Hi all,

I have been asked by a small firm to asssit them with writing there risk assessment for working with MWF. I am just wondering if somehow I need to consider the chemical going in and when it mixes with anything else?

just wondered what anyone else thought, as it would be difficult to determine this in specific detail.

I am thinking I will just complete a generic MWF assessment.

in addition to that the HSE have asked for proof of arrangement to monitor the MWF. the compnay currently do this by an app. the HSE have asked them to show proof of the frequency, results, or how it details the monitoring with action points to take if it exceeds to the bacteria levels.

therefore we are presuming the app, is not enough evidence by itself. I am thinking of proposing a writen safe systme of work that show s use of the app.?

http://forum.iosh.co.uk/posts/t130598-Metalworking-Fluids

An app that monitors biological growth?

That is either a very fancy mobile (to dip, incubate and read) or merely a platform where results get posted by an external provider or detector.

Normally provision of DIP slides and a small incubator are suitable for monitoring - results entered in a spreadsheet with graphical representation of count versus a determined control limit along with a "what to do in the event of instruction". Most suppliers of MWF can give good recommendations for basic kit.

I provided a COSSH assesment on the new chemical being used but this was advised as being too generic

thereforre I have begun a more in depth NCRQ template assessment which I hope will suffice.

in honesty the people that have spoken to the HSE inspector have told me that they come across as a bit of a bully? she even said that as we have acted as a 3rd party advisor the blame for not complying rests with us as the advisors? my boss is an IOS consultatn and leaves the H&S to me. so rightly he is very scared.

its the firast I have heard of this?

dip slides are done by the business, the results as sent to the app. hope that makes sense? we are asking them for the instruction as you suggested

To be fair the company has appointed external resource so for the inspector to "round" upon the advice being provided would not be unusual otherwise they would be tearing strips from the site management who by going external have advertised their limited knowledge and experience.

My last interaction with an inspector was through acquistion of a company (and removal of their consultant with slippers firmly under the table) - it was a very strained first meeting but improved as we worked with, rather than against, the inspector. They will never offer definitive advice but if you learn to read between the lines it is amazing how quickly you come to an accord.