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Metal working fluids & bacteria

So I"m checking the water fountains in our shop for bacteria.  I used a dip slide that incubates in 24 hours to see if they need to be disinfected.

 

There are two fountains and I had three slides in my pocket so I dipped one in the band saw cutting lubricant.  A white water based metal working fluid (MWF).

 

I had just finished a safety course on MWF's and became aware that bacteria can grow in it.  (I really coud not believe bacteria would be able to survive in the stuff.)

 

I could not resist checking it.

 

The next day I checked the slide.  Over 1 million colony forming crittters on the slide.  Amazing! 

 

Now I'm thinking, better wash my hands after using the band saw.  And better let the guys in the shop know too!

 

What is/are the Best Practice(s) for disinfecting MWF's?

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Permalink Reply by STEPHEN D. AMBERS, RSO on January 22, 2010 at 10:35am
Troy,
try this link: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/metalworkingfluids/metalworkingfluids_manu...

Stephen (Steve) Ambers, RSO
City of Fort Myers, FL
Permalink Reply by STEPHEN D. AMBERS, RSO on January 22, 2010 at 10:39am
Troy,

I recently read an article on water fountains that stated there was more bacteria in this company's water fountains than in the restroom toilet bowls. The article recommended sanitizig the water fountains at least twice a year. However, I believe you should step-up that schedule and sanitize no less than monthly.

Steve
Permalink Reply by Troy Taylor on January 22, 2010 at 3:46pm
Steve,

Thanks for the tip on OSHA's Best Pratice Guide for MWF's.

The two slides with no bacterial growth are from our water fountains. We check and sanitize our fountains as you reccomend, once a month.

Troy

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