Metalworking Fluids – Do You Have LEV in Place?

Are you aware of the dangers of working with metalworking fluids and coolants without adequate ventilation?

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) carries out inspections to ensure workers are protected from exposure to any fluid or oil mist generated through CNC machines in Great Britain.

Exposure to metalworking fluids, coolants and smoke can be detrimental to your health, with potential to cause damage to both your lungs through inhalation and skin through direct contact.

Previous inspections by the HSE have revealed inadequate or non-existent local exhaust ventilation (LEV) in place for metalworking fluids in work areas using CNC machinery.

When it comes to metalworking it’s important to have local exhaust ventilation equipment in place to filter any oil mists created during production and machining processes.

LEV equipment is required to reduce your exposure to any metalworking fluids. Fitted directly to CNC machinery by a standalone or centralised system any harmful fluid mist is removed, which on first glance may not even be visible.

Fercell LEV Solutions

Fercell offer a number of LEV solutions, including oil mist extraction. We understand one size does not fit all, therefore Fercell provide LEV solutions tailored to your project requirements.

Our product range includes a variety of oil mist filtration units, which are ideal for continuous use and removal of pollutants during processing, separating the oil mist particles from the air, with the option to collect oil for re-use or disposal and return clean air back into the workspace.

Fercell recently installed an oil mist extraction solution for a manufacturer of aluminium gravity die castings, to remove any oil mist produced using CNC lathes. The GFO Oil Series was the optimal solution for the filtration of emulsified oil mist from the centralised extraction systems servicing production machinery.

Another instance where oil mist extraction was required, was for a CNC vertical machining centre used at a manufacturing facility. The solution, the Galileo Extra centrifugal fan, designed to remove any oil mist generated throughout the production process, with filtration designed to catch even the smallest of particles.

LEV Testing

As stated by legislation, “the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) require employers to ensure that exposure is prevented or, where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled.”

At a minimum, every 14 months a CoSHH assessment, also known as a LEV test should be carried out. This is not only a legal requirement, but will ensure your system is performing efficiently and no fume or vapour is escaping. In addition to Fercell’s service portfolio, Fercell also offer LEV testing, keeping you up to date and delivering peace of mind. Book a LEV test here.

For more information contact Fercell on 01622 791414 or email info@fercell.com.