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2125. METALWORKING FLUIDS: PROTECTING RESPIRATORY HEALTH

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)(1); 29 USC 656(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In December 1993, the International Union, United Automobile Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, petitioned OSHA to take emergency regulatory action to protect workers from the risks of occupational cancers and respiratory illnesses due to exposure to metalworking fluids. In response to the petition, OSHA established a 15-member Standards Advisory Committee to make recommendations to OSHA regarding the need for a standard, a guideline, or other appropriate response to the dangers of occupational exposures to metalworking fluids. The Committee concluded that workers exposed to these fluids are at risk of developing respiratory diseases, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, occupational asthma, and lung cancer and dermatoses. The Committee divided on the appropriate response; a majority favored rulemaking while others concluded that rulemaking was inappropriate at this time because of the complexity of the issue. The Committee submitted its report to OSHA in July, 1999. OSHA has decided to make the Committee's report available to the public on the Agency's web page. In addition, working with stakeholders and members of the Advisory Committee, OSHA has developed a Best Practices Guide for metalworking fluid users and will also make this available on the web. OSHA believes that the availability of this comprehensive and authoritative outreach material will greatly reduce the health hazards machinists and others exposed to these fluids may face. Accordingly, and in light of resource constraints, OSHA is withdrawing this entry from the agenda at this time.

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Marthe B. Kent, Acting Director, Directorate of Health Standards Programs, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N3718, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678

RIN: 1218-AB58