Swarf
|
| This container is filled with aluminium swarf collected at the VW-factory Brunswick, Germany. |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Swarf is the term used to describe small chips, shavings, filings or other particles of materials created through different types of machining processes. It can be made from wood, metal, plastic or other construction substances and can be created in the form of chips, tendrils, dust, mist, fragments and so on.
[edit] Dangers of swarf
Metal swarf can cause health and safety issues for several reasons.
- Swarf particles can sometimes be sharp and projected with significant force. Flying swarf can cause injuries, particularly if it is sharp, and it can damage equipment. There are different types of personal protective equipment (PPE) recommended for those who may be exposed to swarf, including protective goggles, sleeves, aprons, gloves and safety shoes.
- Depending on the type of material, swarf can also be a fire hazard. Under certain circumstances (particularly if it is coated with cutting oil), swarf can be highly flammable. Swarf stored in containers or piles may even spontaneously combust. In these instances, fire extinguishers suitable for the material being cut should be to hand. For example, Class A water extinguishers should be available if wood swarf is created, and Class D powder extinguishers should be nearby if metal swarf is present.
[edit] Swarf recycling
Since some types of swarf require a great period of time to break down, they can be harmful to the environment; not only damaging to agriculture, but also dangerous to wildlife. It is possible to recycle some types of swarf, including metal. It may be safer and easier to transport swarf for recycling if it is first compressed into cubes. There is specialised machinery that can convert swarf from waste material into products such as bricks.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.