skin diseases tbt
TRANSCRIPT
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Skin and
occupational health
An lpb toolbox talk
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Skin structure
Skin comprises epidermis (outer
layer) and dermis.
Its prime function is as the bodys
barrier against invasion by foreignsubstances.
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Skin structure
The surface area of skin is huge
(approximately 1.7m2) and it weighs
approximately 3.5kg.
Skin structure varies across the body e.g.stratum corneum is thicker on palms and
soles of feet than on the scrotum.
Its direct contact with the external milieu
makes skin vulnerable to hostile
environments.
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Skin and occupationalhealthChemicals may attack the skin or be absorbed through the skin to other parts of
the body and cause more serious effects (phenols may cause localised burns and
affect the central nervous systems, kidneys and liver; alkyl mercurials may cause
skin burns and damage the brain).
Some gases may be absorbed into the body through the skin as well as by
inhalation.
The skins protective oily acid surface is easily removed by solvents and
emulsifiers.
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Occupational skin disease
This is a skin disease for which workplace exposure to some biological, chemical
or physical hazard has been a causal factor.
Occupational skin diseases account for 4070 % of all occupational-acquired
diseases.
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Causes of skin problems
Chemical causes
irritants (primary contact dermatitis)
skin sensitisers (contact allergic dermatitis)
carcinogens (e.g. scrotum cancer caused by absorption of certain cutting oils)
Non-chemical causes
mechanical traumas (friction blisters and calluses)
vibration (Raynauds phenomenon)
cold environments (chilblains)
hot humid environments (acne aggravation)
heat radiation/hot liquids-surfaces (burns, blisters)
UV (skin cancer)
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Control measures
Substitution where practical
Minimise inventory/concentration
Mechanical handling rather than manual handling
Change the process
Segregation by distance, time, physical barriers
Containment
Ventilation
Skin protection
Emergency equipment
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Control measures
Personal hygiene
Housekeeping
Monitoring
Pre-employment screening
Health surveillance including self-inspection of skin condition and reporting of
skin problems e.g. red, dry or itchy skin
Supervision
Provision of information (e.g. labels, MSDS) and training
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Skin and occupationalhealthDiscuss how you would find out:
if any of our substances or processes pose a risk of skin problem, and
how to prevent your skin from being affected, and
the action to take if you suspect your skin has been affected in the
workplace.
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Case history 1
A worker handling a rubber anti-oxidant became sensitised and was apparently
removed from all possible contact with the material. However, he was still
wearing garters, the elastic of which was contaminated. When these were
discarded he recovered.
Discuss
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Case history 2
In 1996 a chemistry professor spilled a few drops of dimethyl mercury on her
latex-gloved hand. The toxic chemical passed through the glove and was
absorbed through her skin into her system. Although there were no signs of skin
disease six months later she slipped into a coma and died of mercury poisoning.
Discuss
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Disclaimer
Whilst IChemE has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information
contained in this training presentation, it remains the responsibility of those
responsible for the operations to ensure that the regulations and guidance
issued by the authorities are consulted, that an appropriate risk assessment is
carried out and that appropriate procedures are stipulated and followed.