Health topics in the engineering industry

Metalworking fluids

Exposure to metalworking fluids can cause; irritation of the skin/dermatitis and lung diseases, such as occupational asthma and occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Further information on metalworking fluids

Welding

Breathing welding fume can result in illness. Some welders may be ill for only a short time, others may get permanent illnesses like asthma. There is no easy way to know if it will be you. A few welders get so ill they have to stop welding and find a new career.

Further information on welding

Noise

Noise can cause hearing damage and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). It can interfere with communication, cause fatigue and tiredness, reduce efficiency, affect morale and distract and disrupt job performance.

Further information on noise in engineering

Guidance

Further information on noise at work

Cleaning and degreasing

Various organic solvents are used in degreasing. The most commonly used are chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene, dichloromethane (methylene chloride) and perchloroethylene. Exposure to organic solvent vapour or liquids may be harmful to health, affecting the nervous system in particular. Ill-health effects can be both short-term and long-term and include headaches, dizziness, nausea, disorientation, unconsciousness and even death.

• Immersion and cold cleaning of engineering components
• Solvent vapour degreasing plant