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bronchial tubes and lungs retain particles between these sizes, potentially causing a variety of health hazards. Indeed, inhaling the mist generated by machining can lead to lung diseases such as occupational asthma and occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis (also known as extrinsic allergic alveolitis). Aside from the health issues, oil mist is flammable, accelerating the potential for disaster in the event of a fire. Oil mist also presents a slip hazard and can cause problems with sensitive electrical equipment if ingress occurs - issues that can lead to costly machine downtime and repairs. “Sadly, oil mist is a long-standing problem in machine shops that remains commonplace to this day,” reports James Stansfield, CEO of Filtermist, a company where he has been championing the merits of oil mist extraction for the past 25 years. “We’re still getting large, multiple orders for entire machine shops with no extraction.”
“Although we try to simplify mist extraction for our customers, these systems require correct specification. It’s not just a case of buying a product off-the-shelf and fitting it yourself”
ALARP Although there is no defined maximum
oils; semi-synthetic fluids; and synthetic fluids. While each has its own specific properties there is a common denominator – all generate airborne mist particles. Oil mist is a danger to health and hence requires control within the workplace, enforceable by Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations. Sizing up the issue Oil mist particles which are larger than 3.5 microns separate in the nose and throat, while particles smaller than 1 micron are absorbed into the bloodstream. Unfortunately, the throat,
workplace exposure limit for oil mist, COSHH requires employers to reduce exposure to oil mist particles to ‘as low as reasonably practicable’: ALARP. There is a logical approach to the thought process here. Firstly, is it possible to eliminate metalworking fluids? If yes, great, but if not, it becomes necessary to implement appropriate controls. “The burden of proof is on manufacturers, who must prove they did everything possible to remove the risk,” he explains. “There’s still a lack
13 Machinery & Manufacturing
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