Job Safety Analysis: Greasing and Lubricating Equipment

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Step Potential Hazard Control
Assess work area Moving equipment, slipping hazards, poor lighting Park equipment on level ground; shut off engine; chock wheels; ensure adequate lighting; establish safe workspace
Inspect grease gun and lubrication tools Cracked hoses, clogged nozzles, damaged fittings Check gun function; clean nozzle; replace worn or damaged components before use
Don required PPE Grease exposure to eyes or hands, slips, cuts Wear gloves and safety glasses; avoid loose clothing around moving parts
Shut down and secure equipment Unexpected machine movement, contact with hot or moving parts Turn off engine; set parking brake; remove key; lower all attachments to the ground
Identify lubrication points Pinch points, sharp edges, awkward positions Review operator manual; locate fittings; approach from safe angle; use creepers or mats if needed
Begin greasing fittings Burst fittings, injection injury, hand pinching Use proper pressure; avoid placing finger near coupler; keep hands clear of tight spaces; wipe excess grease to avoid slip hazards
Lubricate pivot points and moving parts Contact with sharp edges, sudden movement if equipment not secured Confirm hydraulic pressure is released; ensure all parts are fully lowered; never place hands in pinch zones
Inspect for leaks and damaged components High pressure leaks, slipping on spilled fluids Check hoses, fittings, pins, and seals; clean up drips immediately; report damaged parts for repair
Refill or change lubricants Spills causing slips, skin irritation, improper disposal Use funnels; wipe spills promptly; dispose of oils and grease according to environmental regulations
Record maintenance Missed lubrication intervals, lack of maintenance history Document each lubrication point serviced and any defects found; update maintenance logs
Restart equipment Unexpected movement, unrecognized hazards Ensure tools are removed; verify all guards are in place; start equipment only after area is clear
Final workspace cleanup Slip hazards, trip hazards Clean grease drips and used rags; store tools properly; dispose of waste correctly
Remove traffic control (if used) Worker exposure to moving equipment or traffic Remove cones or barriers after equipment is secure and area is safe

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

  • Safety glasses

  • Cut resistant gloves

  • Steel toe boots

  • High visibility vest if working in a shared equipment area

  • Long pants and long sleeves

  • Hearing protection if other equipment is running nearby

Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.

JSA Category: General Maintenance and Shop Operations

* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.

Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.

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Job Safety Analysis
Step Potential Hazard Control
Assess work area Moving equipment, slipping hazards, poor lighting Park equipment on level ground; shut off engine; chock wheels; ensure adequate lighting; establish safe workspace
Inspect grease gun and lubrication tools Cracked hoses, clogged nozzles, damaged fittings Check gun function; clean nozzle; replace worn or damaged components before use
Don required PPE Grease exposure to eyes or hands, slips, cuts Wear gloves and safety glasses; avoid loose clothing around moving parts
Shut down and secure equipment Unexpected machine movement, contact with hot or moving parts Turn off engine; set parking brake; remove key; lower all attachments to the ground
Identify lubrication points Pinch points, sharp edges, awkward positions Review operator manual; locate fittings; approach from safe angle; use creepers or mats if needed
Begin greasing fittings Burst fittings, injection injury, hand pinching Use proper pressure; avoid placing finger near coupler; keep hands clear of tight spaces; wipe excess grease to avoid slip hazards
Lubricate pivot points and moving parts Contact with sharp edges, sudden movement if equipment not secured Confirm hydraulic pressure is released; ensure all parts are fully lowered; never place hands in pinch zones
Inspect for leaks and damaged components High pressure leaks, slipping on spilled fluids Check hoses, fittings, pins, and seals; clean up drips immediately; report damaged parts for repair
Refill or change lubricants Spills causing slips, skin irritation, improper disposal Use funnels; wipe spills promptly; dispose of oils and grease according to environmental regulations
Record maintenance Missed lubrication intervals, lack of maintenance history Document each lubrication point serviced and any defects found; update maintenance logs
Restart equipment Unexpected movement, unrecognized hazards Ensure tools are removed; verify all guards are in place; start equipment only after area is clear
Final workspace cleanup Slip hazards, trip hazards Clean grease drips and used rags; store tools properly; dispose of waste correctly
Remove traffic control (if used) Worker exposure to moving equipment or traffic Remove cones or barriers after equipment is secure and area is safe
Suggested Personal Protective Equipment