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Nickel Itch Test

We electroplate nickel to create diamond abrasives. Because of this, we are very concerned about nickel itch among our current and prospective employees. Is there a test of some kind that can be performed to find out if someone is allergic to nickel? It is very difficult to hire someone only to discover that we can not place him/her in the only opening (plating room) that we currently have. It would be invaluable for us if there was a test which could screen out potential employees who might have this nickel allergy.

DL Hirst
diamond abrasives - Madison Heights, Michigan
2003

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You are really asking the wrong people; you should consult an allergist/industrial hygienist.

James Totter, CEF
- Tallahassee, Florida
2003

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A very thorny problem. Firstly you can ask the employee to have a patch test done by a dermatologist and this will show if there is any problem with nickel. However, if the prospective employee shows up positive and you do not give them a job on the basis he or she is allergic to nickel, is that not discrimination and do you not run the risk of prosecution? You could get into all sorts of legal issues in the UK if you did that, but I do not know about the USA. Secondly, nickel has a Maximum Exposure Limit that must not be exceeded. This limit is (I believe) lower than the threshold for allergic responses by inhalation, so there should not be a problem there; - if there is, you are liable to prosecution. Thirdly, are you not legally obliged to eliminate or reduce the risks of exposure to hazards? This means that personal protective equipment must be supplied that will eliminate the exposure that will cause nickel itch. I sympathise with your dilemma and hope these comments help you. Unfortunately, the legislators are not commercial employers!

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2003