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OSHA Issues Metal Working Fluids Best Practices Manual The publication of "Metalworking Fluids: Safety and Health Best Practices Manual" is the product of four years of work by the Metalworking Standards Advisory Committee, whose goal was to help reduce the adverse health effects of working with metalworking fluids. The MWF Standards Advisory Committee included Dr. Franklin E. Mirer, Director of the UAW Health and Safety Department, Art McGee, President of LU 599, Dr. David Wegman, former Chair of the UAW-GM Occupational Health Advisory Board, Dr. Henry Lick, former Manager of Industrial Hygiene for the Ford Motor Company. The panel was chaired by Dr. Maura Sheehan of West Chester University, a public member, and included representatives of the Steelworkers and Machinists unions, as well as other industry and public health representatives. "Millions of workers in the manufacturing industry work with these types of fluids daily," said OSHA Administrator John L. Henshaw. "There is extensive scientific evidence that continued occupational exposure to metalworking fluids can have serious health risks. We believe this guide is an important first step in arming employers with viable preventative measures to help reduce those risks." OSHA noted that "Occupational exposure to these fluids can have harmful health effects and has been associated with skin problems such as contact dermatitis, and various respiratory diseases including bronchitis. A number of epidemiological studies has found evidence that exposures to metalworking fluids can cause substantially elevated risk of cancer of the pancreas, bladder, larynx, scrotum and rectum." The manual provides general information about metalworking fluids and recommends a systems management approach to control exposure and minimize contact with the fluid. That strategy includes engineering and work practice controls such as machine enclosure, ventilation and the use of personal protective equipment. The guide also recommends employers establish a fluid management program which should include standard operating procedures for testing fluids, a data collection and tracking system, employee participation in setting up and operating the overall system, and a continuing training program. Also included in the guide are recommendations for instituting an exposure monitoring program (air sampling) on, at minimum, an annual basis. The manual recommends that employee exposures be reevaluated whenever there are significant changes in production, equipment, or processes that may cause new or additional exposures to metalworking fluids. Finally, the manual recommends a proactive medical monitoring program for exposed employees that will help identify early evidence of respiratory impairment or skin disease. That early identification will prompt corrective action, which will help reduce the incidence and severity of metalworking fluid-associated diseases. The Best Practices Manual notes "In 1999, the OSHA Metalworking Fluids Standards Advisory Committee also recommended a new 8-hour time-weighted average permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 0.4 mg/m3 thoracic particulate (0.5 mg/m3 total particulate). The committee based the recommended PEL on studies of asthma and diminished lung function." The manual can be found on OSHA's web site at:
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The Occupational
Safety and Health Administration on November 14, 2001, issued a safety and health
guide to help employers provide a safer workplace for workers exposed to metalworking
fluids.
