The United Kingdom Lubricants Association (UKLA) has introduced a ‘good practice’ guide for the safe handling and disposal of metal-working fluid, the maintenance of which is essential to prevent ill health in machine workshops.

The guide has been compiled in conjunction with the Metalworking Fluid Product Stewardship Group and the Health and Safety Executive, and with advice from experienced workshop managers and medical experts.

Tony Joynston, general sales manager for filtration at Eclipse Magnetics Ltd, said: “Eclipse Magnetics is delighted that the UKLA has recognised the need for workshops to have a set of guidelines encouraging them to strictly manage metal-working fluid.

“There has been a massive increase in health problems related to exposure to metal-working fluids, so it is absolutely essential that the industry strives to reduce the risk of ill health in operators and to ensure that health-and-safety directives are followed.”

Metal contamination has been identified as a major factor affecting the quality of water-mix metal-working fluids.

Magnetic filtration systems ensure that problem ferrous particles are removed effectively from the metal-working fluid, lowering the concentration of metal contaminants and significantly reducing the risk of contact and inhalation for operators in the work-place.

Information about filtration systems for metal-working fluids, oils and coolants can be found at the Web site (www.eclipse magnetics.com/row/filtration-systems).