The United Kingdom Lubricants Association (UKLA) Metalworking Fluid Product Stewardship Group (MWFPSG) is pleased to announce the launch of the updated Good Practice Guide for Safe Handling and Disposal of Metalworking Fluids (MWF).

Produced in partnership with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), the guide aims to keep end users up to date with the latest developments supporting safe management and disposal of metalworking fluids.

Improvements to the revised version of the guide include:

  • An updated introductory section on the requirement for occupational health surveillance for those working with MWF, that is aligned with current HSE guidance.
  • Improved guidance statements on managing MWF based on peer review and end user feedback on the first version of this guide.
  • Additional advice and illustrations to assist those undertaking checks on the quality of the MWF.

The publication can be downloaded from the UKLA’s website at http://www.ukla.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/UKLA-HSE-Good-Practice-Guide-for-Safe-Handling-and-Disposal-of-Metalworking-Fluids.pdf or contact your fluid supplier for more details.

UKLA in collaboration with the Chemical Hazards Communication Society are running a webinar, including an outline of the guidance and key control measures. Further information can be found here https://chcs.org.uk/event-3971266

The MWFPSG comprises of eighteen lubricant suppliers, blenders and marketers who are members of UKLA. Their aim is to assist in the education of end users, to enhance the health and safety provision to members and their customers’ employees, and to provide qualified, expert reviewed information to industry and the public.

Fiona McGarry, HSE lead on metalworking fluids commented that “ill-health can be caused by exposure to metalworking fluids, the guide provides practical advice on maintaining fluid quality and the control measures required to protect your workers”.

Kevin Duncan, Chairman of the MWFPSG said “the guide provides an important step for the group in defining what good practice looks like in the workplace and promoting this for the benefit of our end users.”