Many machines require grease to operate. That grease not only lubricates the moving parts of machines but also the soles of your safety shoes. Grease on the work floor is therefore one of the main causes of slips in the workplace—often resulting in personal injury and absenteeism. Fortunately, there's a very simple and inexpensive solution: the drain cup.
Excess grease falls onto the floor
New grease, applied for example via an automatic lubrication system or manually, is pressed into a bearing, causing old or excess grease to leak out elsewhere around the bearing. Some companies have solved this by collecting excess grease in a tray or using absorbent cloths. However, we often see situations where grease falls onto the floor, making the area around a machine look like an ice rink.
Environmental damage
Not only indoors but also outdoors, we see situations where grease ends up on the ground or in surface water. This leads to environmental damage, sanctions from regulatory authorities, and the costs of cleaning contaminated soil or water. These costs can be substantial, not to mention the reputational damage caused by media coverage.
Drain cups are a small investment that immediately improves safety for personnel on the work floor. They also prevent grease from contaminating the environment.
Collecting with drain cups
A collection tray or absorbent cloth may seem like a good solution, but there is a much better and more professional option. Special drain cups are designed to catch excess (old) grease. These cups are screwed onto the spot where the excess grease exits the bearing. The grease is collected inside the cup and cannot leak out. It can then be disposed of along with other used lubricants. This prevents grease from contaminating the environment, the machine, your product, or the work floor.
