Metal working fluids health and safety

Why a Freddy is more than just a coolant vacuum

Many companies risk fines for CoSHH failings when it come to the correct control of metal working fluid. Several well-known companies have been fined for various shortcomings, many of which are easily preventable.

Poor coolant management can increase the risk of workers’ contracting dermatitis or having an allergic reaction.  Not only can it cause skin irritation in various degrees to workers’, but degraded coolant can result in premature machine tool wear, causing decreased performance. 

A Freddy can vacuum up coolant from sump at a rate of up to 230 litres per minute. Not only does it vacuum up the coolant, but also any sludge and residue that has built up at the bottom of a machine sump.  We have come across factories where a bucket and spade are being used to do this! Not only is this time consuming, but it is not very efficient.  Once a sump has been emptied, it can then be thoroughly cleaned if necessary.  By doing this with a Freddy vacuum, it removes the need to come into contact with the coolant, thus removing the likelihood of contracting a skin condition through prolonged contact.

Even if there were no other benefit, if you are not vacuuming your coolant out when replacing it, a Freddy will save you time, it will do the job more effectively and it will help protect your worker. 

But a Freddy does so much more….

When you are vacuuming out the coolant, the Freddy coolant vacuum filters it as you go.  Taking out fines, swarf, and any particulates larger than the filter rating of the filter bag – of which we offer a variety of sizes between 1um and 1000um. To put this into perspective, a human hair is 75um.  That is a significant amount of microscopic particles being removed from your coolant.

Then you can either dispose of it or re-use it.  If you choose to dispose of it, the Freddy has a return hose which can pump out the coolant under vacuum. And just as quickly as it can vacuum up, it can pump it out. Then you are left with a filter bag full of the removed particulates, which can easily be lifted out, disposed of or kept for reclamation.

If you re-use the coolant – and in terms of cost savings the benefits of doing so are enormous, Then you just pump the filtered coolant back into your machine sump, ready to be re-used.  Regularly filtering the coolant means that it degrades much slower, so you have to dispose of it less, you buy less and because it remains uncontaminated, the associated health and safety risk lessen, and your machine tools live longer.

A Freddy coolant vacuum also comes with a toolkit that allows it to be utilised in other areas, whether that be using the floor tool to vacuum up spills or using the crevice tool for getting into the machine beds. 

We are so sure of what our Freddy coolant recycling vacuums range can do, we will come and show you for free. 

So why not put us to the test and give us a call to arrange your free demonstration, and see how we can help you meet your health and safety requirements, while saving you money. Call 01386 561113 or email websales@freddy-products.co.uk.

To view the Freddy coolant recycling vacuum range visit www.freddy-products.co.uk

NEW! Freddy Micro...the smallest coolant vacuum

As the name suggests, the new Micro is a compact coolant recycling system, designed and manufactured in the UK.  Designed and built to the high standards and specifications that has made Freddy a trusted name, the Freddy Micro offers a new solution to your coolant recycling needs.

With a smaller footprint, a smaller 50 litre capacity, and weighing less than any previous Freddy, it offers versatility, mobility and affordability.

Available with a 2kw motor, and either a 240v or 110v power source, the motor can generate an airflow rate of 3000m3/hr with a water in-flow rate of 238 litres per minute and an out-flow rate of 100 litres per minute.  And as with the rest of the Freddy range, fluid is filtered through filtered through a filterbag, which are available from 1000um down to 5um to ensure the Freddy Micro captures all contaminants from your machine tool.

Complete with a 38mm hose and gulper as standard, with the option to upgrade to a 51mm hose if required, as well as a 24 month warranty, the new Micro is a cost effective entry point for coolant recovery. 

The Micro is well suited to companies currently not utilising a fluid recycling system that may be looking to reduce coolant consumption, prolong fluid life, reduce the health risks associated with poor fluid management and even improve machining performance by eradicating the use of rancid coolant. Additional benefits include the potential to significantly reduce expensive fluid disposal costs, improve tool life and remove harmful contaminants that cause bacterial growth in the machine tool. 

To find out more, visit www.freddy-products.co.uk or call us on 01386 561113.  

The Importance of Machine Servicing

We at Freddy cannot stress enough how important good housekeeping and maintenance is whenever your machine is concerned.

We recommend that these machines are serviced every six months if in daily use and annually if used less frequently. This is due to the machines having several consumable parts that need replacing on a regular basis.

If you ARE using your machine regularly a service contract would be a much more cost effective way of maintaining your machine rather than standalone servicing. Having a regular service plan in place also gives you peace of mind as well as increasing the life expectancy of your machine.

We at Freddy believe in quality, longevity and value for money and we carry the philosophy that prevention is better than cure! Your machine can last a lifetime if maintained correctly…

We offer dedicated support and peace of mind service protection not only for Freddy vacuums…but also industrial wet or dry vacuums, floor cleaning machines or scrubber driers.

Our expertise and experience allows us to produce a bespoke site specific service agreement that will provide value for money, with discounted prices and priority on service and call out requests.

Our unique tailor made preventative maintenance agreements will ensure your Freddy unit/ vacuum will always give you maximum performance whilst also protecting your capital investment.

We control a fleet of highly trained, professional, on call engineers in well stocked vehicles to carry out a full and comprehensive range of after sales support throughout the UK.

Our engineers carry a large number or spares in their on-board stock. During the visit your machine would be tested, stripped and assessed. The engineer would then advise what is required, why and the cost of parts. They would then fit the required parts whilst on site but If it turned out that you required a part that was not available from on-board stock there would be no additional charge for a return to site visit.

We offer the option for single services, service contracts, and breakdown call outs, or the option for an “in house” repair, for a periodic overhaul, modification or even a full refurbishment.

We believe in recommending service plans which are 100% suited to the customer, every customer is different and we will strive to meet their requirements.

All of our customers benefit from having a Freddy Service Contracts because they receive:

• Pre-Planned, preventative maintenance visits which are inclusive of all travel and labour
• A discounted call out and labour rate
• Single point of contact and invoicing
• A reduction of inconvenient multiple contractor visits on site
• Hire facilities available for periodic deep cleans or to cover for any equipment requiring off site refurbishment
• Inflation proof pricing
• Engineers have site specific familiarity, ECITB safety passport accreditation and are trained to the current health and safety requirements

If you would like to arrange a service or chat through the options available, please feel welcome to contact our service team on 01386 561113 or email service@freddy-products.co.uk.

NEW RANGE- Floor Maintenance Pads- Now available to buy ONLINE!

 

We now offer a wide range of floor maintenance pads which are available to purchase via our online shop.

They range in size and level of abrasiveness, so whatever you need we will have the perfect pad to get the job done right!

Please see details below on each type of floor maintenance pad:

 Floor Maintenance Pads Red

• Used for dry or spray buffing, ideal for auto-scrubbers. Restores gloss while removing dirt and scuff marks. A highly effective spray & buff pad.

• Available in sizes 6" to 17" (other sizes available upon request)

 Floor Maintenance Pads Green

• Used for non-aggressive wet scrubbing or light stripping pad for heavily soiled areas. A Highly effective scrubbing pad.

• Available in sizes 6" to 17" (other sizes available upon request)

 Floor Maintenance Pads Blue

• Used for wet scrubbing or medium duty spray cleaning. Removes heavy dirt and scuff marks. A Highly effective floor cleaning pad.

• Available in sizes 6" to 17" (other sizes available upon request)

 Floor Maintenance Pads Tan

• Light cleaning and dry buffing. Removes scuffs and black heel marks. Produces high gloss shine. For use on traditional wood floors.

• Available in sizes 6" to 17" (other sizes available upon request)

 Floor Maintenance Pads White

• For polishing to produce a high lustre finish. Provides non-aggressive dry polishing to a high gloss shine.

• Available in sizes 6" to 17" (other sizes available upon request)

All floor maintenance pads are sold in packs of five and provide the benefits listed below:

• Exceeds at soil removal and absorption of the soil residue without impairing performance due to clogging
• Cushion fit to the contours of uneven floors
• Splinter free non clogging pads
• High density fibres and long lasting abrasives
• Centre hole punch-out for attachment to most rotary floor machines 25mm thick floor pads for rotary floor machines operating at 175rpm to 350rpm

 For over 40 years our portfolio of products has been recognised for quality, longevity and value for money and we are very pleased to announce the addition of our very own range of floor maintenance pads.

We offer a wide variety of sizes to choose from but if you require an alternative size just let us know and we will be more than happy to help!

In addition, we also boast a speedy delivery service with most orders being sent next working day.

Visit our online shop today: http://www.freddy-products.co.uk/shop/floor-cleaning-pads/

If you need any assistance, please call us on 01386 561113, send us a tweet @Freddyproducts or send an email to sales@freddy-products.co.uk
 

 

We have a new team member!

 

Freddy are pleased to welcome our new team member Richard!

 

Richard has undertaken our new role of Warehouse Operations and Purchasing Assistant and will be responsible for all matters of stock control throughout the company.

Richard’s extensive experience from previous roles such as Head Storesman and Dispatch Manager meant that he was simply perfect for the role and we couldn’t have been more pleased when he accepted the job offer!

As well as being a great personality, he has brought with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise for which we are extremely grateful for.

He is truly a great asset to Freddy and we are proud to have him on board!

 

So please join us in welcoming Richard, we hope that he will be very happy here at Freddy!

Freddy looking after your workforce.

There are many problems that can arise from allowing contaminants to enter into your coolant supply. Contaminants or foreign bodies come in many forms such as chlorides, sulphates, lubrication oils (tramp oils), chips, fine abrasives (swarf) and other organic matter.

 

Frequent aeration, filtration and swarf removal are essential to not only extend coolant life and reduce disposal costs but also to reduce the risk of occupational health hazards such as skin irritation and dermatitis.

 

 

Skin conditions can arise if contaminants from the manufacturing process are allowed to remain on the skin and this is where the use of industrial vacuums can help. Industrial vacuums protect your workers by limiting their exposure to harmful contaminants which are product of daily activity in the workplace.

Awareness of employee health and safety is a vital aspect of running a business and will in turn keep your staff happy and their productivity levels up. Employee illness can lead to loss of man hours and in turn decrease in productivity so don’t let your workforce become victims of occupational illness.

 

If your employees were to contract any of these health problems you could be liable to pay compensation, which can be costly, especially if they are unable to work.  Providing suitable protective equipment, and using a vacuum to extract the coolant and remove the contaminants could help to prevent this.

 

Here at Freddy our range consists of Coolant recycling vacuums, Swarf vacuums, Tramp oil separators and Centrifuges. We also offer industrial dry vacuums, including ATEX rated vacuums, and HEPA vacuums.

They all work to limit occupational exposure to contaminants. However, type H vacuums are able to filter dust and extremely fine particles that arise from certain industrial processes. Type H vacuums refer to the vacuum having HEPA filtration.  HEPA filtration is for use where there is a need to safely and effectively pick up hazardous dusts and debris including asbestos, finely divided silica, carcinogens and highly active pharmaceutical products that are hazardous to health.

 

 

Workers in such conditions have been known to complain of respiratory symptoms like chronic cough, chest tightness and wheezing which can arise from prolonged exposure to dust like contaminants. Conditions, such as asthma, sore throats, and migraines can also be associated with long term exposure.

 

 

All in all, our range of vacuums serve to make your workplace a safer place to be. Not only do they reduce waste, they also reduce the potential health hazards and the associated costs.

So if you want to keep your coolant free of contaminants and keep your employees safe…why not let a Freddy help you?

 

Feel free to contact us using the details below:

Phone: + 44 (0) 1386 561113

Fax: + 44 (0) 1386 556401
Email: sales@freddy-products.co.uk

 

 For general information on health and safety, visit the Health and Safety Executive’s website: http://www.hse.gov.uk/

If you would like more information on the Freddy range of coolant recycling vacuums please click here: http://www.freddy-products.co.uk/our-products/

 

Freddy Refurbishment - Valentine’s Day special

For over 50 years Freddy’s have been recognised for quality, longevity and value for money. We have Freddy Mark I machines still working in heavy industry that are over 35 years old!  We believe that with the correct maintenance and care…a machine can last a lifetime and more!

We all know that your Freddy is a friend to your business, enabling the smooth running of the manufacturing process by removing, filtering and returning coolant for longer life, and improving machining results.

However, after many years of service sometimes a Freddy can look and feel a little bit long in the tooth. This is where the refurbishment process is a fantastic route to go down.

Here at Freddy we are extremely proud of our refurbishment service. We just love to breathe new life into a Freddy that may be a little tired.  We take a before and after photograph of each project so that we can enjoy seeing the difference the refurbishment has made.

The refurbishment process is a great option if your Freddy is still in good working order. It’s cost effective and promotes environmental awareness in steering away from a disposable society.

Before

After

In order to give you more of an insight into how the refurbishment process works, we have drawn up a summary of the main stages which are outlined below: 

• The first step is for the machine to be assessed and tested in order to establish what is required and enable us to generate a quotation for the cost of refurbishment for the customer.
• The machine will then be stripped down to its basic components, all of which are thoroughly inspected. If anything is deemed as ‘not up to scratch’ then replacement parts will of course be required.
•  The actual frame and tank will go to the body shop to be shot blasted (taken back to bare metal). The structures will then be tested for integrity and freshly powder coated.
•  Once the frame and tank have arrived back from the body shop everything is then re-assembled with replacement parts if they are required.
•  The final stage is for the refurbished Freddy to be tested and signed off ready to go back to a very happy customer!

Please click here to view some of the refurbishments we have recently completed.

As we all know…Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and it is very easy to take our Freddy’s for granted. This is why...this Valentine’s Day we are remembering to show our Freddy’s some love!

It is very important to regularly clean and maintain your Freddy so that you know that you are always getting the best out of the machine at all times.  It is very easy to take our Freddy’s for granted but these fantastic machines do need a little TLC from time to time.

FILTER BAGS are your Freddy’s best friend! They play a vital part in the performance of your Freddy by filtering the contaminants from the liquid (like a sieve).  If the contaminants are not filtered efficiently they will build up inside the machine and the only way to remove the ‘sludge’ (which can be very smelly) would be to literally shovel it out…and our refurb guys will tell you that it’s not an enjoyable task.

So please remember to regularly check your Freddy’s filter bag and replace if necessary…prevention rather than cure is always best! http://www.freddy-products.co.uk/shop/filter-bags/

ISO 9001 recertification

What is the ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS).  It sets out the criteria for a quality management system, providing a set of principles and a framework to allow an organisation to satisfy customers and other stakeholder consistently.  There are seven key principles which provide the basis for implementing and maintaining effective processes through continuous quality management.  It is the most widely used QMS standard in the world, with over 1.1 million certificates issued to organisations in 178 countries.*as stated by the ISO organisation 2015

There are seven basic principles which relate to the ISO quality management standards:

1       Customer Focus
2       Leadership
3       Engagement of People
4       Process approach
5       Improvement
6       Evidence-based decision making
7       Relationship management

Whether a large or small organisation, these principles help ensure customer satisfaction through consistently providing a good service and product, and brings many business benefits too, like reduced operating costs.

What are the benefits?

There are many benefits for implementing the ISO 9001 quality standard, both for the customer and the organisation.  The ISO principle of Customer Focus states that it is a requirement to meet, and strive to exceed the customer requirements and expectations.  For the customer this means that they are getting satisfaction, and for business this is likely to improve the customer relationship, increasing customer loyalty and enhancing the business profile.

The relationship management principle focuses on managing its relationships with all interested parties.  This includes customers, suppliers and employees among others.  Engaging and understanding the needs and wants of the interested parties helps enhance organisational performance.

ISO 9001 is a continuous process, and requires all involved to be engaged and invested in achieving the quality standards.  Leaders play an important part in creating conditions which allow the organisation to achieve the objectives, and engaged employees help to deliver them, whether through creating cost effective processes, helping to reduce operating costs, or in customer service.  All areas of the business are touched by the principles, from the accounts to the manufacturing department, all are involved in the ongoing improvement of the organisation.

For more information about the principles, the benefits and how they can be implemented, click here for the ISO produced Quality Management Principles PDF document.

Freddy Products ISO 9001 certificate

Our quality policy statement

The Company policy is to supply quality products and to offer best practice industry standards in terms of availability and delivery to its customers.

The company recognises that the involvement and co-operation of all employees in the quality concept is an essential part of achieving the required standards and it is the function of all levels of management to foster and promote this attitude.

The company is dedicated to continuous improvement through established and on-going objectives, set and constantly reviewed by the management…..

(Extract from Freddy Products Ltd Quality manual)

We believe that by implementing ISO 9001, and through continuously reviewing and improving our processes, we have improved our customer satisfaction. We ask customers for feedback on a regular basis to ensure we are exceeding expectations.  Our operating costs have reduced in key areas, and by engaging with employees and discussing how we can go forward and improve our performance, we are seeing consistent growth and development.  This In turn has helped to increase our business base, and improve our stakeholder relationships, as well as being able to say we have achieved, and are compliant with a globally recognised industry standard!

References:

*ISO organisation. ISO 9000 - Quality management [online] Available from: http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_9000 [accessed 18.09.2015]

 

New website launch!

We are really happy to announce the launch of the new Freddy Products Ltd website.  Having worked on this for a number of months it is really exciting for us to be able to share this.  The new website has a lot of features that were not present on the old website, including new 360 degree product views, new videos, as well as a brand new look and feel.  I hope you will all take a look - any feedback will be welcome!  Click here to take a look.

Don't forget to sign up to our newsletter to get Freddy news and offers straight to your inbox!

Freddy supports local & national charities

Showing our support

In June 2013 we decided to raise money for Prostate cancer UK, so held a promotion on all sales. The promotion, held on 14th June, was in line with the Father’s Day Campaign being held by Prostate Cancer UK, and Freddy’s customers were thoroughly supportive, raising over £500.

Throughout the year we take part in many events to raise money as a company, such as Wear it Pink day for Cancer Research UK and Jean for Genes day to raise money for genetic disorders, and we are also sponsoring a cyclist cycling from Cardiff to Paris in 2015 for Tenovus Cancer Care.

We also have several members of staff that take part in sponsored events and as a company we fully support this.  Recently, Harriet, in our service department, took part in the St. Richards Hospice ‘Rainbow Run’, raising money to help support St. Richard’s Hospice which is based in Worcester.  

And Lisa, our office manager is taking part in several sponsored events in 2015 to raise money for cancer research UK – here is a link to her justGiving Page: https://www.justgiving.com/Lisa-Tomkins86/

We will soon be launching a new website, and we plan to give a percentage of all website sales to charity to continue to help charities in 2015 and beyond.

The results are in!

July Satisfaction Survey Results

Every month we ask our customers to give us feedback on how we are doing in key areas, plus asking their overall satisfaction levels.  Below is our infographic showing the results for July.  We are really pleased that in areas such as ease of ordering and overall satisfaction we have improved since last month, and in July 100% of the customers asked said that ordering with us was easy and all would use us again.

If you have any comments or feedback to share with us please email us - we would love to hear from you!

Freddy Products Ltd raising money for Prostate Cancer UK

Freddy Products have been recycling coolant for over 50 years, with their iconic orange recycling vacuums.  As technologies change and machine workshops become more sophisticated, coolant still remains the life blood, which is why so many workshops find their Freddy indispensable. 

Recently Freddy Products held a promotion to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.  Lisa Tomkins, Marketing Manager at Freddy Products, said “We raise money for charities throughout the year as a team, selling cakes for Jeans for Genes Day and running the Cancer Research UK Race for Life, we wanted to do something as a company.  1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives, which is why we wanted to raise awareness, and money.”

Freddy’s promotion, held on 14th June, was in line with the Father’s Day Campaign being held by Prostate Cancer UK, and Freddy’s customers were thoroughly supportive, raising over £500.

With the success of the Prostate Cancer UK campaign, Freddy are looking at holding more in the future, both for national and local charities. 

Why not take a look at the Freddy website today, where you can find details on the campaign, including facts and figures on both prostate cancer, the Father’s Day Campaign and a link to the Prostate Cancer UK website – where you can make a donation online.

To talk to Freddy call 01386 561113, email sales@freddy-products.co.uk or tweet us at @freddyproducts

Prostate Cancer UK is a charity registered in England and Wales 1005541 and in Scotland SC039332.

Recycling – the way forward for metal working fluids

Recycling – the way forward for metal working fluids

Freddy Products have been recycling coolant for over 50 years, but it is surprising how many companies that use coolant are not recycling it, a survey by the EEF in 2009 showed that less that 30% of the companies surveyed recycled swarf, and less than 10% recycled liquids and oily waste.  Freddy Products want to help change that.

Coolant is a vital part of the machining process, but unless it is treated correctly, it may cause health problems for operators and greatly increases tool wear.  Keeping it at its optimum can decrease these health and safety risks, and help to increase tool life.

So many companies simply dispose of coolant and replace it with new to ensure that coolant is kept at its optimum, but this is costly, both in terms of purchasing and disposal.

The UKLA say that approximately 400,000 tonnes of spent fluid is disposed of per annum in the UK alone.  The best way to deal with disposal costs, both financially and environmentally, is to avoid it’s creation in the first place.  A Freddy coolant recycling vacuum  recycles the coolant, keeping it at its optimum for longer, meaning that you purchase and dispose of less – carrying significant savings, both economically and environmentally.  With the cost of removing hazardous waste rising, and regulations governing the discharge of spent metal working fluids becoming more stringent, a Freddy is a cost effective solution.

All Freddy coolant recycling vacuums are manufactured in the UK, and Freddy is still a family run business. Despite manufacturing these vacuums for the past 50 years, Freddy is still an innovative business, creating solutions in various sectors, including aerospace and the automotive industries.  With customers very much at heart, Freddy recently started asking customers to take part in satisfaction surveys, and 100% of customers asked said they would recommend Freddy products.

 We have a range of coolant recycling vacuums, tramp oil separators and centrifuges to help with coolant management, all of which are available to view on our website.  We have distributors all around the world, just contact us and we will put you in touch with your local distributor.

To talk to Freddy about coolant recycling, tramp oil removal or centrifugation call +44 (0)1386 561113, email sales@freddy-products.co.uk or tweet us at @freddyproducts