Quick Start

Why are metal removal fluids used?

The MRFs can be supplied in a variety of different formulations that include everything from straight petroleum oils to totally synthetic products containing no mineral oil. The MRFs perform two main functions:

cooling of the tool and part

lubricating the cutting tool

Additional functions are to flush and transport metal debris and prevent corrosion.

Why is it important to handle MRF safely and manage it properly?

If MRFs are not properly managed and handled, health problems can arise. If employees neglect personal hygiene, or if the fluid itself is not kept clean or is not at the proper dilution, such health problems become more likely. Please see the Do's and Don'ts for a quick list of practices that will help minimize problems, or, for a more detailed discussion, go to Managing MRF.

For a more detailed self-assessment, see Checklist 1 and Checklist 2.

See also Management Plan

How can I tell if my plant has good MRF management?

There are seven important elements in good fluid management:

Management commitment, leadership and involvement, including assigned responsibility in your shop for both the overall MRF management program as well as its various elements, including:

fluid selection

fluid maintenance, including the drain, clean, and recharge procedure

fluid testing and control

material management

record keeping

MRF delivery systems including filters, pumps, seals, and auxiliary hydraulic systems

ventilation systems in the shop, including general ventilation, machine enclosures and guarding, local exhaust ventilation systems, including ducting and mist collectors

Medical monitoring, management, and surveillance, including an effective way for employees to report respiratory irritation or dermatitis

Investigation, review, and correction of hazards related to exposure to MRFs and to health and safety complaints potentially related to MRF exposure

Employee information and training on understanding and recognizing potential hazards of MRFs and associated chemicals as part of the shop's already-required hazard communication program. The program should include the effects of overexposure and ways for employees to protect themselves.

Review and analysis of the fluid test program results and corrective actions, as appropriate.

Employee participation in the fluid management program, both in its design and implementation. Employee participation also means that employees participate in assuring their safety by following good personal hygiene, good housekeeping, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Employees should read the MSDS for products they use. Employees are encouraged to ask questions and provide comments about the fluid management program.

While a MRF management program for a small shop may not need to be extensive as long as everyone involved understands their responsibilities, every shop will benefit from a well written MRF management program including all of the above elements and incorporation of that program into their quality management program such as ISO 9000 or QS-9000.

The following quick assessment may be a useful place to begin:

Management Commitment and Written Program	*Yes or No*
Is shop management providing commitment, leadership, and involvement for the shop's metal removal fluid management program (MRFP) including the assignment of overall responsibility for the MRFP?
Does the shop have a written management program that includes all elements and identifies management and employee responsibilities?

Employee Participation	**
Have employees participated in the design and implementation of the fluid management program?
Do employees use good personal hygiene, good housekeeping, and appropriate PPE?

Fluid Selection and Testing Program	**
Does the MRFP include procedures for sampling, testing, and evaluating the fluid?
Is the data collected reviewed and are corrective actions taken as appropriate?

Information and Training	**
Are employees provided with information and training on understanding and recognizing potential hazards of MRFs and associated chemicals as part of the shop's hazard communication program?
Does the employee information and training program include effects of overexposure and ways employees can protect themselves?

Investigation of Hazards and Complaints	**
Does the shop have a program for investigation and review of hazards related to exposure to MRFs and for corrective actions if necessary?
Does the shop have a program for investigation and review of health and safety complaints?

Medical Monitoring, Management, and Surveillance	**
Does the shop have a medical program or set of procedures to address health concerns in the workplace?
Do employees have an effective way to report respiratory irritation or dermatitis, and do they use it?

If you are able to answer yes to each of the above questions, then you have a great MRF environmental management program. Most shops will not be able to answer yes to each question and all positive answers are not necessary to have a good MRF management program. What this quick check and the remaining parts of this guide provide is a means to improve your management program using up-to-date best practices information.

If you have any questions that are not answered by the information in this guide, please e-mail us and a knowledgeable person will answer your questions. For a more detailed assessment of your plant's management program, please see the self assessment section.