Precautions for Changing Lubricating Oil


Release date:

2024-04-25

  (1) Make oil-change decisions with care, and strive to extend the service life of the lubricant.
  (2) Whenever possible, schedule oil changes to coincide with maintenance periods.
  (3) Do not discard used oil prematurely; if its quality remains acceptable, it can be further treated—such as by settling and filtration to remove water and impurities—before being reused or applied to secondary equipment. Waste oil should be properly collected to facilitate future recycling and to prevent environmental contamination.
  Preventing Health Risks from Lubricating Oils Many petroleum products are harmful to human health. If they come into contact with the skin and are not promptly washed off, they may cause mild dermatitis or bumps; in more severe cases, they can lead to rashes or skin tumors. If ingested or inhaled, they may result in gastrointestinal disorders or pneumonia in mild cases, and in serious cases, even cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid contaminating food with petroleum, preventing its entry into the respiratory tract, and refraining from leaving oil on one’s body or spilling it on the ground. Such practices not only waste resources but also compromise personal hygiene. Animal studies have shown that refined mineral‑oil lubricants exhibit relatively low toxicity; however, the addition of additives increases their potential hazards, necessitating careful protective measures. Even if a new lubricant is non‑toxic, its degradation and contamination during use can heighten its risks. Thus, care must be taken to avoid skin contact, and ingestion or inhalation should be strictly avoided. If accidental exposure occurs, rinse the affected area thoroughly with clean water immediately. Disposal of Waste Oil Used lubricating oil has deteriorated and can no longer be reused; it must be disposed of as waste oil. Such waste oils should be handled appropriately to prevent environmental pollution.
  1. These waste oils should be collected and disposed of in a centralized manner, and the drums or bottles that previously contained lubricating oils must not be discarded indiscriminately; they too should be properly managed to prevent adverse environmental impacts.
  2. Used lubricating oil, especially those containing a high proportion of additives, is difficult to regenerate and reuse. However, it can generally be burned as fuel oil.