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Tech News
New ASTM Draft Standards Promote Safe Use of Metal Removal Fluids
Metal removal fluids, also known as metalworking fluids, are chemical
products widely used as processing aids for machining or grinding
metals such as engine, transmission and aircraft components.
Two ASTM standards that concern safer use, selection, and management
of metal removal fluids have been updated to reflect the needs
of manufacturers, including shop managers and machinists, industrial
hygienists, toxicologists and other health and safety professionals,
and formulators of metal removal fluids.
The revised standards have been presented for ballot within ASTM
by Subcommittee E34.50 on Health and Safety Standards for Metalworking
Fluids, part of Committee E-34 on Occupational Health and Safety.
According to Subcommittee Chairman John Howell, director, Safety,
Health and Environmental Affairs, Castrol Industrial North America,
Ill., both the users and the formulators of metalworking fluids
can benefit by the revised standards. “The revised standards reflect
the latest thinking regarding ‘systems management’ of metalworking
fluids and the manufacturing environment in which they’re used,”
he said.
Standard E 1302, Guide for Acute Animal Toxicity Testing of Water-Miscible
Metalworking Fluids, defines acute animal toxicity tests and presents
references for procedures that will assess the acute toxicity
of water-miscible metalworking fluids concentrates as manufactured.
Water-miscible metalworking fluids are manufactured as concentrates
designed to be diluted in water for use. When applied, ASTM E
1302 will help the formulator assess the potential health hazards
of the fluid and the user to evaluate those hazards and develop
appropriate work practices.
Acute toxicology testing of water-miscible metalworking fluids
consists of several individual tests including acute oral, dermal,
or inhalation toxicity, eye and skin irritation or corrosion or
both, skin sensitization, and sensory irritation. Certain protocols
for acute, oral, dermal and inhalation toxicity tests are limit
tests; further multi-dose testing should take place if mortality
is noted on any of these tests. The referenced protocols specify
the species and numbers of animals required. Selection of tests
conducted should be designed to minimize the number of animals
used.
Standard E 1497, Practice for Safe Use of Metal Removal Fluids,
establishes guidance for the safe use of metal removal fluids,
additives and antimicrobials (often called “biocides”). including
fluid selection, storage, dispensing, and maintenance. Use of
E 1497 will improve management and control of metal removal fluids.
Proper management and use will reduce dermal and other occupational
hazards associated with metal removal fluids.
Routes of metal removal fluid exposure and overexposure include
eye contact, inhalation, and dermal contact. Exposure may be through
contact with the fluid, airborne fluid mists, or fluid residue
on machinery and parts. New guidance on metal removal water quality
and treatment, fluid sump and system design, management, prevention,
and emergencies will assist both users and suppliers of these
fluids.
“These revised standards complement the other existing standards
within the jurisdiction of E34.50,” said Howell. “For example,
E 1687 [Standard Test Method for Determining Carcinogenic Potential
of Virgin Base Oils in Metalworking Fluids] assists formulators
in properly selecting base oils for use in metal removal fluids,
PS 42 [Provisional Method for Metal Removal Aerosol in Workplace
Atmospheres] gives guidance on how to measure metal removal fluid
mist in the shop, and PS 94 [Provisional Practice for Personal
Sampling and Analysis of Endotoxin in Metal Removal Fluid Aerosols
in Workplace Atmospheres] assists users in measuring endotoxin,
a potential health hazard of microbiological origin. Importantly,
the newest guide, E 1972, [Practice for Minimizing Effects of
Aerosols in Wet Metal Removal Environment] benefits users by describing
ways to minimize exposure to these fluids,” said Howell. Committee
E-34 develops occupational health and safety standards for materials,
and chemical, physical, and biological agents, with consideration
to:
- Exposure, including safe levels, methods of measurement, monitoring
of personnel and environment, and medical examinations;
- Symptomatology and the need for treatment and first aid;
- Control, including engineering, personal protective equipment,
precautionary methods, training, warnings and labeling, storage
and transportation, handling, and disposal; and
- Administration, including record-keeping and registry.
For further technical information, please contact John Howell, Castrol Industrial North America, 1100 W. 31st St., Downers
Grove, IL 60515-1280 (630/743-7340). For meeting or membership
information, contact Committee E-34 Staff Manager Teresa Cendrowska, ASTM (610/832-9718). //
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