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Safety and Health Topics: |
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| Metalworking Fluids |
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Metalworking fluids (MWFs) can cause adverse health effects
through skin contact with contaminated materials, spray, or mist and through inhalation from breathing MWF mist or
aerosol. Millions of workers engaged in the manufacture of automobiles, farm equipment, aircraft, heavy machinery,
and other hardware are exposed to machining fluids.
Skin and airborne exposures to MWFs have been implicated in health problems including irritation of the skin,
lungs, eyes, nose and throat. Conditions such as dermatitis, acne, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis,
irritation of the upper respiratory tract, and a variety of cancers have been associated with exposure to MWFs
(NIOSH 1998a). The severity of health problems is dependent on a variety of factors such as the kind of fluid, the
degree and type of contamination, and the level and duration of the exposure.
Recognition
-
Mineral Oils (Untreated and Mildly Treated)-The Tenth Report on Carcinogens. U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services Public Health Service National Toxicology Program (2002, December), 2.05 MB PDF, 4 pages. This is a
document that explains the carcinogenicity, properties, use, production, exposure, and regulations regarding
mineral oils.
- Summary
of Final Report of the OSHA Metalworking Fluids Standards Advisory Committee. (1999, July), 140 pages. Disclaimer:
This is not an OSHA document; it was submitted to the Agency as part of a final report of the OSHA Metalworking
Fluids Standards Advisory Committee. It includes recommended actions that can be taken to mitigate the adverse
health effects associated with exposure to metalworking fluids.
- Final
Report of the OSHA Metalworking Fluids Standards Advisory Committee. (1999, July), 209 pages. Also available
as a 664 KB PDF file. Disclaimer:
This full-length report was submitted to the Agency by the Chair of the MWF Standards Advisory Committee.
- What
You Need to Know About Occupational Exposure to Metalworking Fluids. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-116
(1998, March), 44 pages, 238 KB PDF file. Exposure, health effects, and control information for metalworking
fluids.
- NIOSH
Update: Recommendations to Control Exposures Suggested by NIOSH in Comprehensive Health Effects Review of
Metalworking Fluids. DHHS (NIOSH) (1998, January), 3 pages. This Update summarizes the information found in
the NIOSH Criteria Document (98-102).
- Criteria
for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Metalworking Fluids. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No.
98-102. (1998, January), 2 pages. This criteria document reviews available information about the adverse health
effects associated with occupational exposure to metalworking fluids and aerosols. There are 241 pages broken
down into PDF files.
- Standards
Advisory Committee on Metalworking Fluids. OSHA (1997), 3 pages. Committee established and membership
announced (includes MWF SAC roster).
- N-Nitroso
Compounds in Industry. OSHA Hazard Information Bulletin (1990, March 15), 2 pages. Synthetic metalworking
fluids may contain these compounds.
Evaluation
Control
- Metalworking
Fluids: Safety and Health Best Practices Manual. Directorate of Technical Support (2001). The manual is
advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended to assist employers in providing a safe and
healthful workplace for workers exposed to metalworking fluids (MWFs) through effective prevention programs
adapted to the needs and resources of each place of employment.
- Management
of the Metal Removal Fluid Environment: A Guide to the Safe and Efficient Use of Metal Removal Fluids.
Organization Resources Counselors, Inc., and the Metal Working Fluids Product Stewardship Group (1997, August
28). This guide provides guidance for the effective management, use, and maintenance of metal removal fluids in
a variety of operations. The guide also presents techniques and management tools that have been applied over a
broad range of control approaches, fluid types and machining conditions. Also available on CD by request.
- Control
of Mists from Metalworking Fluids. University of North Carolina School of Public Health (1996), 2 pages.
Summary of studies relating to control and measurement of mists in the automotive industry.
- See the Safety and Health Topics pages for Dermal
Exposure, Personal
Protective Equipment, and Ventilation.
Compliance
- OSHA Standards
There are currently no standards specific to metalworking fluids. They are currently regulated under the
following:
- 1910.1000
Table Z-1
- Oil Mist, mineral: 5 mg/m³.
- Particulates not otherwise regulated, total: 15 mg/m³.
- Particulates not otherwise regulated, respirable: 5 mg/m³.
- 1915.1000
Table Z-Shipyards
- Oil Mist, mineral: 5 mg/m³.
- Particulates not otherwise regulated, total: 15 mg/m³.
- 1926.55
App A
- Oil Mist, mineral: 5 mg/m³.
- Particulates not otherwise regulated, total: 15 mg/m³.
- Review Commission and Administrative Law Judge Decisions
The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) is an independent Federal agency created to decide
contests of citations or penalties resulting from OSHA inspections of American work places. To locate decisions
related to this topic, search for keywords at the OSHRC
site.
- Standard Interpretations and Compliance Letters
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| Revised: 09 July 2003 |
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