Implementing Efficient Solutions: Safeguarding Your Workforce From Health Risks Due To Oil/Coolant Mist.
Oil and coolant mist exposure in the industrial environment is a serious health concern for workers nowadays. Every industry working in the area of metalworking and machining has been involved in such an exposure environment. Through this article, we'll look at some effective solutions for protecting workers from health risks caused by oil or cooling mist.
What is an oil mist?
Oil mist is the drizzle, which is made of droplet particles above 1 mm in size. Oil mist is created when oil emissions are used as a lubricant during the machining of metals.
There are two main types of oil mist:
- Water-based: easier to collect but harder to remove from the air.
- Oil-based: harder to collect but easier to remove from the air.
What is Coolant Mist?
Coolant mist is a mix of coolant and cold air. The coolant mist is used for spraying it on the cutting or machining operations of workpieces.
Types of Coolant Mist:
There are basically three types of coolant mist:
- Soluble oils: This is a type of coolant mist that is a mixture of oil and water with special chemicals to be used as an emulsion.
- Synthetic Fluids: This is an organic fluid originated from the synthesis of oils of animal, plant, or mineral origin.
- Semisynthetic Fluids: It is a mix of conventional and synthetic fluids. It's made by mixing synthetic and mineral fluids in a ratio of 25:75 to 35:65. The blend helps resist oxidation and withstand high temperatures. It also maintains the right viscosity at both high and low engine temperatures.
Health Effects of Oil Mist on Workers:
Machining oil mist is a common by-product of various industrial processes that involve metal cutting, grinding, and milling. This mist can pose a significant risk to human health if it is not properly controlled or handled. Exposure to machining oil mist can result in a variety of adverse health effects, ranging from minor irritations to serious respiratory problems and cancer.
Immediate Symptoms of Inhaling Oil Mist:
One of the most immediate effects of exposure to machining oil mist is irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. This irritation can cause symptoms such as burning, itching, and watering of the eyes, as well as sneezing, coughing, and a sore throat. These symptoms may be short-lived, but they can still be uncomfortable and disruptive to work.
Major Effects of Oil Mist on Health:
In addition to these acute symptoms, prolonged exposure to machining oil mist can cause chronic respiratory problems. This mist can enter the lungs and cause inflammation, leading to conditions such as bronchitis and asthma. These conditions can cause difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing, making it harder for workers to perform their job duties.
Long-term exposure to machining oil mist has also been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. The mist contains a variety of harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known carcinogens. These chemicals can accumulate in the lungs over time, increasing the risk of cancer.
According to a study and research report published in MDPI’s international journal of environmental research and public health, oil mist exposure can lead to reproductive effects in pregnant workers, which means heavy oil mist exposure can be the main reason behind birth defects and heart defects. You can read more about it here.
Factors Responsible for Exposure to Oil Mist:
The effects of machining oil mist exposure can vary depending on a number of factors, such as
The type and amount of mist
The duration
frequency of exposure,
The individual's susceptibility to the chemicals in the mist
Some people may be more sensitive to these chemicals than others and may experience more severe symptoms or health effects.
How can we minimize the risks of oil mist exposure and prevent workers from getting it?
To minimize the risks associated with machining oil mist exposure, it is important to take appropriate precautions in the workplace.
Using ventilation systems to control the spread of mist,
wearing protective gear such as masks, goggles, and PPE.
implementing safe work practices to reduce exposure.
Regular monitoring of air quality and worker health
Machining oil mist collectors plays an important role in protecting health as well as enhancing their productivity.
Why Oil Mist Collectors Are Important:
Machining oil mist collectors are essential tools in many industries where metal cutting and grinding are commonly performed. These devices are designed to capture and remove oil mist and other airborne contaminants from the workplace, improving air quality and protecting the health and safety of workers. There are several types of machining oil mist collectors available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Types of oil/coolant mist collectors:
There are three types of technologies, i.e., mist collectors, available, namely:
Electrostatic precipitators(ESP)
centrifugal mist collector and
Media type filtration
Electrostatic precipitators (ESP)
Working Principles Behind Electrostatic Oil Mist Collectors
Electrostatic oil mist collectors use a high-voltage electrical charge to ionize oil mist particles as they pass through the device. The charged particles are then attracted to a grounded collector plate, where they are deposited and removed from the air stream. The ionization process is highly effective at removing oil mist particles from the air, and the collected oil can be easily recovered for reuse or disposal.
Electrostatic oil mist collectors are highly effective devices used in industrial settings to remove oil mist and other airborne contaminants from the air. They work by using an electrostatic charge to attract and capture oil mist particles as they pass through the device. Electrostatic oil mist collectors offer several technical advantages and benefits compared to other types of mist collectors.
Technical Advantages of Electrostatic Oil Mist Collectors
High Efficiency
Electrostatic oil mist collectors are highly efficient at removing oil mist particles from the air, with efficiency rates of up to 99%. This makes them highly effective at maintaining a clean and safe working environment for employees.
Low Maintenance
Electrostatic oil mist collectors require minimal maintenance compared to other types of mist collectors. They do not require frequent filter changes or cleaning, and the collected oil can be easily recovered for reuse or disposal.
Energy Efficient
Electrostatic oil mist collectors are highly energy-efficient, requiring only a small amount of power to operate. This makes them cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Space-Saving Design
Electrostatic oil mist collectors are typically compact in size and can be easily integrated into existing equipment or workspaces. This makes them ideal for use in small or crowded work environments.
Benefits of Electrostatic Oil Mist Collectors
Improved air quality
Electrostatic oil mist collectors help to improve air quality in the workplace by removing oil mist particles and other airborne contaminants. This can reduce the risk of respiratory problems and other health issues for employees.
Enhanced Safety
Removing oil mist particles from the air can also enhance workplace safety by reducing the risk of slips, falls, and other accidents caused by oily floors and surfaces.
Increased Productivity
A cleaner and safer working environment can help increase employee productivity by reducing absenteeism and improving morale.
Cost Savings
Electrostatic oil mist collectors can help reduce operating costs by minimizing the need for expensive replacement filters and reducing maintenance and cleaning costs.
Electrostatic oil mist collectors are highly efficient devices that offer several technical advantages and benefits compared to other types of mist collectors. They work by using an electrostatic charge to attract and capture oil mist particles from the air, and they require minimal maintenance and energy to operate. By using an electrostatic oil mist collector in your workplace, you can improve air quality, enhance safety, increase productivity, and reduce operating costs.
Image Representing Centrifugal Oil Mist Collector
Centrifugal mist collectors
Centrifugal mist collectors use centrifugal force to separate oil mist particles from the air stream. As the air enters the collector, it is spun at high speed, causing the oil mist particles to move to the outer edge of the device. The particles then collect on a series of baffles or vanes and are removed from the air stream. Centrifugal mist collectors are effective at removing oil mist, but they may require more maintenance than electrostatic precipitators.
Images representing Media Type Filtration Technology Used.
Media Type: Filtration
Media filtration involves passing air through a filter media that captures oil mist particles as they pass through. The filter media may be made of materials such as fiberglass or polyester, and it may be coated with an oil-absorbing material to improve its effectiveness. Media filtration is a common type of mist collection, and it is effective at removing oil mist particles, but it may require frequent filter replacement to maintain its effectiveness.
Government regulations on controlling oil mist exposure
The OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration has two permissible exposure limits (PELs) for air contaminants that apply to metalworking fluids (MWFs), i.e., oil and solvent mist:
Mineral oil mist: 5 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) for an 8-hour, time-weighted average (TWA)
Particulates Not Otherwise Classified (PNOC): 15 mg/m3 for an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA)
OSHA also requires vent lines at lubrication points to collect stray mist. You can see the different OSHA standards on this page. Click here to view them.
The Indian government’s Factory Act also follows these standards to control oil and coolant mist exposures in India.
OSHA's Best Practices to Control Oil/Coolant Mist Exposure:
OSHA has developed some best practices to control oil mist exposure; some of them are as follows:.
Obtain Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) from the supplier to know what precautions are recommended.
Choose MWFs with the least toxic materials when possible.
Maintain proper use of biocides.
Keep machines clean and change MWFs as necessary.
Use properly designed MWF delivery systems that minimize the amount of fluid mist generated.
You can view the other OSHA best practices by clicking here.
You can also refer to the OSHA best practice manual to understand the risks associated with exposure to oil or coolant mist. Click here to view it.
When do you require an oil/coolant mist collector for your organization?
Oil and solvent mist collectors are adding greater value to your entire machining work environment. They can be a very good asset for your company if you face the following three major problems:
The amount and exposure of oil or coolant mist are greater than the standard limits.
The affection rate percentage of mist to workers' health is high.
The acceptance rate of production is higher than the average production.
Which is the right oil/coolant mist collector for your organization?
Choosing the right mist collector for your organization is an important task for you as they provide value to the entire work environment, so choosing the right mist collector involves the following factors:
Exposure to mist
Type of mist
Production area and types of machines used
Budget and future requirements
Filter On India can help you by carefully analyzing your exact requirements and giving you the proper guidance in choosing the right oil or mist collector for your organization.
References:
Tags: oil mist, coolant mist, oil mist collector, centrifugal oil mist collector, lung cancer, asthma, bronchitis.
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