• Obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) from the supplier to know what precautions are recommended.
• Choose MWFs with the least toxic materials when possible.
• Maintain proper use of biocides.
• Keep machines clean and change MWFs as necessary.
• Use properly designed MWF delivery systems which minimize the amount of fluid mist generated.
• Some machines require a cooling system for the metalworking fluid. Use cutting machine coolant with a visual coolant filling point and level indicator. The coolant capacity should be suitable for the correct function of the machine tool.
• Use splashguards to prevent unnecessary spray and splashing.
• Minimize the number of pipework bends and kinks.
• Use nozzles that optimize coolant distribution.
• Use exhaust and local exhaust ventilation to prevent accumulation and recirculation of airborne contaminants.
• Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) if engineering controls are not adequate. Employees using PPE must be trained to follow all OSHA PPE requirements.
• Ensure employees are aware of and promptly report skin or chest symptoms which may be related to MWFs.

The following resources contain information to help evaluate and control MWF exposures.

Evaluation
MWF exposures are measured either as mineral oil mist or nuisance dust. Sampling information and appropriate analytical methods include:

Oil Mist

• Sampling and Analytical Methods. OSHA. Provides links to information developed by OSHA, including validated methods for use by the Salt Lake Technical Center (SLTC) Laboratory.
  • Oil Mist in Workplace Atmospheres. OSHA Method ID-128.
  • Oil Mist In Textile Workplace Atmospheres (Freon 113). OSHA Method ID-178SG.
• Chemical Sampling Information (CSI). OSHA.
  • Oil Mist, Mineral.
• Oil Mist, Mineral. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Method 5026, 66 KB PDF, 4 pages.

Nuisance Dust

• OSHA Technical Manual (OTM). OSHA Directive TED 01-00-015 [TED 1-0.15A], (1999, January 20).
  • Personal Sampling for Air Contaminants. Contains a section on filter weighing.
• Chemical Sampling Information (CSI). OSHA.
  • Particulates not otherwise regulated (Total Dust).
  • Particulates not otherwise regulated (Respirable Fraction).
• Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated, Total. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Method 0500, 19 KB PDF, 3 pages.
• Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated, Respirable. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Method 0600, 156 KB PDF, 6 pages.
• Metalworking Fluid (MWF) All Categories. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Method 5524, (2003, March 15), 216 KB PDF, 10 pages.
• Workplace Survey Reports. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
  • In-Depth Survey Report Characterization of Metalworking Mists During the Evaluation of a Commercial Air Cleaner. Report No. ECTB 218-13a, (1997, July). Also available as a 327 KB PDF, 15 pages.

Controls

• Metalworking Fluids: Safety and Health Best Practices Manual. OSHA. Assists employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace for workers exposed to MWFs through effective prevention programs adapted to the needs and resources of each place of employment.
• Summary: Final Report of the OSHA Metalworking Fluids Standards Advisory Committee. (1999). Also available as a 29 KB PDF, 15 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. Also available as a 664 KB PDF, 211 pages.
• What You Need to Know About Occupational Exposure to Metalworking Fluids. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-116, (1998, March), 238 KB PDF, 44 pages. Contains exposure, health effects, and control information for metalworking fluids.
• Criteria For a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Metalworking Fluids. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-102, (1998, July). Also available as a 9 MB PDF, 241 pages.
  • Recommendations to Control Exposures Suggested by NIOSH in Comprehensive Health Effects Review of Metalworking Fluids. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Update, (1998, January 22). Summarizes the information in the recommended standard.
• LubeCare Fact Sheet. Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA). LubeCare is a program developed by ILMA to help member companies integrate health, safety, and environmental considerations in the design, manufacture, use, and disposal of lubricant products.