Posted By Robert K Lewis The Oil storage regs will also need to be considered with these amounts as a total figure. Do you need to have so much? Bob

Posted By Frank Hallett Hi Haig There aren't any limits prescribed by CoSHH or FP[W] in this context at all. CoSHH obviously applies anyway; but, depending upon the type of oil in its unused form, there is not likely to be an unusually high fire risk. You must also have suitable measures in place to comply with the relevant environmental legislative requirements; and this where I see the greatest level of risk for the clean oil. You will have a somewhat raised fire risk from the use of, and used, oils; but provided it's not mixed with other substances such as petrol, de-greasers etc, the fire risk will still be relatively low and within the range of what can only be called "routine" fire safety measures for this kind of activity. You don't mention disposal, but that is where I perceive that CoSHH, Fire and especially Environmental hazards to be concentrated. For such a modest amount of oil, the control measures that you should have in place for environmental control may seem excessive, but they are a necessity if you're going to continue with the activity. Your LA should be able to help with the environmental side, assuming that you are a LA educational establishment, and maybe even if you aren't. Frank Hallett

Posted By Rob Yuill Engine Oils are assigned a value only for oil mist, see below. Oil mist, mineral, EH 40 2005 TWA 5 mg/m3, STEL 10 mg/m3 You have to decide if this situation is likely to be generated in a vehicle workshop, probably highly unlikely. However waste engine oil is most certainly a hazardous substance under COSHH and is also a hazardous waste. Most oil company web sites provide SDS/Tech Bulletins, Shell for instance; http://www.epc.shell.com/default.asp?Countryid=GB Used oil filters are also subject to controls under hazardous waste regulations. Rgds Rob

Posted By Paul Oliver Used engine oil poses more a risk to health than unused oil. Used oil is classed as a carcinogen and can cause severe dermatitis following prolonged exposure to the skin. As well as ensuring you comply with Oil storage regs and update your fire risk risk assessment, I would enusre that you enforce and maintain good standards of hygeine amongst your pupils. barrier creams, gloves, after work creams etc.