Investing in a healthy environment

Published - 29th Jan 2024

How Metaltech provides a safe and welcoming working environment  

At Metaltech Precision, we are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees. This includes keeping the premises clean and tidy, and investing in systems that will improve air quality. 

In this blog, we look at our investment in Filtermist systems to provide cleaner air in and around our machining tools. You can also watch Metaltech Operations Manager Steven Ward discussing the benefits of a healthy and clean workplace with Lyndsey Vickers of MTD CNC on YouTube here. 

What is oil mist?  

Metaltech’s 50,000 sq ft facility includes around 50 machining tools, each of which can be a source of oil mist. 

An oil mist is created when oil or coolant is sprayed onto machine parts to help lubricate the tool or keep metal components cool. Oil mist is atomised oil which becomes airborne. 

Exposure to airborne oil mist can cause several health issues, as well as pose a slip and fire hazard.  

Filtermist oil mist extractors  

Oil mist filters are designed to extract oil and coolant mists at the source. By fitting oil mist extractors to the machinery, oil mist can be removed through a filter before it escapes into the surroundings. The oil is collected for reuse or disposal, and the extractor returns clean air to the machine shop. 

Metaltech has invested in attaching Filtermist oil mist extractors to its machines. Filtermist provides Local Extraction Ventilation (LEV) systems, which include a monitoring device that tells us how efficiently the extraction is working. Regular testing ensures that oil mist is being removed effectively. 

Tramp oil removal 

Slideway oils are a type of hydraulic oil made specifically for lubricating machine parts such as tool slides. Slideway and other oils can accumulate and mix with the coolant in machines, giving off a distinctive and unpleasant smell. This ‘tramp oil’ can reduce the efficiency of metalworking fluid, impact the performance of machinery, and foster the growth of bacteria and fungi which could be harmful to workers. It would also burn off during machining and cause further misting.  

Metaltech has invested in tramp oil removers to skim off this slideway oil from the coolant, to minimise any such harm. 

An improved working environment 

Lyndsey Vickers is quick to note in the video how clean and tidy the Metaltech workshop is. We believe that a stress-free working environment is important for all our employees, and we know that it makes our people happy to work in a clean workshop. As Steven says, “We’re trying to create as near a perfect working environment for them as we can.” 

Oil mist extractors contribute to this clean environment, cleansing the air so that people do not breathe in oil particles. Oil mist extraction also reduces the risks of oil mist related hazards, such as slippery floors or machinery, or fire risk. 

Environmentally conscious and efficient machining shop 

Using the right filtration equipment for the cutting conditions in each machine helps to reduce airborne contaminants, so is a more sustainable practice and less harmful to the environment. 

Metaltech is committed to keeping a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, whilst running a lean and efficient machining business. 

“Talking about efficiency, this is a machine shop that has success,” praises Lyndsey. “You have so many systems in place … the floor is immaculate, it’s clean, you’re running it very lean.” 

If you would like to find out more about how we look after our employees and maintain a healthy working environment, or would like to join us, please get in touch on +441460221737 or email [email protected].