Suitable eye protection should be worn when you are handling metalworking fluids or when at risk of being splashed. All personal protective equipment should be consistent with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations and be suitable for the purpose. Since 1 January 1995 new machines have been required to meet the essential health and safety requirements in schedule 3. These Regulations deal with a variety of risks but in the context of metalworking fluids, clause 1.5.13 requiring the avoidance or control of emissions of gases, liquids, dusts, vapours and waste materials will be relevant. Duties on designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers in section 6 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 will continue to apply.
Many metalworking fluids are, or contain, substances hazardous to health.
They can also be contaminated in use with substances such as micro-organisms which can cause respiratory sensitisation. These require users to ensure that exposure to such substances by inhalation, skin contact or ingestion is prevented where reasonably practicable or, failing that, is adequately controlled. There are various companies offering specialist services in aspects of good machine design, including swarf handling and filtration, and who have considerable experience which is available to industry. Most metalworking fluid suppliers will also be able to provide advice. Any painted part of a machine likely to come in contact with metalworking fluids should be resistant to the fluid used.