- Residues
- Used metalworking fluid, sludge and swarf
- Typical location
- Machine sumps and associated equipment
- Important record
- Fluid type and maintenance history
- Separate work
- Fluid management and mechanical repairs
Fluid type and system condition
Metalworking systems use different fluids and maintenance routines. The product and whether it is a water-mix fluid or another formulation matter because used fluid may contain contamination and accumulated material that are not described by the original product information.
The machine and fluid supplier’s instructions remain important. A small machine sump and a central fluid system are different cleaning jobs even when they use the same fluid product.
Residue and swarf handling
Machine sumps can contain used liquid, settled residue and metal swarf. These materials need to be handled according to their actual hazards; sharp swarf and contaminated fluid are not ordinary floor dirt.
HSE identifies health risks from metalworking fluids, including skin contact and inhalation of mist. The cleaning method should control those exposures and avoid creating unnecessary mist or splashing.
Machine isolation and waste handling
Moving parts, electrical equipment and trapped or stored energy must be addressed before anyone accesses a machine or sump. Isolation should be under the site’s control so that the equipment cannot operate during cleaning.
Used fluid and removed residues need a waste route that is suitable for the material. Wet cleaning should not carry process contamination into a drain that is not authorised to receive it.
Condition before refill or restart
The finish, inspection and refill arrangements should follow the system instructions. Cleaning will not correct a continuing source of contamination or a mechanical fault, and those issues should be dealt with separately.