The questions below have been developed to help reduce the risk of skin and respiratory problems when working with cutting fluids. Read the brochure Working with cutting fluid, which contains explanations of the questions along with concrete examples of what can be done.
Questions
| Document name |
|---|---|
Cutting fluids - reduce the risk of skin and respiratory problems. | |
| Area/location | Date |
Invalid Date | |
| Approved by | Participants |
| Description | The list is based on the following regulations |
The questions below have been developed to help reduce the risk of skin and respiratory problems when working with cutting fluids. Read the brochure Working with cutting fluid, which contains explanations of the questions along with concrete examples of what can be done. |
| Question | Yes | No | N/A | Risk assessment: | Action | Responsible | Latest completion date | Control | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | Medium | High | ||||||||
| 1. Can you avoid using cutting fluids by using some other technique, such as dry machining? |
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| 2. Are there established procedures for purchasing cutting fluids to limit the quantity and ensure the purchased cutting fluids are as safe as possible? |
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| 3. Do you avoid cutting fluids containing allergenic biocides and other allergenic substances as much as possible? |
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| 4. Are there established procedures for the maintenance and control of cutting fluids? |
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| 5. Are there procedures for what to do if the bacterial content in the cutting fluid increases or is too high? |
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| 6. Is everyone who comes into contact with cutting fluids aware of how to prevent bacterial growth and what not to do? |
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| 7. Are the instructions for mixing cutting fluid being followed to ensure that the concentration does not become too high? |
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| 8. Is the coolant system (tanks, pipes, etc.) designed to inhibit bacterial growth? |
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| 9. Is the ventilation system designed to ensure that exhaust air containing coolant mist cannot be recirculated (even if the exhaust air has been cleaned first)? |
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| 10. Does coolant need to be separated from process ventilation air that contains coolant mist, for example with cyclone, filter or drip separator? |
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| 11. The ventilation system is regularly checked and maintained, e.g. with regard to... | ||||||||||
| a) Is the airflow sufficient? |
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| b) Are regular filter changes being carried out? |
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| c) Is there any oil leakage from the ventilation ducts? |
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| d) Is there no oil on the surfaces of heat exchangers? |
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| 12. Do you use tools as much as possible to handle wet objects with cutting fluids safely? |
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| 13. Is the mixing of cutting fluids done automatically to avoid skin contact? |
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| 14. Are tools such as a brush, magnetic rod or chip hook used instead of the hand to handle metal shavings? |
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| 15. Operators at risk of getting cutting fluid on their hands | ||||||||||
| a) Do they wear protective gloves? |
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| b) Do the protective gloves fit well and provide a good grip? |
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| c) Are the protective gloves made of the right kind of material, such as nitrile rubber without additives? |
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| 16. Is there a delay mechanism in place for encapsulated machines to prevent them from being opened immediately after the machine has been switched off? |
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| 17. Is coolant mist not dispersed from encapsulated machines, e.g. from openings or during movement or compressed air blowing in the machine? |
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| 18. Are compressed air and flushing with cutting fluid avoided when cleaning machines? |
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| 19. Can machines for cutting that are not encapsulated be screened off or built in to allow the process ventilation to capture the coolant mist more efficiently? |
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| 20. Do splash guards need to be installed on the machines to reduce the risk of splashes and spills on the operators? |
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| 21. Does the draining and removal of coolant from the machine prevent the formation of puddles? |
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| 22. Can the use of compressed air be reduced by using vacuum suction or absorbers instead, or cleaning with an alternative method, such as degreasing? |
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| 23. If compressed air must be used, can the spread of coolant mist be reduced by: | ||||||||||
| a) Reduce the pressure to, for example, a maximum of 30 psi (2.1 bar)? |
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| b) Which compressed air gun with a nozzle works well at lower pressures? |
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| c) Using an air gun with a longer nozzle? |
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| d) Do you blow clean in fume cupboards or other well-ventilated areas, for example, so that any coolant mist does not spread to the premises? |
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| 24. If there is a risk of splashes and spills on the clothes. | ||||||||||
| a) Is an apron used to protect clothes? |
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| b) Are soiled clothes with cutting fluid changed and sent for washing? |
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| c) Are there routines for regularly changing work clothes? |
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| 25. To avoid skin problems, appropriate skin care routines are in place and followed. | ||||||||||
| a) Keep the skin as clean as possible from cutting fluid? |
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| b) Remove rings and watches when working, as cutting fluid, etc., can accumulate under them. |
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| c) Use mild and unscented soap (and avoid solvents and abrasive cleaners)? |
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| d) Lubricate your hands with skin cream to avoid dehydration. |
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| Other Here you can note risks that need to be addressed that are not included in the checklist |
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More checklists can be found at www.prevent.se/checklistor
