Health and safety regulations require employers to carry out an assessment of the risks to the health from hazardous substances present in the workplace. A suitable and sufficient risk assessment is required wherever exposure to metal working fluids (MWFs) is likely to occur.
Where there are five or more employees a written copy of the risk assessment should be provided and employees should always be informed of any significant findings from the assessment process.
Understanding when employees and others may be exposed to MWF is important when conducting a risk assessment. All potential sources of exposure should be identified as well as who is likely to be exposed, and for how long.
Activities involving handling, storage, machining and maintenance should all be carefully considered to ensure an effective risk assessment is completed.
The level of exposure to mist, aerosol or vapour generated will depend upon the type of machining being performed and how the machine is enclosed or ventilated. Exposure is likely to be highest:
A series of HSE COSHH essentials advice sheets for machining and metalworking fluids are available to assist anyone undertaking a risk assessment. Advice for managers is available within MW0 Advice for managers.
Further information on how to conduct a risk assessment is available within the HSE publication A step by step guide to COSHH assessment.
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