3040 – 15 – Using Proper Sanitation and Hygiene

Hygiene and common sense are important to safety when working with MWFs. Items like food, drinks, and cosmetics need to be consumed or stored away from the work place to minimize exposure to MWFs. A lot of companies apply a “no smoking policy” in the workplace to limit respiratory effects of MWFs.

PPE provides you with a good shield against MWFs. If you are exposed to an MWF, you need to clean the area with gentle soap and clean water and use a clean towel. Any clothing exposed to MWFs need to be changed and cleaned. Employees need to shower and change clothes as soon as the shift is up.

  1. If you are ever exposed to an MWF via skin or eyes you should…

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3040 – 01 – Defining Metalworking Fluid Safety

3040 – 01 – Defining Metalworking Fluid Safety

The method of creating shapes out of metals through, molding, cold forming, or metal cutting is named metalworking. Since a lot of these machines create heat and friction as they create the metal, they need to be brought back to a more reasonable level by using metalworking fluids (MWF’s). These oils are normally used either by drip methods, sprays, or just an outburst of fluid that covers the operation area. MWF’s also have a wide variety of other benefits like preventing smoking and the burning of the part or tool while the metal forms. They can also have better productivity, […]

3040 – 02 – Finding MWF Information Resources

3040 – 02 – Finding MWF Information Resources

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines state that an employer needs to guarantee a safe, hazard-free working environment for all employees. The employee needs to know and follow all the safety procedures and training that may be needed. Any information and training about the chemicals the workshop uses need to be provided by your employer. This training can be found through labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and chemical training. OSHA also states that a written hazard communication program configuring how Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requirements will be used in the workplace. These guidelines need to be shown at all […]

3040 – 03 – Using Straight Oil and Soluble Oil MWFs

3040 – 03 – Using Straight Oil and Soluble Oil MWFs

Metalworking fluids that are normal to use in metal forming are broken down into four major classes, which are straight oil, soluble oil, semi-synthetic fluids, and synthetic fluids. The majority of these MWF’s are combined with water or solvents. The age of the MWF and application will inform the user what sort of additives need to be added to the fluid for improved performance and life. Straight oil is typically made up of vegetable oils or mineral oils that are used as a lubricant as opposed to a coolant. Petroleum oils usually get treated through a process of refining to […]

3040 – 04 – Using Semi-Synthetic and Synthetic MWFs

3040 – 04 – Using Semi-Synthetic and Synthetic MWFs

Semi-synthetic MWF’s have about 5 to 30% of lubricant based oil that has been refined and 30 to 50% water that is present in the concentrate. This is then combined with 10 to 40% water. Semi-synthetic fluids grant good lubricity, coolant characteristics, rust resistance, and better sump life. They stay cleaner longer than soluble oils. Synthetic MWF’s don’t have any petroleum oil but have detergent-like components with wetting action along with performance-enhancing additives. Synthetics are made so they could be diluted from 10 to 40% water. Synthetics have many advantages are not as susceptible to contamination, offering great rust control, […]

3040 – 05 – Learning About Harmful Substance in MWFs

3040 – 05 – Learning About Harmful Substance in MWFs

MWFs are not completely safe fluids. They can change on a micro scale over time, be contaminated, and have various formulations. The metalworking application, quality and type of chemicals used, possible chemical reactions and human mistakes when using MWF’s are a bunch of examples that can incite MWF safety and health risks. The biggest major health risk in MWFs is contaminants. Microorganisms like bacteria, molds fungi, and all their byproducts may show up as contaminants in MWFs. Even though they are microscopic and can’t be seen but detected by the rancid smell that is present. MWF’s are spawning grounds for […]

3040 – 06 – Avoiding Inhalation and Ingestion

3040 – 06 – Avoiding Inhalation and Ingestion

Employees can have bad reactions through contact with MWFs through inhalation, eye contact, ingestion or skin contact. The largest forms of contact are though skin and inhalation. Inhalation happens when a worker comes into contact with an MWF mist or aerosol and breathes it in. If the employee is near the source and the job has high speed and physically fast forming processes, or shot out with high energy and great pressures then it could be a very serious infection. How much you are exposed is based on how long and much exposure you are subjected to. If the MWF […]

3040 – 07 – Limiting Skin Contact and Eye Contact

3040 – 07 – Limiting Skin Contact and Eye Contact

When an MWF touches the skin at all, then skin contact has occurred. It can happen when a machine, tool, or workpiece gets flooded or uses parts, tools, and equipment coated with fluid without use of personal protective equipment (PPE), like gloves and aprons, skin contact also happens if fluid splashes out of a machine without a proper machine guard. Examples can include when the fluids seep through protective apparel or accidently dipping their hand into the fluid. If the clothing touches the skin with fluid on it then the employee needs to change and wash or else it can […]

3040 – 08 – Defining Factors that Increase Exposure

3040 – 08 – Defining Factors that Increase Exposure

A wide variety of factors have influence in the severity of MWF exposure. One major factor is what sort of combination of chemicals are involved. Some combinations move through the skin quickly and are inhaled easier than others. If the sump level gets lower than the preferred level, then the chemicals become more concentrated leading to greater susceptibility. The process that combines the MWFs, degree of refining or recycling of chemical additions, the chemicals quality, and the potential that a chemical reaction may occur can have an affect on exposure. These MWFs can mix with other substances at the site, […]

3040 – 09 – Understanding MWF Health Effects – Skin Disorders

3040 – 09 – Understanding MWF Health Effects – Skin Disorders

The MWFs health effects range from light and common to severe uncommon most typically dermatitis and acne, but worse can occur if there is a cut on the skin. Dermatitis makes an itchy, burning rash including cracks, redness, yellow pustules, blisters, or bumps. Scarring and disfiguration may occur after severe exposure. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH says around 67% of worker can contract dermatitis. There are two varieties including irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis happens where the skin came into contact with the MWF, while allergic contact dermatitis that will progress […]

3040 – 10 – Understanding MWF Health Effects – Long Term

3040 – 10 – Understanding MWF Health Effects – Long Term

Some of the effects of MWFs happen farther in the future. They may occur weeks, months, even years since they were exposed to MWFs. A respiratory disease can be the consequence of a chemical reaction occurring between the chemicals and biological contaminants in the MWF and human respiratory systems. Irritation can happen in many parts of the respiratory system creating cold or flu-like feelings. It can aggravate asthma, other diseases like chronic bronchitis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Smoking can add to the detriment of these risks. Research has exposed employees who have cancer years later after the first contact. This research […]

3040 – 11 – Using Engineering Controls

3040 – 11 – Using Engineering Controls

When working with the MWFs, you need to work with the engineering controls given to you by the employer. These steps will make sure your exposure rate is far lower. First, your employer needs to pick a non-abrasive, non-allergenic MWFs and additives. They need to be maintained correctly before they are unsafe. Employers also need to make sure they limit employee contact to MWFs by different ways. Using proper handling equipment, ventilation systems, and machine enclosures will make inhalation and skin contact less likely. Many modern machines are created to make the release of MWFs and related contaminants into the […]

3040 – 12 – Types of Ventilation Systems

3040 – 12 – Types of Ventilation Systems

Ventilation systems can be created to limit the accumulation of contaminants in the air and are a good alternative for enclosures. Dedicated exhaust systems and local exhaust systems are two of the typical systems used to gather MWF mists. Dedicated exhaust systems have a suction force gathering the air at the source of contamination and clear it or re-circulate clean air. Local exhaust systems will aerate the specific area of a production and replace the total air volume many times per hour. Each exhaust components need to be placed correctly to ensure it works. Exhaust components need inspection and maintenance […]

3040 – 13 – Utilizing Worksite Organization

3040 – 13 – Utilizing Worksite Organization

A properly maintained worksite that is regularly cleaned can minimize contact with MWFs. You may need to clean the floors, equipment, and the work area especially when waste accumulates. All MWFs need to be put away correctly and any messes need to be cleaned. All worksites should be inspected for proper cleaning conditions. Don’t dump wastes like floor wash water or dirty MWFs into the sump. Check with your supervisor about any problems with worksite safety. You need to obey the labels and warnings on hazardous materials. A variety of warnings need to be posted to tell bystander and operators […]

3040 – 14 – Knowing the Proper Personal Protective Equipment

3040 – 14 – Knowing the Proper Personal Protective Equipment

Engineering controls are better for granting protection according to OSHA. The correct type, fit, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for protection. Employers need to provide PPE and training that is associated with your work. The PPE you wear depends on the process. All employees need eye protection possibly goggles or face shields. Some jobs need the employee chemical protective clothing (CPC) including gloves, aprons, sleeves, or pants. Some applications may require barrier creams or moisturizing creams because their gloves may catch in the moving parts. Creams need to prove that they are effective and not contaminated. […]

3040 – 16 – Understanding Fluid Maintenance

3040 – 16 – Understanding Fluid Maintenance

There are a lot of signals that an MWF can be unstable. A low sump level means there has been MWF loss or water evaporation. Checking fluid levels and putting in the correct amounts indicated by the shop procedures. If you find water at the bottom of the sump drain with straight oil in it, there is a possibility of contamination. Floating material like chips, dirt, grit, swarf or mold need to be removed, with skimmers and filtering devices to keep contamination to a minimum. If excess tramp oil from different operations floats on the surface and won’t go away […]

3040 – 17 – What is a Fluid Management Occupational Safety and Health Program?

3040 – 17 – What is a Fluid Management Occupational Safety and Health Program?

NIOSH guidelines state that employers make a fluid management occupational safety and health program for the safety of employees. Four of these areas include:• Safety and health training• Worksite analysis• Hazard prevention and control• Medical monitoring of exposed workers. Safety and health training trains employees to perceive hazards or unsafe conditions, what chemicals are hazardous, and all the health risks involved. Safety and health training provides SDS and safety sheets on materials and trains employees to stay away from MWF exposure. Worksite analysis gets regular monitoring of skin and inhalation exposure. It determines engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective […]

3040 – 18 – Summary

3040 – 18 – Summary

A lot of metalworking processes and machines need metalworking fluids to lower heat and friction during the process. Your employer is required to provide you with access to information and training about all the chemicals in use or encounter in the workplace. MWFs are used safely every day, but when they aren’t used safely, accidents can happen. The four major classes of metalworking fluids include straight oil, soluble oil, semi-synthetic fluids and synthetic fluids. There are a lot of factors in play that contribute to a substance in MWFs health risks. Common contaminants in MWFs are microorganisms like bacteria, molds, […]

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