skin diseases tbt

7/30/2019 Skin Diseases TBT

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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.

skin diseases tbt

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