Guidelines for the Control of Exposure to Metalworking Fluids

摘要

Based on data from the National Occupational Hazard Survey, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates that 1.2 million people in the United States are exposed to metalworking fluids. A review, published in 1962 by Hendricks et al., of oils of all types used in industry found a striking lack of reported cases of illnesses related to 'oil' mist inhalation at average exposure concentration of 3.7-mg/cu. m., nor an increase in respiratory symptoms at an average concentration of 5.2-mg/cu. m. The 5-mg/cu. m. environmental limit for petroleum based oils is recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists as an index of good industrial practice. No such limit exists for synthetic metalworking fluids. Subsequently, control measures have been instituted as a means to control a nuisance material, but neither measurement of the actual concentrations of oil mist in the air nor documentation of the specific techniques used have been documented.