I am currently working for a client that reprocesses oils. The oils can be from any origin, which is where I have a problem. I have carried out COSHH assessments on oils in general, but as the client has very little idea what is in the oils, it is a bit difficult to do a COSHH assessment on specifics. All the oil is from various outlets include industrial machine oils, to car engine oils, to chip fat oils. Can anyone give me a bit of advice please? Thanks

Andy, The concern I would have is that if the oils have been used in processes, engines, etc they will now be degraded so as well as oil there will be 'breakdown products' due to high temperatures when they were used. Some of these 'breakdown products' may be carcinogenic. Google 'engine oil carcinogens' and you will find this issue has been a concern for some time; see HSE site and waste regulations. So, for sure, skin protection is advised and also hazard label information should be considered with regard to the possible carcinogenic hazard. JohnW

Chris, perhaps it is the case that mechanics are diligent in applying the fairly simple control measures: Engine oil [1] Frequent and prolonged contact with used engine oil may cause dermatitis and other skin disorders, including skin cancer. Avoid unnecessary contact with used engine oil. Adopt safe systems of work, wear protective clothing which should be cleaned or replaced regularly. Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and cleanliness.

This issue was first raised many years ago as the result of a paper published, if I remember correctly, by the then occupational physician at Ford Dagenham. As a result a conference was held at Birmingham University which I attended. A comment from a world renowned occupational dermatologist (now long retired) stuck in my mind at the time. His comments were that as a practising dermatologist he could not remember every encountering a single case of skin cancer due to engine oil on the hands. He had seen scrotal cancer, but this was also rare. He then commented that the study showing the carcinogenic properties of the engine oil was based on oral administration of this to rats at levels that would equate to a human drinking about a litre of used engine oil daily! Whilst not wishing to decry the possibility of skin cancer from used engine oil, my experience is certainly that there is a much greater risk of skin contact resulting in irritant contact dermatitis, and this possibly facilitating the development of an allergy to some other chemical in the oil. In any event, providing that contact is avoided and appropriate skin care measures taken, then any risk can be minimised to the point where it ceases to be a real concern. So my approach would be: Long nitrile gauntlets (or single use, category III nitrile gloves where dexterity requires this, remembering that these only provide limited protection), and training on the correct use of gloves. Gauntlets to be changed if damaged or at least daily. Regular hand washing using a mild liquid soap (not antibacterial) Application each time the hands are washed using a skin conditioning lotion. Regular skin health surveillance. Chris Chris

Jane Note 'long term exposure' and to mice. Whether this is relevant in terms of relatively short term exposure, but possibly repeated, to human skin is open to question. The stratum corneum of a mouse is structured very differently to that of a human and it is well established in toxicology that interpreting data on topical effects from mice across to humans is very difficult. As far as I am aware (and if someone can find contradictory data I would be very interested) the epidemiology does not support the contention that the carcinogenic effect of used engine oil is a major cause of occupational ill health. So I retain my view that contact dermatitis/oil acne are likely to be the major hazards. What is not clear from the original posting is the level of exposure, both skin and inhalation, so we can only discuss this in general terms. If exposure cannot be eliminated by other means, then good quality nitrile gloves will provide adequate protection. Chris

Thanks all for the advice. its nice to see I have raised a good talking point. The clients employees all wear the correct PPE and are regularly washing to ensure good hygiene, so exposure to the skin is virtually nil. Daily changes of overalls gloves etc. is the norm. Thanks again for the advice it is very much appreciated.