On this page:
irritant contact dermatitis
causes of i.c.dermatitis
allergic dermatitis
MRF and dermatitis
preventing dermatitis
contaminants
tramp oil
bacteria
Links to other pages:
concentration
checks
soluble
oils
semisynthetics
synthetics
MRF management
maintenance
microbes
allergic contact dermatitis
MRF and dermatitis
poor MRF management/
maintenance &
dermatitis
water in oil-based systems
oil
bacteria
steps to prevention of
dermatitis
avoid contact
check
concentration
control contamination
keep clothes,
rags clean
flow rates, splashguards
gloves & barrier creams
don't wash in sump
washing hands
good hygiene
broken skin
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What is dermatitis?
| Dermatitis is an inflammatory response of the skin. Signs and
symptoms that typify the initial onset of dermatitis include |
 | redness of the skin (erythema) |
|
| swelling (edema) |
|
| itching (pruritis) |
|
| small blisters (vesiculation) |
|
| In more severe cases, fissures (deep cracks) and ulcers (open sores) may
develop. The condition is usually reversible when a person is no longer exposed to
whatever is causing the dermatitis. More severe cases may require more time and medical
attention. Some individuals, too, may be at higher risk for developing dermatitis; they
may be very sensitive to various materials and need to avoid any exposure to the specific
agents. |
|
| The dermatitis may be one of two kinds: irritant contact dermatitis
or allergic contact dermatitis. |
What is irritant contact dermatitis?
| Irritant contact dermatitis, as its name suggests, is dermatitis caused by
contact of the skin with some irritant. In machining or grinding operations, it may be caused by any of several possibilities or combination of factors,
such as: |
|
|
| high alkalinity of in-use fluid which can remove natural skin oils |
|
| metal processing aids such as degreasers, cleaners, or rust inhibitors |
|
| metal shavings or fines contained in the fluid which may abrade the skin |
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| prolonged contact with the MRF |
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| tramp oils (e.g., hydraulic fluids, gear or spindle oils, way lubes, grease) |
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| hand washing with abrasive soaps or with water that is excessively hot or cold |
|
| seasonal conditions (e.g., winter dryness) |
|
| other contaminants (e.g., water in an oil-based system) |
|
| The longer the exposure to an irritant, the greater the possibility for skin
irritation to develop. Activities outside work, (e.g., gardening, painting, car repair, or
household chores), may cause, or contribute to, dermatitis through contact with consumer
and household products. |
What is allergic contact dermatitis?
| Allergic contact dermatitis is an immune system response that arises in
some people who are allergic to a contaminant or ingredient in the MRF, such as |
| metal contaminants, such as chromium, cobalt, or nickel |
|
| some biocides or odorants |
|
Can MRF itself cause dermatitis?
What in the MRF environment can cause dermatitis?
| Irritant dermatitis can be caused
by anything that causes abrasions on the skin or that removes the skin’s natural
oils. Also, such materials or activities can make the skin more susceptible to dermatitis.
Dry air, extreme cold, changing humidity, and even the normal aging process can predispose
the skin to dermatitis. |
|
| A prime cause of dermatitis (and respiratory system complaints; see below)
is poor management and maintenance
of MRF systems. If the MRF is not monitored closely for contaminants, alkalinity,
concentration, and so on, the risk of developing dermatitis increases. |
|
| In the case of oil-based systems, water must be considered a contaminant. Water can dissolve the additives in the MRF and form
dilute acids. These acids then become the irritant in the oil-based system. They become
concentrated as time goes on and are carried by the oil. |
|
| Tramp oil, which often contaminates the in-use
MRF, is one of the main causes of dermatitis. These materials are not developed with
repeated skin contact in mind. Some components of these machine lubricants are highly
irritating to the skin. Unemulsified tramp oils can also be a significant carrier of
aluminum fines, which aggravates the problem further. |
|
| Bacteria
in water-containing metal removal fluids do not cause dermatitis, but may aggravate the
situation and cause a secondary infection. Proper maintenance
and cleaning of the MRF system, and especially the
sumps, can reduce the incidence of dermatitis and respiratory problems reported by
employees. |
|
| Some people may develop allergic contact dermatitis from fluid exposure
because they are especially sensitive to one or more of the fluid’s components. |
How can irritant contact dermatitis be prevented?
| Minimizing contact with the irritant can prevent dermatitis, but this is
not always possible. Since excellent manual dexterity is often required of machinists,
some personal protective equipment, such as gloves, may not be appropriate for some
operations and may even be a serious safety hazard with other operations, such as those
using rotating equipment. The employer may specify operations for which gloves are
permitted. If used, gloves should not allow fluid to penetrate. Disposable or washable
inner gloves may also be considered to eliminate perspiration. If fluid is retained in
gloves, the employee should wash exposed skin with warm water and a mild hand cleaner and
gently but thoroughly dry. The used gloves should then be disposed of and new ones worn. |
|
| The use of good quality barrier creams on exposed skin areas can offer
protection against the development of dermatitis if used consistently and re-applied as
necessary throughout the shift. |
The following
steps will help to prevent irritant dermatitis:
| Where possible, avoid contact with MRF, fluid residues, and soaked rags or clothing. |
|
| Maintain MRF concentration within manufacturer’s recommendations. High
concentrations can and do cause dermatitis. |
|
| MRF residues should not be allowed to accumulate. |
|
| Control MRF contamination. |
|
| Clothing and rags should be cleaned as needed. Shop rags should be free of abrasive
dirt, metal fines and contaminant chemicals. |
|
| Correct fluid flow rates and adequate splashguards should be used. |
|
| If contact cannot be avoided, an impervious apron and gloves made of a material such as
nitrile or PVC should be considered. Disposable or washable inner gloves should also be
considered to eliminate perspiration. Great caution must be exercised when using gloves
around rotating or moving machinery. |
|
| Gloves, where used, should be changed
routinely, especially when wet internally. Gloves should be checked periodically for cuts,
tears and leaks. At a minimum, this should be done at the beginning of each shift. |
|
| Barrier creams may be applied to exposed skin areas where protective clothing is not
possible. To be effective, these creams must be periodically reapplied during the shift.
Note: barrier creams are a preventive measure and not a treatment for dermatitis. They
should be applied only to healthy skin. Consult a physician prior to using a barrier cream
on skin that is being treated with a topical medication. |
|
| When washing, do not wash in the MRF sump. |
|
| Avoid the use of solvents that remove natural oils and cause dry skin, which is more
susceptible to irritation and infection. |
|
| At each break, before eating, smoking a cigarette, or going to the toilet, exposed skin
should be washed with a mild gel-type hand cleaner or a mild non-abrasive soap, using warm
water and drying gently but thoroughly. |
|
| Observance of good personal hygiene should be made part of established shop practices. |
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| Special precautions must be taken if exposed skin is broken. |
|
| If dermatitis occurs. employees should seek medical treatment.
Dermatitis should not be considered an expected or acceptable part of the job. |
|
Contact Chris Roman, 