systems ensure these materials are stored safely while supporting best practices for handling and secondary containment to prevent spills.

Industrial petroleum lubricants are used to reduce friction and heat in different types of equipment to extend its life and reduce wear and tear. Lubricating oils are blended from base oils for different levels of viscosity and other properties. 

Petroleum lubricants include greases and oils for automotive, maritime, manufacturing and other applications that can be used for maintenance of motors, hydraulics, gears, chains and more.

Some industrial lubricants can pose health hazards. Employees should wear safety equipment such as gloves and protective glasses when handling industrial lubricants or greases to avoid chemical irritation and longer-term exposure. If lubricants touch the skin, clean the area immediately with an approved soap and water. 

If a lubricant spill leaves stains or puddles on the floor, clean immediately and use caution to avoid slipping and falling. An estimated 50 percent of all lubricants end up in the environment due to spills, accidents, improper disposal and other losses. Compared to plant-based oils, mineral-based oils can have low biodegradability and high eco-toxicity, making them harmful to the environment.

Any petroleum lubricant container of 55 gallons or more falls under the EPA’s Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) rules. Proper lubricant storage systems are critical to meeting these requirements, as tanks must have the capacity to contain either 10 percent of the total volume or 100 percent of the largest container—whichever is greater.

Facilities should have written SPCC plans, certified by a professional engineer, to prevent oil discharges and contamination of waterways. Secondary containment can include active measures such as responding to a spill with a containment kit. Passive measures include retaining walls, containment pallets or spill berms. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also has standards for the safe handling of oil storage tanks, drums and other containers.

Lube oil storage should allow for easy removal during scheduled equipment maintenance. To achieve this while maintaining safety and compliance, lubricant storage systems should protect products from contamination, extreme temperatures, and fire risks. Always follow safety protocols when storing petroleum products.

An effective lubricant storage system begins with a well-designed, dedicated lube room. Proper in-plant storage plays a critical role in proactive maintenance by reducing the risk of using mixed, contaminated, or chemically degraded lubricants. Petroleum lubricants, in particular, are vulnerable to degradation when exposed to moisture, particulate matter, or fluctuating temperatures.

To protect the integrity and longevity of your lubricants, lube rooms should be kept clean, dry, and temperature-controlled. Thermal siphoning—caused by temperature changes—can lead to air movement in containers, pulling in moisture and contaminants that reduce lubricant performance. Using storage tanks and containers made from materials compatible with the specific petroleum lubricants helps prevent chemical reactions and extends product shelf life.

Best practices include using:

• Color-coded containers and dispensing equipment to prevent cross-contamination
• Dedicated filtration units for each storage tank or tote
• Labeling systems that match lubricants with equipment
• Bulk storage solutions, like stackable tanks or tote racks, to save space and reduce waste

A modern lubricant storage system not only supports SPCC compliance but also enhances operational efficiency by ensuring clean delivery, reducing inventory waste, and minimizing environmental impact.

Flexible berms can provide secondary containment to lubricant storage tanks and can be used like pools or basins placed under storage tanks or pallets loaded with drums. Some berms have a convenient, one-piece design that allows them to be folded for easy storage and transportation. In the event of lubricant spills or leaks, the berms keep the chemicals within a contained space for easy cleanup while complying with EPA and SPCC requirements.

The RigidLock QuickBerm® offer users with drive through capability when loading or unloading palletized drums or totes. Quick loading brackets are designed to be virtually unbreakable for heavy duty use. Spill berms by Basic Concepts are chemical resistant to withstand harsh chemicals.

The Rigid-Lock QuickBerm® is designed specifically to meet or exceed EPA state and federal regulations for secondary spill containment. This includes the SPCC requirements for spill containment found in 40 CFR part 112 found in the Clean Water Act.

To order a compliant spill berm from Basic Concepts Inc. fill out our quick order form and one of our professional sales associates will contact you to make your request.