Identifying Microbial Exposure Risks from Metalworking Fluids to Safeguard Workers

Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are used in a number of industries to reduce heat and friction, and to remove metal particles in industrial machining and grinding operations. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that millions of workers are exposed to machining fluids.

A primary concern when utilizing MWFs is the presence of contaminants that encourage the growth of bacteria and fungi. Regarding these potential exposure risks, OSHA offers the following warning:
While MWFs are used by many workers safely, problems can develop when good hygiene practices are not followed or when fluids are not properly managed or maintained. Major health concerns of improperly managed fluids or when good hygiene practices are not followed include skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and, occasionally, breathing difficulties such as bronchitis and asthma. Although rare, some workers have contacted hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) from improperly managed fluids.

One of the more commonly isolated types of bacteria from MWFs is Pseudomonas. Additional species include Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter, and others. Fungal contamination from Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, and other species is also a concern. To protect workers from exposure risks, potential hazards due to MWFs are addressed in specific OSHA standards for general industry, maritime, and construction.

To help companies that utilize MWFs safeguard their workers and adhere to health and safety regulations, the industrial hygiene professionals at CSC offer proactive sampling of MWFs to identify contaminants, air sampling around workers to determine if inhalation risks are present, personal protective equipment training, and worksite assessments to evaluate engineering controls and other potential safety resources. CSC also recently sponsored an educational video about metalworking fluids and microbial exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/G8oKYBBwiow

To learn more about this or other industrial hygiene, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com, or call 800-807-1118.

About Clark Seif Clark, Inc. (CSC)
Since 1996, CSC has helped clients in the public and private sectors address indoor air quality, occupational, and environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers, and real estate professionals.

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Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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