Product Overview

Summary: This Lubrication Schedule Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, repeatable system for planning, performing, and recording lubrication tasks on plant and equipment. It helps Australian businesses protect workers, extend asset life, and demonstrate WHS compliance by controlling the risks associated with mechanical failure, unexpected breakdowns, and unsafe machinery.

Poor or inconsistent lubrication is a leading cause of premature equipment failure, unplanned downtime, and hazardous breakdowns in Australian workplaces. This Lubrication Schedule Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured framework for identifying lubrication points, selecting the correct lubricants, setting service intervals, and documenting all maintenance activities. It ensures that critical assets such as conveyors, pumps, motors, mobile plant, and fixed machinery are lubricated in a safe and controlled manner, reducing the risk of overheating, seizure, or catastrophic failure that could endanger workers.

Designed for practical use across manufacturing, construction, transport, mining, agriculture, and facilities environments, this SOP integrates WHS risk management with best-practice maintenance planning. It guides your team through pre-task checks, isolation and lock-out requirements, contamination control, environmental considerations, and post-lubrication inspections. By implementing this procedure, businesses can standardise lubrication tasks across shifts and sites, improve reliability, support compliance with Australian WHS legislation and plant safety requirements, and provide clear evidence of preventive maintenance in the event of an incident or regulatory inspection.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of mechanical failure and associated safety incidents through consistent, planned lubrication.
• Extend asset life and minimise unplanned downtime by applying the correct lubricants at the right intervals.
• Ensure compliance with WHS obligations for plant maintenance and manufacturer recommendations.
• Standardise lubrication practices across sites, shifts, and contractors with clear, step-by-step instructions.
• Improve traceability and audit readiness with structured lubrication records and checklists.

Who is this for?

• Maintenance Supervisors
• Mechanical Fitters
• Plant Managers
• Reliability Engineers
• WHS Managers
• Fleet Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Production Supervisors

Hazards Addressed

• Unexpected plant and equipment failure leading to crush, entanglement or impact injuries
• Exposure to moving parts during lubrication tasks
• Slips, trips and falls from spilled or excess lubricants
• Burns from hot surfaces and components during servicing
• Chemical exposure from oils, greases and cleaning solvents
• Manual handling strains when accessing hard-to-reach lubrication points or handling heavy containers
• Environmental contamination from incorrect storage, handling or disposal of lubricants

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Manufacturer Requirements
• 5.0 Plant and Equipment Covered by the Lubrication Schedule
• 6.0 Risk Assessment and Hazard Controls for Lubrication Tasks
• 7.0 Lock Out, Tag Out (LOTO) and Isolation Requirements
• 8.0 Lubricant Selection and Compatibility Requirements
• 9.0 Lubrication Frequency, Intervals and Trigger Points
• 10.0 Step-by-Step Lubrication Procedure
• 11.0 Contamination Control and Cleanliness Standards
• 12.0 Handling, Storage and Disposal of Lubricants
• 13.0 Inspection, Testing and Condition Monitoring During Lubrication
• 14.0 Recordkeeping, Lubrication Logs and CMMS Integration
• 15.0 Training, Competency and Authorisation Requirements
• 16.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 17.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting
• 18.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the Lubrication Schedule
• 19.0 Document Control and Version History

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and harmonised state/territory legislation)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Plant and structure, Maintenance of plant)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• AS/NZS 4024.1: Safety of machinery – Series
• AS/NZS ISO 55001: Asset management – Management systems – Requirements
• AS 1940: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids (where applicable to lubricant storage)