Are lubricants considered hazardous materials?

Safety is always paramount in the workplace, whatever your industry. Here at Eco-Point, we prioritise customer safety and satisfaction with our lubricants every time. Read on for an overview of what makes lubricants hazardous, what sets us apart, and some of our featured product recommendations.

Hazard classification

There are 4 main considerations when classifying a material, such as a lubricant, as hazardous:

Chemical composition – Toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic or environmentally harmful chemicals inside a lubricant can make them hazardous.
Physical hazards – If a lubricant is flammable, it will be classed as hazardous under transport and handling regulations.
Health hazards – If lubricants cause skin irritation, respiratory issues or other health issues upon exposure, it will be classed as hazardous.
Environmental hazards – If a lubricant poses risks to aquatic life or the environment, it may be classified as hazardous.

Regulations for hazardous materials

The main regulations that impact manufacturers and businesses dealing with lubricants and hazardous materials:

UK REACH Regulation

This this was brought into UK law in 2021 and applies to the majority of chemical substances that are manufactured in or imported into Great Britain. REACH stands for registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals. It aims to protect human health and the environment from the use of chemicals and makes manufacturers and importers responsible for understanding and managing the risks associated with the chemicals.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

This regulation requires employers to assess the risks that arise from the use of hazardous substances and to prevent or control exposure to hazardous substances. Training and information should also need to be provided to staff.

The GB CLP Regulation

This came into force in 2009 in all EU states, including the UK. It has been retained in GB law following Brexit. It requires that chemicals need to be classified, labelled and packaged appropriately before being available on the market.

Are lubricants considered hazardous?

Industrial lubricants should be handled with care and whilst wearing the correct personal protective equipment. If not used correctly, like any other product, they have the potential to be hazardous, especially if ingested or inhaled for extended amounts of time. A lubricant’s material safety data sheet will offer in-depth information on the precautions that need to be undertaken.

What sets Eco-Point lubricants apart?

Our focus has always been on delivering the safest, top-quality degreasers and lubricants as alternatives to other products currently on the market. We remove hazardous compounds from our base products, as well as ensuring our cleaning products are solvent-free. With every safer switch, power is never compromised.

The excellent natural lubrication properties of PTFE combined with our distinctive manufacturing process create lubrication and protection possibilities where other products fail. Our lubricants also contain strong penetrants, water displacing agents, and corrosion inhibitors – these ingredients form our truly innovative products that meet our clients’ needs in a better way for our planet.

Are there lubricants that are dermatologically safer?

The Eco-Point Lubron SX EP21 is a clear, fully synthetic universal lubricant. With no mineral oils, it is dermatologically safer than many of the market’s alternatives, and has a significantly reduced risk of allergy. The smallest possible PTFE particles and optimised morphology in the lubricant enable a long-lasting effect, and the non-carbonising element creates a clean, sleek profile for customer-facing environments.

Is there a food-safe lubricant I can use?

Yes! If you’re looking for a universal high-performance lubricant with assured food safety properties, then our Lubron Food Safe EP13 is the ideal solution. Its effective penetrants remove moisture and free rusted machinery components, while providing resistance to both internal and external corrosion.

You can learn more about grease lubricant, industrial lubricant, PTFE and solid lubricants in our news section, too.

Eco-Point has the expertise to guide you when choosing the ideal lubricant. Our team is always on hand to help, whether it’s for advice on the appropriate formula for your project, or to find out more about the specifications and uses for our products. Contact us today by phone on +44(0)14 9479 2803, by email at [email protected], or via our handy online form.