HSE require local exhaust ventilation on CNC machines

Because of health concerns with metalworking fluid mists, the Health and Safety Executive expect to see exhaust ventilation in place.

Although materials safety data sheets (MSDSs) may not state this, the HSE still require it. Similarly, the Machinery Directive or the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations make no reference to such health considerations.  Therefore, there is no present obligation on machine tool suppliers to make provision for it, and it is no defence on the employer's part to claim that the supplier should have done it.

It is likely that the absence of LEV will result in an Improvement Notice being issued.

The HSE expect to see either local units, such as those from Filtermist, or ducted extraction to outside the building.

Where machines have open tops, then the HSE expect to see these closed to minimise fugitive emissions.

These requirements are for CNC machines where high rotation speeds cause misting.