Health & Safety in Metalworking Industries

Health & Safety in Metalworking Industries: The # 1 Emerging Concern

In 1993, the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) demanded that OSHA take emergency regulatory action to protect workers from the risks of occupational cancers and respiratory conditions that may be caused by by the exposure to metalworking fluid mist, oil smoke and liquid. As a result OSHA's Priority Planning Process concluded that exposure to metalworking fluids as worthy of Agency action.

History of proceedings health and safety in metalworking industries.
The Assistant Secretary for OSHA requested that the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) for guidelines on how to proceed. NACOSH suggested that OSHA create a Standards Advisory Committee (SAC) to address the factors relating to worker's exposure to metalworking fluids. The Secretary of Labor signed the charter instating this SAC on August 28, 1997. The Advisory Committee was made up of representatives from unions, university and NIOSH public health officials, and employers from affected industries of all sizes. The Standards Advisory Committee gave their Final Report to Assistant Secretary Charles Jeffress in July, 1999. The following are excerpts from this report.
 

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The two most common ways a worker can become exposed to metalworking fluids is through skin contact and inhalation.

The health effects of exposure to oil mist during machining operations have been well documented. The CDC and NIOSH have conducted numerous proceedings of health and safety in metalworking industries and have concluded that worker's exposure to MWF's occur mostly by inhalation and skin contact.

Metalworking fluid contact through the skin.
Skin contact usually occurs when the worker dips his/her hands into the fluid, floods the machine, tool,  or work, or handles parts, tools, and equipment covered with fluid, without the use of personal protective equipment such as gloves and aprons.

Skin contact can also results from fluid splashing onto the worker from the machine if guarding is absent or inadequate.

Metalworking exposure through inhalation.
Inhalation exposures result from breathing metalworking fluids mist or aerosol. The severity of the exposure depends on a wide variety of factors.

In general, the exposure will be higher if: the worker is in close proximity to the machine, the operation involves high tool speeds and deep cuts, the machine is not enclosed, or if ventilation equipment was improperly selected or poorly maintained.

In addition, high-pressure and/or excessive fluid application, contamination of the fluid with tramp oils, and improper fluid selection and maintenance will tend to result in higher exposures.

1. The four major classes of metalworking lubricants and metalworking oils that can cause health problems in the work place.

2. Health and Safety in Metalworking Industries: The 2 most common ways a worker can become exposed to metalworking fluids.

3. Workers are exposed to viruses and bacteria and other hazardous end products as a result of the inhalation of industrial mist.

4. Occupational exposure to metalworking fluids and machine mist can cause asthma.

5. Occupational exposure to metalworking fluids and machine mist can cause skin disorders.

6. Occupational exposure to metalworking fluids and machine mist can cause cancer.

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