HSE/UKLA “Good Practice Guide for Safe Handling and Disposal of Metalworking Fluids”
This comprehensive guidance document was jointly developed by the United Kingdom Lubricants Association (UKLA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to help employers safely manage metalworking fluids (MWFs) throughout their lifecycle.
The guide provides practical advice on controlling exposure to metalworking fluid mist, maintaining fluid quality, preventing microbial contamination and protecting workers from occupational asthma, occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis (OHP) and dermatitis.
Topics covered include:
- Selection and management of metalworking fluids
- Control of metalworking fluid mist
- Fluid monitoring and maintenance
- Bacterial and fungal contamination
- LEV and enclosure design
- Health surveillance
- Safe disposal practices
- Operator training and supervision
- Management responsibilities
This resource is relevant to:
- Occupational Hygienists
- LEV Designers
- LEV Installers
- P601 TExT Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- CNC Workshop Managers
- Health & Safety Professionals
- Facilities Managers
- Duty Holders
Source Document
View the UKLA/HSE Guide here:
Source: United Kingdon Lubricants Association (UKLA)/HSE
Document Type: Good Practice Guide
Status: Jan 2021
Last reviewed by LEVCentral: June 2026
LEVCentral Expert Commentary
This guide is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative practical references available for managing metalworking fluid risks within engineering and manufacturing environments.
While many organisations focus primarily on extraction systems and airborne exposure measurements, the guide emphasises that successful control of metalworking fluid hazards depends upon a combination of engineering controls, fluid management and organisational governance.
One of the most important messages is that metalworking fluid mist should never be considered in isolation from fluid condition. Poorly maintained fluids can become contaminated with bacteria, fungi, tramp oils and process contaminants, significantly increasing the risk of occupational ill health.
The guide highlights several health risks associated with metalworking fluids, including:
- Occupational asthma
- Occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis (OHP)
- Chronic respiratory disease
- Dermatitis
- Eye irritation
For LEV professionals, the document reinforces the importance of:
- Effective machine enclosure design
- Properly designed extraction systems
- Control of mist escape during access and maintenance
- Appropriate airflow verification
- Routine maintenance and examination
- Integration of LEV controls with wider MWF management programmes
Particularly valuable is the guidance relating to CNC machining centres where operators may be exposed during loading, unloading, cleaning and maintenance activities even when extraction systems are fitted.
The document also aligns closely with HSE’s Occupational Lung Disease strategy and supports the principle that exposure should be reduced as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP), rather than simply relying on compliance with numerical exposure limits.
For organisations operating machining centres, lathes, milling machines, grinders or other metalworking processes, this guide should be considered essential reading for anyone responsible for occupational health, LEV management or process safety.
Key Learning Points
Metalworking Fluid Management Matters
Fluid condition directly affects worker exposure and health risk.
LEV Is Only One Part of the Solution
Extraction systems must be supported by effective fluid management, maintenance and supervision.
Occupational Lung Disease Remains a Significant Risk
Poorly controlled MWF exposure can result in asthma, OHP and long-term respiratory illness.
Health Surveillance Is Essential
Early identification of symptoms can prevent progression to serious occupational disease.
Further Resources
- HSE Strategy 2022 to 2032
- HSE Video – Controlling Metalworking Fluid Mist During CNC Machining
- HSG258 – Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work
- INDG136 – Working with Substances Hazardous to Health
- HSE Metalworking Fluids Resource Centre
Recommended Learning
- P602 LEV Design Principles
- P601 Thorough Examination and Testing of LEV Systems
- P604 LEV Performance Evaluation and Management
- M200 Basic Principles of Occupational Hygiene
