Is exposure to Metal Working Fluid an OSHA concern?
In 1993, the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) petitioned OSHA for an emergency temporary standard. OSHA subsequently issued a Priority Planning report, which identified metalworking fluids as an issue worthy of Agency action. The Assistant Secretary then asked the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) for recommendations on how to proceed. NACOSH recommended that OSHA form a Standards Advisory Committee (SAC) to address the issues of occupational exposure to metal removal fluids. The Secretary of Labor signed the charter establishing the Metalworking Fluids SAC on August 28, 1997. The Standards Advisory Committee comprised of 15 representatives from unions, academia, affected industries that included large and small employers, and NIOSH and State public health professionals, issued a report in 1999. A summary of that report is available on OSHA’s website at http://www.osha.gov. Top 3. Wh
