Metal Cutting Fluid Dipslides (Box of 10)

Metal Cutting Fluid Dipslides

Metal cutting / lathe cutting fluid microbiological testing is very important.

To avoid contact with contaminated fluids, you may adopt some of the following precautions:

• wear protective clothing,
• use effective ventilation
• proper use of biocides
• replace fluids regularly

In addition to the above, frequent bacteria testing of metalworking fluids is essential for a healthy working environment. Bacterial contamination of the fluid makes it degrade after a certain amount of use and high bacteria levels will make it unsafe for use. Skin and respiratory irritation / infection are a risk here and contaminated fluids can cause breathing problems such as asthma as well as dermatitis. Eye, nose and throat irritation can also occur.

In addition to affecting human health, high bacteria levels in metalworking fluids can make it more corrosive to metals and machinery and can cause damage to both.
Weekly dipslide tests are advised by the Health and Safety Executive. For further reading on this, you can visit their site:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/metalworking/bacterial.htm

'microbiological + dipslides'

Our BTM2 dipslides are ideal for this purpose. These slides test for aerobic bacteria, fungi, yeasts and moulds. This metal cutting fluid dipslide tests for yeasts / moulds on one side and total count bacteria on the other.

Each box contains 10 dipslides. The price shown is for 1 box. 

How to use BTM2 dipslides to test metalworking fluids

1. Dip the slide into the fluid or a sample of the fluid for approx 10 seconds
2. Remove the slide and allow the fluid to drain off
3. Return the slide to its container
4. Place the slide in an incubator for 24 -48 hours
5. Compare your results with the chart provided

Why not team these slides with one of our Gnat incubators so that you are fully set up to view and interpret your results?

Reading the results

	Nutrient Side	Nutrient Side	Nutrient Side	Nutrient Side	Nutrient Side	Nutrient Side
Level of bacteria in liquids (CFU/ml)	102	103	104	105	106	107
Approx bacteria colonies per agar	2	12	60	200	500	600+
HSE.gov.uk advice	Good control. Bacteria are being maintained at low levels. No further action is required.	Reasonable control. Review control measures to ensure levels of bacteria remain under control. Risk assessment should specify action to be taken. Biocides and or cleaning may be indicated. If biocides are used, expert advice should be obtained, and the concentration of biocides should be monitored			Poor control. Immediate action should be taken in line with the risk assessment. Normally at very high levels draining and cleaning, should take place.
Example Image
Level of bacteria on surfaces (CFU/cm2)	0.4	2.5	12	40	100	250
	Malt Extract Side	Malt Extract Side	Malt Extract Side	Malt Extract Side	Malt Extract Side	Malt Extract Side
Level of yeasts in liquids (CFU/ml)	102	103	104	105	106	107
Approx yeasts colonies per agar	2	12	60	200	500	600+
Example Image
Level of yeasts on surfaces (CFU/cm2)	0.4	2.5	12	40	100	250
Level of moulds	Light		Medium		Heavy
Example Image