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PHW · Machinery · 2026-01-08

Tracel Ltd, trading as The Engineering Quest fined £27,200 after unresolved metalworking fluid exposure despite repeated warnings

Great Gransden, Sandy, Bedfordshire · Luton Magistrates' Court

What happened

HSE inspectors found poor control of metalworking fluids on CNC machines during a routine inspection and issued Improvement Notices requiring risk assessments and fluid testing. A follow-up inspection found the company had still not complied, with inadequate risk assessments, infrequent fluid testing, and no measures to control inhalation risk.

Injuries: no injury: exposure risk of dermatitis and respiratory conditions

The breach

Regulation 6 of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations; Section 21 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (two charges)

The sentence

  • Fine: £27,200
  • Costs: £30,000
HSE inspector

“Poor management of the use of metalworking fluids still leads to workers developing lung diseases and dermatitis.”

What would have prevented it

Metalworking fluid risk assessments and testing regimes required by an Improvement Notice must actually be carried out and maintained, not just documented.

How PHW helps

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Source: HSE press release, Engineering firm fined £27,200 after endangering workers