Simple steps to safer working
October 1st 2009 Health and safety is a concern for thoses dealing with
metalworking fluids. Andrew Childs, business development
manager of Batoyle Freedom Group's metalworking
division details a recent advancement in fluid technology
Users of water miscible metal working
fluid might be forgiven for thinking
that the manufacturing dice is
stacked against them when they look at
current legislation and health and safety
issues that surround their use. COSHH,
CHIP and REACH all need to be addressed.
You have the plethora of 'frees' – amine free,
nitrite, phenol, mineral oil, chlorine, boron,
fume and mist free, etc. The only 'free' not
available is the MWF, which rises in cost with
each new 'free' that comes along – all driven
by H&S considerations and increasing
legislative pressure.
The basic principal – minimising the
health, safety and welfare risks to the user –
cannot be denied. However it is a minefield
for management to negotiate, particularly as
the science behind these products is usually
outside their everyday
expertise.
To lead you through the
minefield is beyond the scope
of this article – it requires a
book not a one page article!
However, it is probably
appropriate to emphasise
some of the basic rules of
good practice and industrial
hygiene that managers
should instill into employees
to provide a good basic
standard of H&S management:
In general
· Dilution control is extremely important
with all metalworking fluids.When using
a refractometer remember to use the
correction factor. Check dilution daily · The pH, bacteria and fungal levels, tramp
oil levels, and corrosion potential should
all be checked regularly. Simple tests are
available. Your supplier may be able to help · Employees should follow the instructions
and training given by employers on safe
systems of work when using metalworking
fluids · Use splash guards where provided, to
control splashing and misting.Minimise
the production of mist and vapour by
controlling the volume and rate of delivery
of the fluid to the cutting edge of the tool · Use any enclosures or ventilation provided
to remove or control any mist or vapour
produced · Allow a time delay before opening the
doors on machine enclosures to ensure
that all mist and vapour have been
removed by ventilation · Report damaged or defective splash
guards, ventilation hoods or other control
equipment · Open workroom doors and windows to
improve natural ventilation · Do not use compressed air to remove
excess metalworking fluids from machined
parts or plant or equipment
Skin protection
· Reduce direct contact with wet work
pieces and surfaces · Don't put bare hands into fluid sumps or
use oily rags to wipe hands clean · Wear suitable gloves, overalls, aprons,
goggles or face shields if necessary (NB:
Gloves can be hazardous if worn near
rotating machinery or parts) · Take care not to contaminate the inside of
gloves with metalworking fluids · Use a suitable pre-work barrier cream and
use after-work creams to replace the
natural skin oils · Cover any cuts and abrasions with
waterproof dressings · Wash regularly with soap and water. Avoid
using abrasive or powerful solvent cleaners · Wash hands thoroughly before eating,
drinking or smoking. Pay particular
attention to washing skin under rings and
watch straps
Sump fluid control
· Do not discard unwanted food, drink,
cigarette stubs or any other debris into
sumps · Tell your supervisor if you see any layers
of scum or large amounts of tramp oil on
the sump fluid, or if it is dirty or smelly
Other precautions
· Store personal protective equipment in the
changing facilities provided or in clean
storage areas · Change dirty overalls regularly and keep
oily rags out of pockets · Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in areas
where metalworking fluids are used
Not withstanding the above, a main driver
at Batoyle Freedom Group is minimising risk
via new product development. Recently we
have focused on the issue of replacing neat
mineral oil cutting fluids with water miscible
alternatives. Solmaster RD1286 is one
example and has proved successful in
arduous operations such as deep hole boring
– where neat oils have traditionally been the
norm. It ticks many of the right boxes
regarding H&S, being free of oil, triazine,
nitrite, amine and chlorine. In the current
economic climate it also provides an
opportunity to significantly reduce fluid
use/costs and offers environmental benefits –
a potential win-win for the end user. More articles from Batoyle Freedom Group: | 
