Table 1 lists a number of well known substances and work activities which can cause occupational dermatitis. Substances which are skin irritants or sensitisers have the symbol Xi on the packaging (bag or container). The safety data sheet will also have valuable information on the health hazards associated with the substance and protective and preventive measures. Also some substances with the toxic symbol T or very toxic T+ can affect the skin, while others with the corrosive symbol C can cause burns.
The following safety and risk phrases indicate substances which are harmful to skin:
- Avoid contact with skin (S24 )
- Wear suitable gloves (S37)
- Irritant to skin (R38)
- May cause sensitisation by skin contact (R43)
- Toxic in contact with skin (R24)
- Very toxic in contact with skin (R27)
- Causes burns (R34)
- Causes severe burns (R35)
There are other substances which have the capacity to penetrate intact skin and be absorbed directly into the body without necessarily having any effect on the skin. These are identified with the notation Sk under the Code of Practice, 2007, Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations 2001. Under this Code substances with the Sen notation apply only to respiratory sensitisers.
Substance Groups | Work Activities |
---|---|
Irritants | |
Wet cement | Contact with wet cement in construction |
Cutting oils | Metal workshops |
Solvents | Dry cleaning, galvanising |
Degreasers | Cleaning metals |
Alkali's | Cleaning agents |
Acids | Crystal glass manufacture |
Sensitisers | |
Latex | Health care, food preparation |
Chromate's | Contact with wet cement |
Nickel | Cheap jewellery manufacture, repair |
Epoxy resins | Electronics industry |
Formaldehyde | Furniture manufacture |
Wood dust | Saw milling, woodworking , furniture manufacture |
Flour | Handling grain at docks, milling, baking |
Printing plate chemicals | Printing fixing and developing |
Adhesives | Book binding, installing floor coverings |