HSE Set To Inspect Businesses Using Metalworking Fluids And Coolants

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has this week announced its plans to carry out unannounced inspections on manufacturing businesses that use metalworking fluids or coolants in their CNC machine processes. The inspections will be carried out between October 2023 and March 2024.

These inspections support the ongoing HSE campaign which highlights the risks that employees face when working with these types of fluids. Implementing control measures and carrying out regular health surveillance checks can help to mitigate these risks and keep employees safe.

Improvements suggested by HSE for safer working with metalworking fluids include:

• Installing local exhaust ventilation (LEV)
• Undertaking regular fluid quality checks
• Undertaking regular health surveillance checks

Installing Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)

During machining, mist is produced from metalworking fluids. If this mist is inhaled, it can damage the lungs of workers, putting their health at risk.

Installing local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to CNC machines can help to minimise the risk of inhalation, protecting the health of your employees.

Undertaking Regular Fluid Quality Checks

Metalworking fluids can easily become contaminated, which can lead to bacterial growth. Not only can that affect the quality and performance of the fluids, but it can also lead to skin damage or infection.

Regularly checking metalworking fluids for concentration, pH levels and bacteria levels can help you to maintain safe and effective fluids.  

Undertaking Regular Health Surveillance Checks

According to health and safety law, employers must have a health surveillance scheme available for workers who handle metalworking fluids and coolants.

Whilst control measures should always be put in place, they may not always be reliable, so it’s important to continuously monitor the health of your employees and minimise any risks.

Learn more about the safe handling of metalworking fluids here

How Can Eclipse Magnetics Help?

At Eclipse Magnetics, we manufacture high performance magnetic filtration systems which remove ferrous contamination from metalworking fluids, coolants and other liquids used in CNC processes. This can help to preserve the quality and purity of machine fluids, extending their lifespan.

For more information about our magnetic filtration systems, give us a call on +44 (0) 114 225 0600 or contact us here.

View our full range of magnetic filtration systems here