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News Release USDL: 96-355
Thursday, August 29, 1996
Contact: Lola DeGroff (202) 219-8151

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has moved a step closer in considering a permanent standard to reduce the hazards from oil mists generated during metalworking and machining.

Today OSHA announced it was forming a standards advisory committee to make recommendations on how to develop a proposed rule for occupational exposure to metalworking fluids. Individuals who meet membership criteria and are interested in being considered for committee membership and groups interested in nominating qualified persons (see attached qualification criteria) should send their nominations to:

U.S. Department of Labor/OSHA
Directorate of Health Standards Programs
Metalworking Fluids Project Officer
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Rm N-3718
Washington, D.C. 20210

Nominations must be postmarked by Sept. 30, 1996.

The committee will have no more than 15 members representing a balanced cross-section of various interested groups.

Adam M. Finkel, OSHA health standards director, said that there are many complexities surrounding the metalworking fluids issue. "We're particularly concerned with the impact of a metalworking fluids rule on small employers." Finkel added that OSHA hopes to get nominations from academia, experienced professionals and the small business community to help address these issues.

Metalworking fluids is one of 18 safety and health hazards selected for priority action through OSHA's priority planning process, a participatory activity that helps set OSHA's regulatory and nonregulatory action. One hundred twenty-five hazards were considered. The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) had asked OSHA to take emergency regulatory action to protect workers from the risk of occupational cancers and respiratory illnesses due to metalworking fluids exposure.

Notice of the intent to form this committee is scheduled to appear in the Aug. 29, 1996 Federal Register.

Applicants should be qualified by experience, knowledge, and affiliation, and meet the following criteria:

• Labor:
  must be recommended by a labor organization representing employees who are exposed to metalworking fluids;

• Industry:
  must be recommended by an industry or association representing companies whose employees are exposed to metalworking fluids;

• State or Federal Safety and Health Organization:
  must be a Federal or State employee with responsibilities in occupational health and safety and have experience in the safe use of metalworking fluids;

• Professional Organizations/National Standards-Setting Groups:
  must be recommended by a professional organization or national standards-setting group that regulates or represents occupational safety and health interests in the safe use of metalworking fluids.

Each application or nomination must include:

1. the name of the applicant or nominee and a description of the interest such a person seeks to represent;

2. the social security number, address, phone number, title, position, experience, qualifications, and resume of the nominee;

3. evidence that the applicant or nominee is qualified to represent parties having the same interest the person proposed to represent; and

4. a written commitment that the applicant or nominee will be able to attend regular meetings of the committee and participate in good faith.