VLS Bulletin – May 2024 – VLS 010187
VLS 010187 – John Neale Coolant CS-AQ Aluminium Synthetic Cutting Fluid
On the 9th May 2023 the case was accepted by VLS.
VLS have received a complaint concerning the claims made on Coolant CS-AQ Aluminium Synthetic Cutting Fluid which was as follows;
Reference was made to the product representing ‘No mist hazard’ on the product’s Technical Data Sheet which VLS believed was misleading. Whilst the formulation may contain no mineral oil, other components present, bacteria/fungi or tramp oil could form a mist when the product is in use.
The MSDS indicated the presence of PYRIDINE-2-THIOL 1-OXIDE, SODIUM SALT, which is classified as ‘toxic if inhaled’. According to HSE MW5 which states “water mix MWF”… “Inhalation of MWF mist can cause lung disease”.
The product claimed to help users meet their oil mist limits, when in fact there are no limits published.
The statement is not supported by any evidence in section 11 of the MSDS. Reference was made to zero bacterial growth after 12 months in operation, and VLS asked for this to be evidenced and under what conditions. The product claimed to be ‘sensitizer free, the MSDS indicates the presence of PYRIDINE-2-THIOL 1-OXIDE, SODIUM SALT, which is a known sensitizer.
In response the Lubricant Marketer replaced sodium pyrithione in the formulation with a suitable alternative. They also revised the product’s Technical Data Sheet to amend the claims to;
Chlorine-free, Boron-free, MIT/BIT-free, known sensitizers-free, formaldehyde-free, solution synthetic.
No human hazard labelling on the concentrate.
No aspiration hazard ingredients according to CLP2020/878.
VLS reviewed the claims made on the revised TDS and accepted them.
On 21st May 2024, VLS undertook a six-month review to ensure that the product under investigation was still in compliance. As part of this review, VLS reviewed the current product’s Technical Data Sheet, product details from the Lubricant Marketer’s website as well as the original case summary.
VLS is content that the product remains in compliance at the six-month stage and the case and investigation was closed.
David Wright, Company Secretary of VLS said “We want to ensure we have the highest standards in Europe for lubricant manufacture, blending and marketing, and we want a ‘level playing field’ for all participants, so that we protect the interests of the consumer and other end users.
In the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (UK) Ltd, we have set our course for stronger industry self-regulation by working positively towards more open and transparent competition that benefits all lubricant organisations.”
May 2024
