Safe Use of Grease Guns
A safety talk focused on grease gun hazards, including pressure injection, hose failure, slips, chemical exposure, pinch points, equipment startup, and safe lubrication practices.
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Key Hazards
- High-pressure grease injection injuries
- Hose, fitting, or coupler failure under pressure
- Slips from spilled grease or over-lubrication
- Chemical or skin exposure from grease products
- Pinch points near machinery and lubrication fittings
- Unexpected equipment startup during lubrication
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Grease guns are common maintenance tools, but they can create serious hazards because grease may be delivered under high pressure near moving equipment.
Workers should inspect the grease gun before use. Hoses, fittings, couplers, handles, trigger, cartridge, pressure relief, and nozzle should be in good condition.
High-pressure grease should never be directed toward skin. Injection injuries may look small but can be severe and require immediate medical treatment.
Workers should verify the correct grease is being used for the equipment. Using the wrong lubricant can damage equipment or create maintenance problems.
Lubrication points should be accessed safely. Workers should keep hands, clothing, and tools away from belts, chains, gears, shafts, fans, and pinch points.
Equipment should be shut down, locked out, or otherwise controlled when required before lubrication. Some tasks may require specific procedures if lubrication must occur during operation.
Spilled grease should be cleaned up promptly. Grease on floors, steps, ladders, platforms, tools, or handholds can cause slips and poor grip.
Safe grease gun use depends on inspection, pressure control, correct lubricant selection, energy control, and cleaning up grease before it creates a fall or equipment hazard.
Safety Reminders
- Inspect grease guns, hoses, and fittings before use.
- Do not point grease guns at skin or other workers.
- Use the correct grease for the equipment.
- Control equipment energy before lubrication when required.
- Keep hands clear of moving parts and pinch points.
- Clean up spilled or excess grease promptly.
- Report damaged fittings, blocked zerks, or pressure problems.
Ask the Crew
- Is the grease gun and hose in safe condition?
- Is the correct lubricant being used?
- Could pressure injection occur if the fitting fails?
- Does the equipment need to be shut down or locked out?
- Could spilled grease create a slip hazard?