6 principles of managing metalworking fluids

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) set out the principles of managing hazardous substances.

To manage metalworking fluids, you need to:

• carry out and record a suitable and sufficient risk assessment
• eliminate or adequately control MWF exposure
• control bacterial contamination
• maintain MWF quality
• provide health surveillance where there is skin exposure or misting, and
• provide appropriate information, instruction and training

The exact causes of metalworking fluid related respiratory illness, particularly extrinsic allergic alveolitis, are still under investigation by HSE. As is often the case where allergens are concerned, it has not proved possible to identify a threshold level for exposure. This means that even after taking action there may still be a residual risk and it may well not be reasonably practicable to prevent all cases. However, putting the six principles into practice can greatly reduce the chance of an employee developing respiratory illness.

If you do not currently have a comprehensive control system in place, establishing it can seem a daunting process. However, it is important that you get to grips with it.

If you need help, EEF and others can provide expert advice and support to help you identify, implement and monitor a comprehensive set of controls. Alternatively contact your metalworking fluid supplier.