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Posted By GavinR
Hi Folks,
We have operators that work with coolant and oils in engineering machine shop. We have a very robust coolant mgt system in place managed weekly by 3rd party contractor to ensure bacterial levels and concentrations are within acceptable levels. Coolant is contained within the machines for the most part and very little handling is required. However we have recently been forced by the overall company to change from historical practice of supplying long sleeved overalls to short sleeved overalls as this is the norm in the USA in similar environments and with machinery interactions. We have no choice but to comply. Recently we have had an issue raised by an employee with Psoriasis to his elbows (pre-existing condition not work related) who is understandably worried by the change. We have full skinbarrier systems, chemical gloves and disposable gauntlets (similar to food industry) available but this does not appear to be suitable. Anyone know of any PPE or controls measures that could help us? We fear this could only be the start!
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Posted By Glen Coe
Not sure what you mean by overall company...parent company or overall supplier.
if overall supplier and you are not happy, change the company.
otherwise consult your occupational health provider they should give you a PPE recomendation.
Also remember that under the PPE regs, PPE must be suitable for the individual, so in this case he may have to have long sleeves with a more frequent change if they are continually getting soaked in coolant.
It is also worth looking for the most health friendly coolant?
hope it helps
Cheers
GC
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Posted By GavinR
Sorry, I mean our corporate level within the company that make the procedures and company standards.
Our coolant is very good type, commonly used and well managed as stated previously but if someone has a pre-existing skin issue i would imagine they will be very susceptable to irritation from many chemical exposure.
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Posted By Lilian McCartney
Hi Gavin,
Just some quick thoughts
Extra duty of care required in this case.
Would have thought that USA company more than aware of litigation (as well as possible prosecution - perhaps not)
If they are suggestng short sleeves to avoid trapping then gloves etc, perhaps with cotton insert or something?
Lilian
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Posted By David Bannister
Hi Gavin, two scenarios to my simple mind:
1 the employee is not currently getting his overall elbows contaminated so why should he do so in short sleeves?
2 the employees is soiling his overall elbows and is getting skin contact via absorbtion through the material, but no noticeable health affects. Bare arms is likely to be better as soiling is more easily noticed and removed.
Does this make sense?
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Posted By Chris Packham
I know of no evidence that someone with psoriasis on their elbows is any more susceptible to irritant contact dermatitis due to metalworking fluid contact with the affected area than someone with normal skin.
I note that you refer to barrier protection. By this do you mean "barrier creams". If so, be aware that these are legally cosmetics and, if you are using them as protection, it is your responsibility to ensure that they actually protect. How would you do this, since there is no validated test method for the effectiveness of these products?
Actually the evidence from numerous studies is that these creams can actually increase skin absorption and may, themselves, trigger allergic skin reactions.
If workers are getting splashes of fluid on their forearms, then a normal coverall will provide little or no protection. After all, it is work clothing, not PPE. What your workers would need is either longer gloves (and there are gloves available that reach right up the arm) or armlets.
If you need more on this feel free to contact me direct either by e-mail or phone (01386 832 311).
Chris
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Posted By brian mills
I think it is the fact that the guy has a skin condition that he does not particularly want broadcast to all and sundry.
Not only this people will be asking what he has? is it contagious? and all sorts of questions that would be none of their business?
Let him cover up!
Regards
Brian
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