Cleaning a water-mix fluid sump

Procedure

• Never put clean fluid in a dirty sump
• Don't use plain water for washing out. You may de-passivate metal surfaces and increase the corrosion risks

• Prepare a permit to work for any cleaning in potentially confined spaces
• Provide equipment to remove and replace sump fluids with minimum spillage
• Keep absorbent material to hand in case of spillages
• Follow your supplier's guidelines as well as this sheet
• Avoid getting fluid or cleaning agents on skin
• Provide good facilities for washing and eating/drinking refreshments away from the work activity
• Treat all wastes as 'hazardous waste' for recycling or disposal

Flowchart

• Check your supplier's recommendation for dosage levels and circulation times.
• Follow the steps in the flowchart.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is required if you are creating a mist, eg when using a high pressure water hose. Provide RPE with a UK Standard Assigned Protection Factor of at least 20, eg FFP3 or powered TH2.
• Provide suitable gloves. Use thicker gloves which provide protection from chemical and mechanical hazards, but only when machinery is switched off.
• Ensure workers discard gloves that are damaged, and at the end of a cleaning session.
• Provide eye protection to EN 166 standard where there is a risk of splashing.  
• Workers also need overalls.
• Ensure contaminated overalls are laundered before re-use.
• Provide storage for PPE to prevent damage or contamination when not in use.
• "Barrier creams" do not create a barrier but skin creams can help in washing contamination from the skin. Use a moisturising cream each time you wash your hands and use after-work creams to help replace skin oils.