Re machine shop - I am concerned that you should be considering spirometry
on workers due to visible exposure to airborne oil droplets.
You do not say what these are. If they are the normal water-mixed
metalworking fluids then you should be taking action to control their
release. Your question suggests that the condition is being accepted,
whereas this will certainly not constitute acceptable risk management
according to COSHH. You should also bear in mind that these fluids contain
dermal sensitizers. Airborne contact dermatitis to water-mixed metalworking
fluids is not uncommon. If droplets are visibly airborne what is happening
to the operator's clothing. If this is absorbing the droplets then there is
a very real risk of irritant and/or allergic contact dermatitis. We have a
Technical Bulleting on Metalworking Fluids that I will happily e-mail to
you. (Within the next two weeks this should be on our website for free
download as well.)
Regards
Chris Packham
EnviroDerm Services
2 Amery Lodge Farm, North Littleton, Evesham, WR11 8QY
Tel: +44 (0)1386 832 311
Fax: +44 (0)1386 830 163
Visit our website - www.enviroderm.co.uk - to download our Technical
Bulletins free of charge and to see what's new in occupational skin
management!
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