What is Oil Mist?
Understanding the Risks of Oil Mist and How to Control It
Oil mist is a fine airborne aerosol created during machining and manufacturing processes that use metalworking fluids, lubricants or cutting oils. High-speed machinery such as CNC machines, lathes and milling machines can produce microscopic oil droplets that become suspended in the air, where they may be inhaled by employees.
Although oil mist is often difficult to see, prolonged exposure can affect workplace air quality, employee health, and machinery performance.
At A-Mac Environmental, we design, install, test and maintain Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) and oil mist extraction systems that help businesses improve workplace air quality and support compliance with UK health and safety legislation.
What is Oil Mist?
Oil mist consists of extremely small droplets of oil that become airborne during machining processes.
It is commonly produced when:
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Cutting fluids are sprayed onto tooling
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Metalworking fluids are circulated at high pressure
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High-speed machining creates fine aerosols
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Coolants contact rotating tools
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Components are ground or polished using lubricants
Because these droplets are so small, they can remain suspended in the air for long periods before settling onto machinery, floors and surrounding surfaces.
Where is Oil Mist Generated?
Oil mist is commonly found in workplaces using metalworking fluids, including:
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CNC machining centres
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Milling machines
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Lathes
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Grinding machines
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Drilling machines
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Turning centres
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Automatic machining lines
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Metal finishing equipment
Any process that combines rotating machinery with cutting fluids or lubricants has the potential to generate airborne oil mist.
Why is Oil Mist Hazardous?
Without suitable control measures, prolonged exposure to oil mist can contribute to a range of health and workplace issues.
Possible effects include:
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Eye irritation
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Nose and throat irritation
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Respiratory irritation
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Skin irritation and dermatitis from contact with metalworking fluids
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Slippery floors caused by oil deposits
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Reduced visibility around machinery
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Contamination of equipment and products
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Increased cleaning and maintenance requirements
Controlling oil mist also helps create a cleaner, more comfortable working environment.
Why is Oil Mist Difficult to Control?
Unlike larger oil droplets that settle quickly, fine oil mist particles remain airborne and can spread throughout the workshop.
This can result in:
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Oil deposits on machinery
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Dirty walls and ceilings
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Contaminated electrical equipment
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Poor indoor air quality
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Increased maintenance costs
Capturing oil mist close to the source is the most effective way to prevent it from spreading.
How Can Oil Mist Be Controlled?
The most effective way to control oil mist is to remove it at the point where it is generated.
Common control measures include:
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Machine enclosures
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Air filtration systems
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Correct machine maintenance
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Regular cleaning
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Suitable working practices
Engineering controls such as LEV should be the primary method of reducing airborne oil mist.
The Importance of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)
A properly designed Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system captures oil mist before it escapes into the workplace.
An effective system can help:
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Improve workplace air quality
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Reduce employee exposure
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Keep machinery cleaner
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Reduce oil deposits on surfaces
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Improve visibility
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Reduce maintenance costs
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Support compliance with COSHH Regulations
Every extraction system should be designed around the type of machinery, metalworking fluid and production process being used.
Maintaining Oil Mist Extraction Systems
To ensure continued performance, oil mist extraction systems should be:
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Inspected regularly
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Maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations
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Checked for airflow performance
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Cleaned as required
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Subject to a Thorough Examination and Test (TExT) where applicable
Routine maintenance helps maximise system efficiency and extend equipment life.
Industries That Generate Oil Mist
Oil mist is commonly produced in:
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Precision engineering
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CNC machining
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Aerospace manufacturing
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Automotive manufacturing
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Toolmaking
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Metal fabrication
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Component manufacturing
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Defence engineering
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Medical device manufacturing
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General engineering workshops
Where metalworking fluids are used, suitable extraction should always be considered.
How A-Mac Environmental Can Help
A-Mac Environmental provides complete oil mist extraction and LEV solutions throughout Scotland.
Our services include:
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Air filtration systems
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Industrial ventilation
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LEV Thorough Examination and Test (TExT)
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Planned preventative maintenance
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Repairs and upgrades
Our qualified P601 and P602 engineers work with manufacturers and engineering businesses to deliver reliable, efficient extraction systems that improve workplace air quality and support compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes oil mist?
Oil mist is created when metalworking fluids, coolants or lubricants are atomised during machining processes such as milling, turning, drilling and grinding.
Is oil mist hazardous?
Prolonged exposure to oil mist can affect workplace air quality and may contribute to respiratory irritation and skin problems. It can also create slippery surfaces and increase maintenance requirements.
Is oil mist covered by COSHH?
Yes. Metalworking fluids and the airborne contaminants they generate should be considered as part of a COSHH Risk Assessment, and employers must take appropriate steps to control employee exposure.
Can oil mist damage machinery?
Yes. Oil deposits can accumulate on machinery, electrical equipment and building surfaces, increasing cleaning requirements and potentially affecting equipment performance over time.
How often should oil mist extraction systems be tested?
Where oil mist is controlled using an LEV system, a Thorough Examination and Test (TExT) is generally required at suitable intervals, with many systems requiring examination at least every 14 months.
If your business operates CNC machines, lathes, milling machines or other metalworking equipment, A-Mac Environmental can help you improve workplace air quality and control airborne oil mist.
Our experienced engineers provide professional oil mist extraction, LEV design, Thorough Examination and Test (TExT), maintenance and repairs throughout Scotland.
Contact A-Mac Environmental today to arrange a site survey or discuss the right oil mist extraction solution for your workshop.