Skin and occupational health

An lpb toolbox talk

Skin structure
Skin comprises epidermis (outer layer) and dermis. Its prime function is as the bodys barrier against invasion by foreign substances.

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.

Skin and occupational health

Chemicals 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.

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.

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)

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

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

Skin and occupational health

Discuss 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.

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

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

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.