PRESS RELEASES

Andrew Childs, Business Development Manager of Batoyle Freedom Group's Metalworking Division discusses Health & Safety issues associated with metalworking fluids, simple steps which can be taken to reduce them and one of their latest advancements in fluid technology addressing this issue.

"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/H&S issues that surround there use.

COSHH, CHIP and REACH all need to be contended with. 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 (chemistry, biology etc.) behind these products is usually outside of 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 instil 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.
• In addition 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. Most recently we have focused on the issue of replacing neat mineral oil cutting fluids with water miscible alternatives.
Solmaster RD1286 is one such example as it has proved highly 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 usage/costs and offers significant environmental benefits - a potential win-win for the end user."

For more information contact the Metalworking Division on 01484 461999.

Editors Notes

Batoyle Freedom group is one of the UK's largest independent lubricant manufacturing companies. Founded in 1875, the company's divisionalised structure ensures a truly customer-orientated approach with individual divisions focused specifically on satisfying the manufacturing and service needs of the market sector they serve. Examples of these sectors include Wire & Tube, Glass, Industrial, Automotive and Textile.

Lubricants manufactured by the Group are exported to more than 50 countries world wide through a strong network of local agents and distributors.

Batoyle Freedom Group, Colne Vale Road, Milnsbridge, Huddersfield, HD3 4NT
Tel: +44 (0) 1484 461999 Fax: +44 (0) 1484 461998
E-mail: bfginformation@aol.com Web: www.batoyle.co.uk  

For editorial and advertising enquiries contact: Beth Taylor
Taylor Marketing Solutions Ltd., PO BOX 1356, Huddersfield, HD1 9ZL
Tel: +44 (0) 1484 422511 Fax: +44 (0) 1484 538790
E-mail: beth@taylor-ms.co.uk Web: www.taylor-ms.co.uk