CONTACT DERMATITIS
Dermatitis is the medical term used to describe a skin inflammation. Contact with some materials, such as acids and bases, can cause irritative contact dermatitis, while other chemicals, such as photographic developers, may cause allergic contact dermatitis.
Early symptoms of irritative contact dermatitis may include dry, red, cracked or scaly skin at the site of contact. Symptoms may worsen with continued chemical exposure. In most cases of allergic contact dermatitis, the symptoms are itchy blisters similar to those seen from exposure to poison ivy or poison oak. Although the rash is usually confined to the site of contact, most often fingers, hands, and forearms, it may spread to other areas.
Sometimes people can work with a chemical for years without any noticeable effect, only to develop contact dermatitis at a later date. The time between contact and when a response develops varies widely among individuals. People with a history of skin allergies, eczema, or other skin disorders may be more susceptible to the effects of contact with chemicals.
If you think you have developed contact dermatitis, contact your manager. A medical examination may be required to determine the cause of the problem. Do not attempt to
To prevent contact dermatitis when handling photographic processing chemicals, follow these guidelines:
•Read the labels on chemical containers so you know what precautions to take when handling the contents.
•Avoid contact with chemicals whenever possible. Handle chemical solutions carefully to avoid splashing. Keep all PPE (gloves, goggles, apron, etc.) free of chemical residues.
•Wear the proper gloves. Do not use gloves sold for household use; they may not be durable enough for handling photographic processing chemicals. Neoprene or nitrile gloves protect you from photographic processing chemicals. To minimize the possibility of chemicals coming in contact with your bare hands, rinse gloves thoroughly with water before taking them off. On a regular basis or if chemicals get inside the gloves, wash them inside and out, and hang them by the fingertips to dry.
–Check gloves regularly for pinholes, leaks, or tears.
–Dispose of gloves when they are damaged or begin to degrade.
•In case of contact with chemicals, wash your hands or other affected skin areas immediately with plenty of water. If you get an alkaline solution, such as developer, on your skin, wash with a
•Protect skin abrasions or cuts. The risk of contact dermatitis is increased if chemicals penetrate the skin. Skin damage by cuts or abrasions is especially susceptible to irritants.
•Change and launder clothing worn while handling chemicals. If photographic processing chemicals are splashed or spilled on your clothes, immediately rinse the clothes to remove the chemical residue. Wash contaminated clothing before wearing it again.
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•Immediately report any unusual skin condition that you think might be related to photographic processing chemicals to your manager and to your physician. Conditions such as contact dermatitis can be caused by materials other than photographic processing chemicals; dermatitis usually will not improve until the cause is found and the condition is properly treated.
ABSORPTION OF
CHEMICALS
THROUGH THE SKIN
Some chemicals are able to enter the body by absorption through the skin. A variety of factors determine the effects of these chemicals including the toxicity of the chemical, its concentration and the duration of skin contact. Chemicals can have a toxic effect even without skin irritation. If tests indicate that a photographic processing chemical may be absorbed through the skin in amounts that could cause an adverse effect, the product label will include a precautionary statement, such as “HARMFUL IF ABSORBED THROUGH THE SKIN.” Always wear personal protective equipment when handling these chemicals.
Safe Handling of Photographic Processing Chemicals ∙ | 3 |
