We're trying to initiate a color-coding system for our lubrication program. We would like to color code the portable oil containers, bulk oil containers, and the oilers/sightglasses/etc. on the equipment.
We are considering not only color-coding, but using different shaped tags to identify different oils. (i.e. yellow circles, red squares, blue triangles.

Has anyone out there done this sort of thing? Is anyone presently using this type of system?
Please post your comments and insights!

There have been a few mentions on lubricant labeling in the Noria magazines. I suggest you search the back issues at their magazine link on the website. Oil Safe containers have at least 10 different color lids for their containers and offer excellent contamination control. They may provide a starting point for your system.
Good luck

We use a tag system which matches the oil storage units with the proper jugs and tags on equipment that matches each type of oil, Mobil oil has a great system for this.

Is there a good source for color-coded, shaped ID tags for containers/drums/pumps,etc.?

Kevin, we have initiated a color and shape coding for all lubricants utilized within the 17 manufacturing plants that I support. We have designated colors to basic oil types and shapes for different ISO grades of each type. The color stayes the same within the type and the shape changes with the grades. We did not go out and purchase a system from any one vendor. What we did was to use Microsoft VISIO to produce a template of the different tags With this program you can designate label size, wording, shape, and color. Then save it to a file and it can be sent to whomever is in need at your facilities. These templates can be printed out via local desktops to a local printer and laminated. The laminated tags are then affixed to the oil containers and transfer devices utilizing a variety of methods. The capitol expendature is negligable as the program cost is around $230-$250. The only other expense is for laminating sheets or the purchase of a good quality laminator if one isin't available. We have found this method works well and is inexpensive. Also if a tag becomes lost or is removed a new one can be printed of in a few minutes and replaced. I hope this has been of some help to you. If you have any questions send your e-mail address and I will send you some examples of the tags that we are currently using.

Donpaul,
I would like to know more about the tagging system from Mobil. We use Mobil products but our Mobil Product Engineer has not offered any such product. I an currently implementing a system very much like Doug McBride just described.
If you could email me I would appreciate it. My Email address is on my profile.

At Clopay corp we designed our own color code system ,not only does our laminated tags color have a meaning but they also have written instructions on tags as well.Also our hoses are color coded for each specific fluid , all zerks are covered with a colored cap that represents a specific grease to use .If you have labels to install on outside machinery be sure and test the laminate material before purchasing .I suggest you do a search on Noris past articles .If you will post your e-mail address I will send you info on best practices we implemented on labeling .

I normally don't give out my Email address, but here goes...

Scotty, my email is
kawatkins@nospameastman.com

Just remove the 'nospam' from the above email address and you'll reach me. (I HATE spam!)
Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!