The event attracted a pre-registration of 650 industry professionals drawn from engineering workshop and factory businesses including maintenance managers, machine operators and supervisors, and health & safety professionals.
Exposure to metalworking fluids can cause respiratory disease and dermatitis through inhalation or direct contact with unprotected skin, particularly hands, forearms and face.
However, when used in line with manufacturer’s recommendations, metalworking fluids are safe to use and can improve machine efficiency, reduce downtime, improve machining operations and improve productivity while minimising health risks.
Companies can work safely with metalworking fluids by taking three simple steps:
FLUID - Look after your fluid. Carry out fluid quality checks to minimise the risk to health, ensure good metalworking fluid performance and protect your investment.
MIST - Install local exhaust ventilation on CNC machines to reduce operator exposure to metalworking fluid mist.
HEALTH - Arrange health surveillance for employees working with metalworking fluids, to identify any ill health early.
UKLA aim to support and encourage greater engagement in the safe use and management of metalworking fluids by end users and are constantly striving to improve standards across the industry in order to benefit employees and businesses.
Stuart Duff, UKLA Metalworking Fluid Product Stewardship Group Chair said ‘‘The UK has one of the safest working environments in Europe. By taking three simple steps UK industry can work towards becoming one of the healthiest places to work at the same time as improving production efficiencies, reducing machinery downtime and minimising operator ill-health."
The MWFPSG comprises of eighteen lubricant suppliers, blenders, and marketers whose aim is to assist in the education of end users, enhance the health and safety provision to members and their customers’ employees, and provide qualified, expert reviewed information to industry and the public.
