Mechanics who work on industrial machines, cars, trucks, buses or trains, come into contact with substances that can be damaging to the skin. Every day they are handling oils, greases, lubricants, fuels and engine fluids, detergents and strong solvents. This can often lead to the development of occupational contact dermatitis.
For mechanics and metal workers the most common irritants include:
- Detergents
- Grease and mineral oils
- Solvents and thinners
- Fuel, transmission and brake fluids
- Adhesives
- Soaps and skin cleaners
- Water, from washing hands frequently
- Frequently drying hands with paper towels
- Heat and sweating
For mechanics and metal workers the main allergens are:
- Biocides in water-based oils
- Rubber accelerators found in tyres, shock absorbers and gloves
- Surfactants and fragrances in hand cleaners
- Nickel in tools and mechanical parts
- Preservatives in cleansers and other products
Contact urticaria
It is rare for mechanics or metal workers to develop contact urticaria, but it may occur if they wear latex or medical style gloves.
For further information please refer to Section 2.3 Contact Urticaria and Latex Allergy
Advice to give people working in the mechanical/metal working/automotive industry
When a mechanical worker attends for an appointment, it is important to educate them about how to manage and prevent future cases of dermatitis, this information should include:
The importance of skin care, particularly selecting an appropriate moisturiser in the prevention and management of dermatitis.
This will be covered in Section 7.2 Skin Care
Selection of appropriate gloves for the management of hand dermatitis may be challenging, given that the protective capabilities of gloves are dependent on many variables.
Gloves should be selected based on the specific task and associated chemical exposures. Glove choice is often difficult for mechanics given their role e.g. handling moving parts. Thin gloves provide greater user comfort and dexterity than thicker gloves made from the same material but glove thickness plays a major role in chemical permeation.
- For wet work and when using detergents or handling greasy equipment wear either PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or rubber gloves
- To help reduce sweating, wear cotton gloves underneath
- Non-powdered latex gloves
Patch testing and mechanical/ metal workers
When patch testing someone working in this industry consider testing the following:
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