Looking after your metalworking fluids will benefit your workshop, employees, machining performance and reduce costs.
Estimated reading time 2 minutes
The United Kingdom Lubricants Association Metalworking Fluid Product Stewardship Group (UKLA MWFPSG) is working with BOHS, Make UK, MTA and SHEP to call on industry to use metalworking fluids safely.
Looking after your metalworking fluids will benefit your workshop, employees, machining performance and reduce costs.
By taking some simple and practical steps the benefits will include:
- Reduce downtime, waste and scrap components
- Improve machining efficiency and increase productivity
- Provide a healthier working environment for operators
- Reduce the risk of lung and skin disease
- Contribute towards duty of care responsibilities
These steps can be simplified into three key areas where you should take action:
FLUID, MIST, HEALTH
FLUID Look after your fluid. Carry out fluid quality checks to minimise the risk to health, ensure good metalworking fluid performance and protect your investment.
HSE COSHH MW5: Managing fluid quality
UKLA-HSE-Good-Practice-Guide-for-Safe-Handling-and-Disposal-of-Metalworking-Fluids.pdf
UKLA MWFPSG are particularly proud to share a series of videos developed for the industry by the industry on managing your metalworking fluids safely. These include easy-to-follow demonstrations of quick and simple tests that should be carried out. Please check them out on our YouTube channel.
MIST Install local exhaust ventilation on CNC machines to reduce operator exposure to metalworking fluid mist. HSE COSHH MW1:CNC Machining
HEALTH Arrange health surveillance for your employees working with metalworking fluids, to identify any ill health early. Health surveillance – Overview (hse.gov.uk) UKLA and its partners want to support and encourage greater engagement in the safe use and management of metalworking fluids and are constantly striving to improve standards across the industry in order to benefit employees and businesses. Please talk to your fluid supplier or trade association for more advice.
