Metalworking Fluid Components Online Information System – Database in a New Look

Metalworking fluids (MWFs) used in metal processing are often mixtures of numerous individual substances (e.g., for lubrication, as extreme-pressure additives, biocides, etc.). As a result, questions frequently arise as to whether certain substances are still to be expected in MWFs according to the current state of the art, or whether an identified ingredient poses a health concern. For this reason, a working group consisting of metalworking fluid users (VKIS), metalworking fluid manufacturers (VSI), and employees involved in their application (represented by the Industrial Union of Metalworkers, IG Metall) publishes an annual list (“VKIS-VSI-IGM Substance List for Metalworking Fluids”), documenting, for example, occupational exposure limits, restrictions on use, or maximum concentrations in MWFs (see link below).

As a supplement and in greater depth, FoBiG, with support from the German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the woodworking and metalworking industries (BGHM), developed a “Metalworking Fluid Components Online Information System,” which classifies additional potential ingredients of MWFs and provides further information on many substances. For example, references are made to registration dossiers under European chemicals legislation (REACH), and the relevance of substances in MWFs is reported.

This Metalworking Fluid Components Online Information System now appears in a completely new format: the structure and design of the website have been entirely revised. The technical platform has also been changed. Links to the REACH registration dossiers have been updated. In terms of content, the occupational exposure limits (OELs) and classifications under the CLP Regulation in the fact sheets have been updated (as of October 2015). In addition to the updated fact sheets, all substance entries in the database have now been aligned with the new VKIS-VSI-IGM List of December 18, 2015.

Visit the new Metalworking Fluid Components Online Information System here! 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jan Oltmanns.