Ill health from metalworking and water-mix wash fluids and what to do about it

Advice to employees:

Fluids can get onto the skin by direct contact or into the body by breathing them in as mist.

They can cause irritation of the skin or dermatitis as well as lung diseases, such as occupational asthma and occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

What should you look out for?

Skin:

Lungs:

What should you do if you have health problems?

If you think you have health problems related to fluids then consult the works' doctor or nurse. If your company does not have them, tell a responsible person such as the safety officer or your line manager and consult your GP. You may need to be referred to a specialist in work - related skin or chest problems.

Advice to occupational health professionals

As an occupational health professional (OHP) you should be aware of the potential for:

Health surveillance

Where exposure to fluids or mist cannot be prevented a programme of health surveillance should be in place. It should be set up in consultation with a competent OHP.

Skin:

A responsible person or OHP should carry out regular checks of the skin of the hand and forearm.
Positive responses identified should lead to OHP involvement and:

Respiratory:

Regular administration of a short respiratory questionnaire is advisable either by a responsible person or OHP.

Positive responses identified should lead to OHP involvement and:

Updated 2021-01-19