Health and Safety Executive

Metalworking fluids

Fluid being used whilst drilling

Exposure to metalworking fluids can cause; irritation of the skin/dermatitis, occupational asthma, bronchitis, irritation of the upper respiratory tract, breathing difficulties or, rarely, a more serious lung disease called extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA), which can cause increasingly severe breathing difficulties in recurrent episodes, following repeated exposure.

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Key messages

Yellow alert sign

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) requires exposure to metalworking fluids by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact to be prevented where reasonably practicable, or failing that, adequately controlled.

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COSHH information sheets

These information sheets are to help managers of workshops using metalworking fluids comply with the COSHH regulations.

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Updated 10.11.11