Workplace accidents and illnesses are an unfortunate part of the Australian business landscape. According to Safe Work Australia, workplace injuries and illnesses cost the Australian economy approximately $28.6 billion per year. This includes workers’ compensation claims, lost productivity and other indirect costs.
But there is an even greater cost – the health of Australian workers. Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. Failure to do so can result in legal action and damages claims.
In factories across Australia, some employees are still forced to use unsafe work practices – this includes the cleaning and washing of machine parts. These unsafe cleaning methods can expose workers to hazardous chemicals and solvents that cause long-term illnesses. There is a safer way. Let’s look at how a water-based parts washer can improve workplace health and safety.
What are the advantages of a water-based parts washer?
A parts washer, like those manufactured by Robowash, uses high-powered jets to spray a mixture of hot water and detergent to clean and degrease machine parts and components. These water-based parts washers are used in many industries including automotive, aviation and manufacturing. While parts washers are well known for improving productivity, the health benefits are just as valuable.
Reduced Risk of Injury
Cleaning parts manually can be a time-consuming and physically demanding task. Using a parts washer can reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis, which can result from prolonged exposure to awkward or strenuous work positions. Parts washers can handle the job quickly and efficiently, reducing the amount of time workers spend on cleaning tasks.
Improved Workplace Hygiene
Parts washers help maintain a cleaner work environment, reducing the amount of oil, grease and other contaminants that can accumulate on equipment and floors. This can prevent slips and falls, as well as reduce the risk of fire or explosions caused by combustible materials. A clean work environment is critical to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace, and a parts washer can play a key role in achieving this.
Healthier Work Environment
Using harsh solvents and chemicals to clean machine parts can release harmful fumes into the air which can be hazardous to workers’ health. Robowash water-based parts washers use high powered water jets and safe detergents in an enclosed cabin which creates a healthier work environment and when used with the Robowash approved CF50 cleaning agent mixed at the recommended dosgae levels, the mixture is deemed non hazardous.
Increased Efficiency
Parts washers clean parts more quickly and efficiently than manual cleaning methods. This allows workers to focus on more important tasks to improve overall productivity. Additionally, using a water-based parts washer and a safe chemical detergent can help to extend the lifespan of parts and equipment, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.
What industries should be using a parts washer?
Any industry that cleans and degreases machine parts and components should be using an automatic water-based parts washer. The long-term business and health benefits make it a worthwhile investment.
Automotive
Automotive industries often deal with greasy and oily parts. A parts washer is an essential tool to clean and prepare parts for repair or replacement. In many automotive workshops now, hydrocarbon based solvents have been removed completely due to the health effects of airborne solvents on employees.
Manufacturing & Engineering
Industries that produce or use metal mechanical parts often need to clean and degrease these parts before use. A parts washer can help streamline this process and improve efficiency.
Maintenance
Businesses that handle machine maintenance and repairs, such as those in aviation or marine, require clean and functional parts to keep equipment running safely and efficiently. A parts washer can help ensure that parts are clean and free from contaminants that could cause equipment failure.
Mining
It doesn’t matter whether your mining operation is onshore or offshore, mining machinery is often surrounded by dirt and grease. To ensure that machinery is performing as required you need to regularly clean and decontaminate parts.
Large Transport
The rail and automotive industries regularly need large machine parts cleaned. Robowash’s largest parts washers are capable of cleaning whole engines or internal cavities from locomotive engines.
Agriculture
Agricultural businesses require clean machine parts to ensure their equipment functions properly. Working outside, machines are often subject to the elements, so it doesn’t take long before machine parts and components need a thorough clean.
Using Robowash’s water-based parts washer and specially formulated detergent will successfully clean machine parts while reducing the risk of injury and illness to your workers.
If you want to find out more about improving health and safety in your workplace, contact Robowash today.
