Abstract

A previous exploratory study had demonstrated that water-based metal cutting fluids (MCFs) show very high rates of bacterial contamination. This situation is in part explained by incomplete or improperly performed cleaning and maintenance procedures.

The authors evaluated the effect of intensive cleaning of machines on the microbial flora present in MCFs. They noted that intensive cleaning does not by itself reduce the concentration of the bacteria in cutting fluids. However, it reduced the number of fluid changes necessary during the project. Also demonstrated was that the bacterial flora in cutting fluids can be significantly controlled by the use of biocides. The authors believe that since major cleaning is not sufficient and that biocides are known to be responsible for worker health problems, other means of controlling the bacterial flora present in cutting fluids should be evaluated.