Coolant testing kit checks HSE compliance

To conform with UK Health and Safety guidelines, a cutting lubricants supplier has introduced a mobile coolant testing kit for checking water soluablee fluids for bacterial contamination.

In response to the latest HSE guidelines, concerning the control of bacterial contamination in used water soluble metalworking fluids, and to coincide with the launch of the Ecocool Ultralife range of coolants, Fuchs UK has introduced its Mobile Coolant Testing Kit.

The HSE's revised guidelines, including a new document for metalworking fluid users titled 'MWF5: Managing Sumps and Bacterial Contamination', states that manufacturers should do the following.

* Carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment to evaluate the potential risk of occupational asthma and extrinsic allergic alveolitis.

* Maintain fluid quality and control bacterial contamination in fluids.

* Minimise skin exposure to fluids.

* Prevent or control airborne mists.

* Carry out health surveillance where there is exposure to fluid or mist.

Fuchs told manufacturingtalk.com that its testing kit is an ideal way for machining companies to monitor bacteria levels in used coolant and act accordingly.

It would help them to protect their employees, ensure compliance with HSE guidelines and improve the commercial performance of their business.

The Fuchs Mobile Coolant Testing Kit contains the following.

* 2 x dip slides - to monitor bacterial levels.

* 1 x field incubation unit - holds 12 dip slides.

* 1 x 0-18% Brix refractometer - to check fluid concentration.

* 2 x 250ml sterilising solution - for disposal of used dip slides.

* 100 x pH strips - to monitor pH levels.

* 100 x PPE gloves - for safe handling.

* Pipettes and syringe.

* Instruction manual.

* Hard back carry case.

Replacement items for the testing kit can be ordered directly from Fuchs.

* Excessive bacteria - excessive levels of bacteria contravene HSE guidelines and make employers liable for any regulatory implications.

High levels of bacteria can degrade the technical performance properties of water soluble coolants as they create an acid environment, which causes the fluid to separate and lose its lubricant characteristics.

Poor bacterial control can therefore be detrimental to the health of a business' profits: minimising coolant life; increasing tooling costs and increasing the need for machine maintenance and expensive remedial actions, such as biocide treatments and fluid disposal.

By using the test kit, companies can manage their fluids more effectively, control contamination levels and improve their overall productivity, said Fuchs.

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