Bearing Lubrication Program Compliance Check Checklist [FREE PDF]

A well-executed bearing lubrication program is one of the highest-impact reliability practices, directly reducing unplanned failures that account for approximately 36% of premature bearing failures according to industry data. Compliance with SMRP Best Practices, ISO 55000 asset management standards, and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 lockout/tagout requirements ensures lubrication tasks are performed safely and effectively. This compliance check evaluates the complete lubrication program including lubrica

  • Industry: Industrial Maintenance
  • Frequency: Quarterly
  • Estimated Time: 60-90 minutes
  • Role: Reliability Engineer
  • Total Items: 36
  • Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 - Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), ISO 55000:2014 - Asset Management Systems Requirements, SMRP Best Practice 4.1 - Preventive Maintenance Task Development, SMRP Best Practice 4.2 - Lubrication Management, ANSI/AGMA 9005-F16 - Industrial Gear Lubrication

Lubrication Program Documentation and Standards

Verify that the bearing lubrication program is formally documented, current, and accessible to all relevant personnel.

  • Does a formal written lubrication program document exist for all critical bearing assets?
  • Has the lubrication program been reviewed and updated within the last 12 months?
  • Are lubrication route sheets or task cards available and accessible to maintenance technicians?
  • Does the program include manufacturer-specified lubricant type, grade, and re-lubrication intervals for each bearing?
  • Is a master lubricant register maintained listing all approved lubricants with their approved applications?

Lubricant Storage, Handling, and Contamination Control

Assess lubricant storage conditions, handling practices, and contamination prevention measures.

  • Are lubricants stored in a dedicated, clean, organized, and covered storage area?
  • Are all lubricant containers properly labeled with product name, grade, and date received?
  • Are dedicated, color-coded or labeled grease guns and dispensing equipment used for each lubricant type?
  • Is lubricant dispensing equipment (grease guns, pumps) clean and free of contamination?
  • Are lubricant containers stored off the floor on pallets or shelving to prevent moisture ingress and contamination?
  • Attach a photo of the lubricant storage area showing current storage conditions?

Lubrication Task Execution and Safety Compliance

Verify lubrication tasks are performed safely, correctly, and in accordance with documented procedures.

  • Do lubrication procedures specify required LOTO steps for equipment requiring energy isolation before lubrication?
  • Are technicians observed following LOTO procedures when performing lubrication on energized-or-isolated equipment?
  • Are lubrication points clearly identified on equipment with point-of-use labels or asset tags?
  • Are grease purge procedures (purging old grease before adding new) followed where applicable?
  • Are lubrication intervals being completed on schedule with less than 10% overdue compliance rate?

Lubricant Quantity and Application Method Compliance

Confirm correct lubricant quantities and application techniques are used to prevent over- or under-lubrication failures.

  • Are calculated grease quantities (in grams or shots) documented for each bearing on lubrication route sheets?
  • Are grease gun output volumes calibrated and verified (shots-per-gram) to ensure correct quantity delivery?
  • For oil-lubricated bearings, are oil levels maintained within sight glass or dipstick specified range?
  • Are automatic lubrication systems (if present) functioning with correct output settings and lubricant levels?
  • Are bearing operating temperatures trended to detect over-greasing or under-greasing conditions?

Oil Analysis and Lubricant Condition Monitoring

Evaluate the oil analysis program for oil-lubricated bearings and gearboxes to detect lubricant degradation and contamination.

  • Is an oil analysis program in place for oil-lubricated bearing housings and gearboxes?
  • Are oil samples taken at the correct sample point and consistent conditions (running equipment, same interval)?
  • Are oil analysis results reviewed by qualified personnel and action taken on flagged samples?
  • Are oil change intervals based on oil analysis condition data rather than solely time-based schedules?
  • Are oil sample results and corresponding corrective actions documented in the CMMS?

Technician Training and Competency Verification

Confirm lubrication technicians have received appropriate training and demonstrate competency in lubrication best practices.

  • Have all lubrication technicians received documented training on the lubrication program procedures?
  • Are lubrication technicians trained on LOTO requirements applicable to lubrication tasks?
  • Have technicians received training on lubricant compatibility, contamination risks, and correct handling?
  • Are training records current and retained with documented training dates and topics covered?
  • Is refresher training provided when deficiencies in lubrication program execution are identified?

Lubrication KPIs and Continuous Improvement

Review lubrication program key performance indicators and continuous improvement activities.

  • Are lubrication-related equipment failures tracked and reported as a separate failure mode category?
  • Is PM schedule compliance for lubrication tasks measured and reported monthly?
  • What is the current lubrication PM schedule compliance rate for this period?
  • Has a root cause analysis been conducted on any lubrication-related bearing failures in the past 12 months?
  • List key findings, gaps identified, and recommended corrective actions from this compliance audit?

Related Equipment Maintenance Checklists

Related Lubrication Checklists

Why Use This Bearing Lubrication Program Compliance Check Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This bearing lubrication program compliance check checklist [free pdf] helps industrial maintenance teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for reliability engineer professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly.

Ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 - Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), ISO 55000:2014 - Asset Management Systems Requirements, SMRP Best Practice 4.1 - Preventive Maintenance Task Development, SMRP Best Practice 4.2 - Lubrication Management, ANSI/AGMA 9005-F16 - Industrial Gear Lubrication. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bearing Lubrication Program Compliance Check Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 7 sections: Lubrication Program Documentation and Standards, Lubricant Storage, Handling, and Contamination Control, Lubrication Task Execution and Safety Compliance, Lubricant Quantity and Application Method Compliance, Oil Analysis and Lubricant Condition Monitoring, Technician Training and Competency Verification, Lubrication KPIs and Continuous Improvement. It is designed for industrial maintenance operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 60-90 minutes.

Who should use this Bearing Lubrication Program Compliance Check Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Reliability Engineer professionals in the industrial maintenance industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

Browse More Checklists