Houghton HSE Guidance

HSE GUIDANCE

WORKING SAFELY WITH METALWORKING FLUIDS REVISED MAY 2017

HOUGHTON AND THE HSE

• Houghton have technical representatives who regularly attend the UKLA and The HSE review meetings.

• Houghton are an advisor to the metalworking fluid steering group responsible for producing the new MWF guidelines to be issued Q3 2017 (subject to final reviews) • The HSE require that all MWF users take all reasonably practicable steps to maintain fluids in good condition and to reduce workers exposure.

• Houghton can offer a combination of products and services to reduce MWF heath risks

HSE MWF GUIDANCE

• The HSE is revising existing Guidance to support priority health campaigns and incorporating feedback from industry. This will be enforced by 2 year campaign of random, un-announced visits by Field Inspectors.

• Punitive actions include a levy of service charges for any and all work done by the self-funding Field Inspectors.

• Issue of severe fines for breaches of duty eg; recent £800,000 fine for major aerospace company for health issues linked to poor air quality.

• Guidance is aimed at those with overall control and daily responsibilities for the management of MWFs • Content similar to existing guidance but change of emphasis in certain areas eg; regular fluid monitoring, improving air quality and use of PPE • Format as pocket booklet, posters and updated website

HSE MWF GUIDANCE Principal topics are:

LAW

HEALTH

STORAGE

MAINTAINING

CONTROLLING EXPOSURE TO MWF’s

CLEANING MWF SYSTEMS

MWF’s

PREPARATION

SAFE DISPOSAL

HSE MWF GUIDANCE

THE LAW

• Employers are required to carry out a suitable & sufficient Risk Assessment (RA)to ensure that exposure is either prevented or adequately controlled (i.e., kept to a minimum).

• HSE Field Inspectors will assess employers based on their RA • Requirements are to :o Inform and train all employees about risks and hazards o Provide suitable health surveillance programmes o Keep records: Coolant checks / LEV - 5 years, Health & exposure - 40 years

HSE MWF GUIDANCE

HEALTH

• No special changes • Skin: o Use of PPE. o Self health checks. o Skin care regime.

• Lung disease o Asthma / EAA. o Recognising symptoms. o Reporting issues.

HSE MWF GUIDANCE

STORAGE

• No special changes.

• Advises referral to MWF supplier and/or product SDS • Use of mixer units

PREPERATION

• Check diluted fluid concentration and pH before use • Wear PPE • Use good quality water

HSE MWF GUIDANCE

MAINTENANCE OF MWF’s

• Appearance/odour: Daily • Temperature: To be confirmed • Concentration & pH: Weekly – at least

Guidance explains why and how to maintain MWFs including what checks and the frequency of testing.

• Tramp oil level (2% max): Weekly – at least • Microbes (< 10⁴ CFU/ml): Weekly – at least • Swarf/fines* – visual (kept to minimum): Weekly – at least

* 100 ppm limit removed

HSE MWF GUIDANCE

CONTROLLING EXPOSURE TO MWF MIST

• Use of engineering controls eg; machine enclosures, LEV • Check and service LEV every 14 months. Keep records • Minimise use of mist producing processes • Adjust machine and process to minimise mist • Provide training to employees on mist risks and control • Use and avoidance of compressed air to clean parts

HSE MWF GUIDANCE

CLEANING MWF SYSTEMS

• Emphasises conducting Risk Assessment • The Guidance provides a selection of criteria for when a system clean would be justified.

• The cleaning process for water-mix and neat oil systems is based on current HSE COSHH sheets MW3 and MW4.

• Emphasises use of system cleaners and refers employer to MWF supplier for details of product use.

• Emphasises risks from swarf and dissolved metals in used fluid

HSE MWF GUIDANCE

The Guidance states:

DISPOSAL

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

All MWF should be disposed of in accordance with national and local legislative requirements and an approved waste disposal contractor should be used Employer is advised to follow appropriate guidance and advice from the MWF supplier

Thank you. Any questions?