In recent years, the dangers of oil mist have become more well-known, ranging from health issues to increased workplace safety risks. This has resulted in many organisations wondering when and where they might need an oil mist extractor to ensure the health and safety of their employees.
In this article, we look at the potential risks of oil mist, how an oil mist extraction system can benefit your work environment, and in which situations they are most helpful.
The safety risks
Employees can become exposed to oil mist through three main routes; skin contact, inhalation and ingestion. Studies show that, whichever way workers come into contact with oil mist, it can create significant health risks such as:
- Contact dermatitis
- Bronchial asthma
- Lung fibrosis
- Rhinitis
- Bronchitis
- Various cancer forms include lung, gastrointestinal, kidney and skin cancer.
In many instances, these conditions can result in a long-term health impact and even increased mortality rates, highlighting the severity of unmanaged oil mist levels in the workplace. Employers should be aware of the symptoms of these conditions, which include shortness of breath, eye and skin irritation, vomiting, fever and a rapid heartbeat.
Further to health concerns, oil mist creates a build-up of flammable residue, which can increase the risk of fires and contribute to slippery surfaces resulting in trip and slip hazards.
What does the Health and Safety Executive say?
The HSE recommends businesses ‘enclose the machine in as much as possible, for example, retrofit roof panels’ and provide ‘local exhaust ventilation (LEV)’ to the equipment. In addition, the HSE specifies the links between controlling metalworking fluid and oil mist and reducing ill health in machining workers, further highlighting the importance of proper workplace ventilation.
How oil mist extraction can help
Oil mist extraction works by drawing the mist-laden air from the machine tool into the extraction unit and, using centrifugal force through a cyclone, throwing the heavy oil and solid particles against the interior wall and vanes of the filter.
Then, as the air rises, the internal chamber narrows, which results in the airflow tightening, sifting out smaller and finer particles. Unfortunately, these particles often contain the toxins responsible for creating the health risks mentioned above, primarily because of their propensity to bond with other unhealthy chemicals in the workplace.
The oil is allowed to run down the inside of the chamber where it is collected, resulting in a reduced risk of flammable residue build-up and slip hazards. This oil can then be filtered and reused, resulting in a potential cost saving for your business.
The end result is the effective removal of the harmful elements of oil mist and the creation of a cleaner, safer and more pleasant workplace for all employees.
Where to use oil mist extraction
The metalworking industry
The environment in which employees are most likely to encounter a high level of oil mist is the metalworking industry. Many processes in this sector generate oil mist, such as milling, turning, grinding and drilling. The oil mists occur when metalworking fluids used to cool and lubricate the machinery come into contact with fast-moving parts.
The liquids then evaporate from the hot surface of the machinery to create oil mist. Generally speaking, the higher the speed of the tool, the greater generation of oil mist.
The automotive and maritime sectors
Oil mist is a common by-product of many engineering processes of the automotive and maritime industries, as well as other workplaces revolving around sustained work on engines and motors.
With coolants, engine fumes and lubricant oil playing a significant role in many processes within these sectors, extracting the harmful elements of the waste products at source can vastly benefit employee safety.
Food and beverage production
The expansive machinery used in food and drink production requires a significant amount of lubrication which, as mentioned above, contributes to the occurrences of oil mist. An additional risk in this sector is the chances of oil mist contaminating food and drink produce, resulting in a potential threat being presented not only to staff but to consumers as well.
How to implement oil mist extractors
The most effective method of collecting oil mist smoke is at the source, that is, directly at the metalworking machine. Whether the device in question is open, enclosed or a hybrid of the two, extracting oil mist at source allows harmful toxins and particles to be removed before they come into contact with employees or work surfaces where they could pose a risk.
VODEX provides oil mist solutions
Here at VODEX, we’re passionate about making your workplace safe and helping to protect your staff.
By providing a wide range of oil mist extraction solutions, VODEX can make your workplace cleaner, safer and more pleasant.
Take a look at our oil mist extractors for more information on specifications, or contact us for a detailed conversation.
