Metalworking inspections start in October!

Metalworking inspections start in October.

From October - March 2024, HSE will be inspecting manufacturing businesses that use metal working fluids or coolants in their machining processes.

Inspectors will be focused on how employers are ensuring workers are protected from exposure to fluid or mist generated by computer numerical control (CNC) machines and that regular health checks are in place.

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There are 3 areas where manufacturing companies, particularly smaller companies, commonly fall down on compliance:

• not having Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV),
• not completing regular fluid quality checks,
• not providing regular health checks for lung and skin conditions.

Be prepared for inspection!

Metalworking fluid is a hazardous substance that comes under

COSHH regulations

(Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002).

Exposure to metalworking fluids can cause harm to lungs and skin through inhalation or direct contact with unprotected skin; particularly hands, forearms and face. Breathing in the mist generated by machining can lead to lung diseases such as occupational asthma and occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

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To reduce exposure, you need control measures in place. LEV should be fitted on CNC machines to carry away any harmful metalworking fluid mist, which is difficult to see in normal lighting.

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Fluid quality should be regularly checked, focusing on

concentration, pH, bacteria and contaminants.

Fluid systems can become highly contaminated with harmful bacteria.

Where there is exposure to fluid or mist, it is a

legal requirement to carry out health surveillance,

even when preventative controls are in place. You will need to involve an occupational health professional and workers should be encouraged to report any health symptoms that occur.

To read more about the details on legal guidance, including -

• buying and using local exhaust ventilation,
• Machining with metalworking fluids information sheet,
• How to look after your metalworking fluid,
• Setting up occupational health and health surveillance.

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Then please use the following ink….

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If you would like to ask us any questions, are after some advice, or even hoping to have YOUR Risk Assessments checked and completed then email Larry on

[email protected]

www.ryderpartnership.co.uk

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