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Health and Safety Newsletter - Autumn 2006 |
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Page 5 of 10 Metalworking Fluids and Lung Disease Risks
An outbreak of occupational lung disease at a car manufacturer in 2004, thought to be the world's largest, has been linked to
metalworking fluids. Investigators discovered that the conditions were caused by mist from metalworking machines, which were widespread throughout the factory. Since March 2004, 101 workers have been diagnosed as suffering from occupational asthma or extrinsic allergic alveolitis. The HSE has revised its guidance on metalworking fluids and urges employers to ensure that: - Their risk assessments take into account the possibility of both occupational asthma and extrinsic allergic alveolitis
- They use direct means of monitoring bacterial contamination in metalworking fluids, such as dip slides.
- Exposure to mist is prevented or better controlled.
- Health surveillance is carried out where there is an exposure to mist.
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