9 Best Ways on How to Store Oil Drums Properly
Understanding how to store oil drums correctly is crucial to maintaining lubricant quality, preventing contamination risks, and creating a safe working environment.
Whether stored indoors or outdoors, each oil drum requires proper handling to remain in its best condition. If drums are stored carelessly without following the right procedure, the oil quality may deteriorate. This not only reduces machine performance but can also affect worker safety around the storage area.
9 Tips on How to Store Oil Drums Properly
Lubricant quality can decrease if oil drums are not stored correctly, with one major factor being extreme temperature changes. During hot days and cold nights, the air inside the drum expands and contracts. This process can pull in moisture through the seals, which may accumulate inside the drum over time.
In addition, once a drum seal has been opened and reused multiple times, the risk of contaminants such as dust, sand, or fine particles entering increases significantly. Such contamination can compromise lubricant purity and eventually reduce engine performance.
1. Store Oil Drums in a Covered and Protected Area
Oil drums should be stored in a sheltered area with a roof to avoid direct sunlight, rain, or drastic temperature changes.
This method not only helps maintain oil quality stability but also prevents drums from rusting. If outdoor storage cannot be avoided, use extra protection such as a canopy or durable tent. Place drums horizontally on wooden pallets to avoid direct contact with the ground. Additionally, cover the drums with protective material and perform regular inspections to ensure cleanliness and prevent water or dust contamination.
Key criteria for proper oil drum storage include:
• Sheltered from direct sunlight: Extreme heat can accelerate oil degradation and alter its composition.
• Dry and moisture-free: Humidity causes rusting and can allow water contamination that damages oil quality.
• Away from chemicals and hazardous materials: Never place oil drums near corrosive or reactive substances.
2. Use Proper Lids for Oil Drum Storage
Always keep oil drums tightly sealed to prevent dust, sand, or fine particles from entering. Use drum-specific lids and regularly check the seals to ensure they remain intact before storage.
3. Store Oil Drums Horizontally
Storage position matters for safe handling. Keep oil drums horizontally and tightly sealed to reduce leakage risks and moisture ingress.
If vertical placement is unavoidable, always place the drum on a wooden pallet to prevent direct contact with the ground. Moist ground accelerates rust formation and oil contamination.
4. Keep Oil Drums Away from Hazardous Chemicals
Placing oil drums near corrosive or hazardous chemicals can cause cross-contamination, degrading oil quality.
5. Regularly Inspect Oil Drum Condition
Routine inspections of stored oil drums are essential to check for leaks, rust, or damage.
Pay attention to oil shelf life—typically 1–2 years. Oil stored too long may lose effectiveness. Apply the FIFO (First In, First Out) method to prevent expired stock.
Tips:
• Label each drum with the receiving and expiration date.
• Maintain an accurate manual or digital inventory system.
• Always check lubricant condition before use.
6. Separate Drums by Oil Type
Organize oil drum storage according to lubricant type to prevent mixing, which can lower performance or even damage machinery.
7. Keep Oil Drum Storage Area Clean
Ensure the storage area remains clean and dust-free. Regularly clean and maintain the space to prevent contamination.
Industrial dust and humidity are primary threats to oil quality. Common mistakes include:
• Leaving drums open for too long.
• Using unsterile equipment to extract oil.
• Forgetting to close drum lids after use.
Tips:
• Use a closed drum pump instead of makeshift tools.
• Seal containers immediately after dispensing.
• Clean the dispensing area regularly.
8. Pay Attention to Drum Packaging Quality
Some companies purchase large 200-liter oil drums but overlook the condition of the packaging. Potential risks include:
• Small leaks.
• Rusty lids.
• Drum walls exposed to UV light.
For smaller oil containers, ensure they are made from oil-resistant materials, kept clean, and properly labeled.
9. Provide Warehouse Staff Training
One common cause of oil storage mistakes is a lack of technical knowledge among warehouse staff. Typical issues include:
• Using dirty funnels.
• Storing drums directly on the floor.
• Mixing old and new oil without proper labeling.
Tips:
Provide basic training on industrial lubricant handling. Even simple education can prevent major losses and improve operational efficiency.
Storing Oil Drums Outdoors
While the best way to store oil drums is indoors, sometimes space limitations force outdoor storage. Always monitor oil consumption and refill stocks on time to prevent quality decline due to prolonged sun exposure.
Build a protective shelter to guard drums against sun, rain, snow, or harsh weather. Store drums at a slight angle, with the bung positioned horizontally and lower than the oil level, to reduce seal damage and moisture entry.
If stored upright, use drum covers and tilt slightly to allow moisture drainage around the bung.
Specialized Oil Drum Storage
For specialized warehouses, tighter control of temperature and humidity is required compared to standard storage. Some lubricants require specific temperatures to remain stable, while others are highly sensitive and may need cold storage or additional protective measures.
Equip storage rooms with desiccant breathers and humidity meters to minimize damage risks.
Conclusion
Proper oil drum storage is not just about organization—it’s about protecting lubricant quality, ensuring machine performance, reducing costs, and maintaining workplace safety. By following these how to store oil drums guidelines and adopting best practices for storing oil drums safely, businesses can achieve both efficiency and long-term reliability.
