Posted By Richie Robert, You will be aware that the carcinogenic properties of used engine oil comes about by way of the combustion process. Although a well recognised hazard in industry, I have never seen a SD sheet providing a detailed breakdown of the Hazardous constituents of it's products once used. I have always thought they should, however. My approach has always been to take account of the Risk, Safety and Combination phrases for the fresh product, and account for the carcinogenic qualities of the used oil in the COSHH assessments for the various tasks involved. This has seen me right until now. As far as I am aware, the PPE which protects against the fresh product also protects against the used product, so PPE should remain the same. If there are chemists that could confirm or deny this, I would be delighted to have their input. Richie

Posted By David Whaley I believe the HSE published information on the properties of used engine oil. I have it somewhere. I seem to remember the carcinogenic properties depended on the oils original method of manufacture. However, consider routes of entry into the body and protect againt them. I appreciate this doesn't directly address the question, but if you cannot acertain the oils origin you will not be able to fully assess it's harmful effects. David

Posted By C Kane You could try shell.com, it has all the msds for thier products

Posted By Chris Packham The original question was about a COSHH ASSESSMENT for used engine oil. Let's forget what is in the oil for the moment and consider the actual task. After all COSHH is about what you do with the chemical and not the chemical itself. So what exposure is there? Can this be reduced by changing the equipment or work practice? If not, can PPE help to eliminate or reduce the exposure to a point where there is little or no risk? OK! Now to the engine oil. If carcinogens in used engine oil were a serious problem, then you would expect that cancer (of the what... skin?) would be a common problem among car mechanics. Please, someone, show me the data. I haven't found any and in my regular dealings with dermatologists they don't seem to think it a big problem either. So is there really that much of a problem? I would be much more concerned about many of the other chemicals I find in the typical motor vehicle workshop. Solvents, sealants (containing isocyanate, applied and then smoothed down with the finger, which is licked several times in the process) etc. etc. etc.

Posted By David J Bristow Hi All If anyone would like a funny video clip highlighting the dangers of used oils on the scrotum then please email me direct. Please do not reply as a posting. Regards David B