Washing machines, containing water-mix wash fluids, may be used after metalworking to clean swarf and metalworking fluid from machined components.
Water-mix wash fluids themselves may be hazardous by contact and inhalation and COSHH assessments should address these risks.
Fluid and mist from water-mix wash fluids and washing machines may cause skin problems and respiratory disease in much the same way as fluid and mist from metalworking machines:
Drying of washed components using compressed air either inside or outside washing machines will generate mist, which needs to be contained, or controlled by effective local exhaust ventilation.
See also e - COSHH essentials Metalworking Guidance Sheets.
