Safety is a top priority in injection molding—not only to protect workers but to keep operations running smoothly and meet evolving regulations. The right hydraulic oils and lubricants help you stay compliant, reduce risks, and keep your equipment reliable.
For facilities that use injection molding equipment, here’s what you need to know to choose oils and lubricants that support safety, ergonomics, and compliance with current standards.
Follow Standards and Regulations
- OSHA requirements: The agency’s lockout/tagout (LOTO) requirements protect workers from accidental machine startup during maintenance. OSHA also requires machine guarding to prevent injuries from moving parts. Lubricants with high and consistent viscosity during shutdown and restart can simplify LOTO, making the equipment safe to operate again without unnecessary downtime.
OSHA’s General Duty Clause also requires employers to provide a safe, hazard-free workplace. Non-toxic, eco-friendly lubricants help support this by reducing risks to employee health, such as respiratory or skin irritation.
- ISO standards and plastics manufacturing association guidelines depending on the application:
- The Plastics Industry Association provides safety standards and recommendations for machinery used in plastics processing. These guidelines emphasize safe operation and regular maintenance, including proper lubricant use to reduce machinery wear and avoid accidents.
- ISO 20430 focuses on the safety requirements for injection molding machines, including machine guarding, interlocks, and protective devices. Hydraulic oils and lubricants used should ideally support smooth machine function without compromising these safety features.
Conducting Routine Audits
Regular safety audits help spot hazards and ensure that safety standards are being met. When conducting audits, make sure to review the types of lubricants that you’re currently using:
- High-quality lubricants that meet safety standards can reduce the chance of equipment malfunction or excessive friction—issues that may come up during an inspection.
- Using lubricants with anti-wear properties can extend machine life and minimize maintenance needs.
- Make changes to lubricant usage alongside audit schedules, so you’re confident in demonstrating full compliance.
Use Reliable Supply Partners
Choosing the right hydraulic oils and lubricants boosts safety, performance, and compliance. Here’s what to focus on:
- Compliance certifications: Verify that the products are certified for OSHA standards and relevant industry guidelines. Certified lubricants often carry labels or documentation from reputable suppliers.
- Eco-friendly options: Look for environmentally friendly, low-toxicity options to keep the workplace safe and support compliance.
- Injection molding performance: Select products designed for injection molding equipment, which endure high pressure and temperature while meeting safety requirements.
Working with reliable suppliers like Keller-Heartt Oil can help simplify sourcing, ensuring that your products meet current standards and enhance workplace safety.
At Keller-Heartt, our B2B Account Program offers many of these benefits for injection molding operations. If you’re interested in learning more, contact your Keller-Heart procurement specialist.
