Engineering Firm Fined After Poor Control of Metalworking Fluids

Brief Summary

An engineering firm was fined after HSE found it had poor control of metalworking fluids used in CNC machines. Workers were put at risk of ill health including dermatitis and respiratory conditions, and the company did not comply with Improvement Notices requiring proper risk assessment, monitoring, and testing.

What Was The Incident?

During a routine inspection in July 2022, HSE identified concerns about how metalworking fluids were managed on CNC machines. HSE served Improvement Notices requiring a suitable risk assessment and appropriate testing and monitoring arrangements, including measures to reduce inhalation of mist and to maintain fluid quality. At a follow up inspection, HSE found the company had not carried out a suitable assessment, did not properly identify hazards and health effects, had not considered steps to reduce mist inhalation, and had not implemented appropriate arrangements to maintain fluid quality. HSE also found fluid testing was less frequent than guidance recommends.

What Was The Outcome?

The company Tracel Ltd trading as The Engineering Quest pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6 of COSHH and two charges of breaching Section 21 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The district judge fined the company £27,200 and ordered it to pay £30,000 in costs at Luton Magistrates’ Court on 8 January 2026.

What Lessons Can Be Learnt?

Complete a suitable COSHH risk assessment for fluid use. Document hazards and the potential health effects from metalworking fluids, and ensure the assessment covers the risks of skin contact and inhalation of mist.

Reduce exposure to mist and manage skin exposure. Risk control measures should specifically address reducing the risk of inhalation of metalworking fluid mist and minimising skin exposure to fluids.

Maintain metalworking fluid quality. Have arrangements in place to maintain fluid quality and manage contamination risk, including preventing bacterial contamination where relevant to the circumstances described.

Test and monitor at the right frequency. Testing should meet the frequency recommended in relevant guidance, and monitoring arrangements should be effective enough to verify ongoing control.

Treat HSE Improvement Notices as mandatory actions. Failure to follow Improvement Notices, including completing the required assessment and implementing testing and monitoring measures, can lead to prosecution.

HSE Prosecution Link