safety masks for coolant vapors

[mostagear]

could any body recommend the best solution for cnc turning operators, concerning (masks for coolant vapors inhaling) , is this essential?
regards.

[mactec54]

Hi mostagear

Yes this is essential if you are using nasty coolant/cutting fluid without a good air extraction/filtration over the machines

If you use a coolant like GreenCut then you don't have those types of problems

http://www.greencut.com/how_it_works.html

[underthetire]

Only 2 solutions for this-
A filter unit mounted to the machine, or at least plumbed to the machine. This is good and bad- If the machine is run all the time, it does keep it cleaner, and less mist for you to breathe. Down side of the mist collectors, if they supply more than one machine, is gummy coolant. This is caused by a machine sitting idle, with fresh air circulating through the cabinet. This dries out the water leaving a sticky concentrate. For this reason, I recommend a smaller unit on each machine hooked to the main breaker of the machine (with proper fusing).

Second is a full cartridge type respirator. This would suck to use, and be $$ to maintain. A dust mask or paper mask really would only give you a false sense of security.

It's all bad to inhale, just a matter of picking a coolant thats less bad and doesn't cause machine problems like rust etc..

BTW, those damn scotch brite wheels on the grinders are way worse for you than coolant.

[ImanCarrot]

A dust mask or paper mask really would only give you a false sense of security.

Totaly agreree, after about 1 minute of use they develop tiny holes which kinda negate their effectiveness.

[kling8]

I have never wore a mask for coolant flumes, I would agree with these guys get some better coolant, and don't have to worry about it, I hate wearing those masks personally,

[Billet Sean]

Is there any OSHA guidelines/regulations concerning coolant mist coming from Turning/Milling Centers? If there is, where do I go to find out? I looked at the OSHA website today and got lost in all the information.

[ImanCarrot]

The Machinery's Handbook has a section on it, page 1149 in the 27th edition.

The call it Metal Working Fluids (MWFs), so it might be better searching for that instead of Coolant.

They mention:
ASTM Standard E1687-98
ASTM Standard E1497-94
ANSI Technical Report B11TR2-1997 (for mist).

There's pages and pages on it!

What I didn't know though was that if you use biocides to inhibit bacteria growth the bacteria can become resistant to it over time (nasty little buggers).

I'd recommend reading it.

[laszlozoltan]

a regular paper-filter mask is better than nothing for metalwork; mine would get dark grey (carbon) with yellow (that must be the coolant mist) after 3 days; better to have that trapped by the mask than lung tissue.