HSE Update - Metal Working Fluids

Health Healthand andSafety Safety Executive Executive

HSE Update Metal Working Fluids (MWF)

Martin Giles HM Inspector of Health and Safety Sector Lead for metal working and engineering martin.giles@hse.gov.uk

Metalworking Fluids (MWF) Metalworking Fluids (MWF)

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Water based MWF – primary focus Oil based and other MWF – not to be forgotten Target use in CNC machines due to high operating speeds leading to mist formation

MWF mist is produced inside the CNC enclosure during machining.

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Mist can escape through gaps in the enclosure

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The use of hand-held compressed air guns to clean components and machine surfaces generates mist.

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High exposures can happen when the enclosure doors are opened shortly after machining stops.

Recirculating air from enclosures without cleaning

Workers get splashed by handling components, handling neat oils and in cleaning machines and sumps. They get MWF on hands, arms and clothing

Metalworking Fluids (MWF) Inhalation of MWF mist can cause lung diseases,

- occupational asthma - occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

There is no WEL for Metal Working Fluid (MWF) exposure.

The old MEL level was withdrawn because people were affected at exposures below the old MEL.

Skin exposure to MWF can cause dermatitis.

Metalworking Fluids (MWF) More than six years of HSE inspection data Key Improvements Required by Industry

• Fitting LEV to all CNC machines • Conducting fluid quality checks • Health Surveillance for asthma and dermatitis

Fluid quality management Recommended checks and frequencies:

• Weekly dipslide (inhalation risks only) • Weekly pH, concentration and tramp oil • Daily checks of odour and appearance • Dipslide frequency can be reduced if DH can

demonstrate consistent and effective bacterial control through monitoring results

© Crown Copyright, HSE 2017

Bacterial monitoring using dipslides

Dipslide dipped into sump

Dipslide in incubator

© Crown Copyright, HSE 2017

Fluid quality management - pH

Acceptable pH range typically 8.5-9.5 © Crown Copyright, HSE 2017

Fluid quality management – Sump fluid concentration Measured using a refractometer

Concentration typically between 5-10%

© Crown Copyright, HSE 2017

Checking and removal of tramp oil

• Belt skimmer and

centrifugal separator to remove tramp oil

Excessive tramp oil

© Crown Copyright, HSE 2017

Metalworking Fluids (MWF) HSE Guidance Advice for Managers

HSE COSHH MW0

CNC Machining

HSE COSHH MW1

Control of Skin Risks during Machining

HSE COSHH MW2

Sump Cleaning Water Fluid Mixes

HSE COSHH MW3

Sump Cleaning Neat Oils

HSE COSHH MW4

Managing Fluid Quality

HSE COSHH MW5

Health Surveillance for Occupational Asthma

HSE G402

Health Surveillance for Occupational Dermatitis HSE G403

Metalworking Fluids (MWF) UK Lubricants Association (UKLA) Videos on testing/maintaining metalworking fluids (MWF)

 Easy to follow demonstrations of the quick and simple tests that should be carried out

 Advice on effective storage and mixing of metalworking fluids  Information on protecting the health of workers and assets https://www.youtube.com/@UKLAMetalworkingFluidGroup/videos.

UKLA Guide

UKLA-HSE-Good-Practice-Guide-for-SafeHandling-and-Disposal-of-Metalworking-Fl uids.pdf

Metalworking Fluids (MWF) • HSE campaign highlights dangers from metalworking fl uids | HSE Media Centre

• Machinists and metalworking fluid - Work Right to keep Britain safe