HSE Inspections: Metalworking fluids “White water”

Since October, HSE has been inspecting manufacturing businesses that use metalworking fluids or ‘white water’ in their machining processes, with more than half of inspections identifying failings.

As a result, enforcement action has been taken against employers.

The 3 common failings found were:

1.         Not having local exhaust ventilation

2.         Failing to complete regular fluid quality checks

3.         Not providing health surveillance for lung and skin conditions

What does this mean for you? / What the law requires regarding metalworking fluids?

To reduce exposure, you need control measures in place.

The impact of failing to take action can be significant. There is the real human cost to those harmed at work and if this results in a prosecution the costs can be reputational and financial.

Make sure you have the correct controls in place to protect workers from the risks of working with metalworking fluid “whitewater” 

• Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) should be fitted on machines to carry away any harmful metalworking fluid mist, which is difficult to see in normal lighting
• Fluid quality should be regularly checked focusing on concentration, pH and bacteria. Fluid systems can become highly contaminated with harmful bacteria
• Health surveillance will help detect any symptoms of ill health caused by work sooner rather than later. You will need to involve an occupational health professional and workers should be encouraged to report any symptoms as and when they appear if likely to be caused by exposure to fluid or mist

Health surveillance is a scheme of repeated health checks which are used to identify ill health caused by work. Where there is exposure to metalworking fluid or mist, it is a legal requirement to carry out health surveillance even when preventative controls, such as fluid quality checks and local exhaust ventilation (LEV), are in place.

Health surveillance is used to identify ill health caused by work and is different to general health screening activities. For those who work with metalworking fluid, exposure through mist inhalation or direct contact can cause lung diseases and irritated skin (dermatitis).

You will need to involve an occupational health professional who has the relevant competence, skills and experience for the health risks in your business. They will help you develop your health surveillance scheme and can help train responsible persons to help deliver this where appropriate.

Our experienced Consultants can offer practical advice and guidance, if you would like Spectra to assist you please get in contact

Using Metalworking Fluids or “White Water”