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Industrial Survey on Metalworking Fluid
 'Metalworking
fluids' is a generic term which includes a range of materials used
as coolants or lubricants in metalworking processes. Fine mists
can be generated from these fluids when they are used, for example,
to cool or lubricate a rapidly rotating work piece. Potential health
problems arising from exposure to such mists have been recognised
for some time and airborne concentrations in the workplace are subject
to an occupational exposure limit. This exposure limit relates,
however, to fluids composed of relatively simple mineral oils. Modern
metalworking fluids are complex mixtures containing a range of additives
and there is now much greater use of aqueous systems containing
little or no mineral oil.
To review the risks associated with modern metalworking fluids,
HSE's Advisory Committee on Toxic Substances and its working groups
required up-to-date information on exposure and controls in workplaces
where these fluids are used. Accordingly, HSE asked HSL to carry
out an industrial survey. This included visits to thirty-one engineering
companies using mineral oil and/or aqueous metalworking fluids.
 Airborne
concentrations of oil mist, aqueous fluid mist and inhalable particulate
were measured at each site. The management of the fluid was also
assessed as this can have a direct influence on associated health
problems. Fluid samples were collected from machine sumps to measure
bacteriological content, endotoxins and particulate matter or fines.
Analysis was also carried out on selected fluids for nitrosamines,
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and toxic metals.
The results indicated that the majority of exposures to oil mist
were below 3 mg/m3; typical exposures to aqueous metalworking fluid
mists were below 1 mg/m3. High bacteriological and endotoxin levels
were found in a significant proportion of sumps suggesting poor
fluid management. Findings from the study have been incorporated
into an HSE publication: Working Safely with Metalworking Fluids:
Good Practice Manual.
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