Where theworld gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989
-----
Nickel Itch from removing masking from parts
I un-prep parts that go into a plating area for nickel and or diamond plating for different types of machine parts. They come back to me and I will remove a seal peel substance (like a wax body to prevent the chemicals from sticking to the un-wanted areas). Then I will clean up the parts to ship back to the client. I have noticed with very little contact with diluted parts that have been rinsed that I am experiencing re rash and blisters that itch terribly on my hands. I have not been at this job for long and could use someone's help on this matter.
Mike LoveEmployee - Lake Orion, Michigan, U.S.A
January 8, 2011
January 12, 2011
Mike,
Firstly get some medical advice. Describe fully to your doctor the symptoms and the chemicals you are exposing your skin to.
When handling the parts you should be wearing gloves that offer chemical resistance. You should not expose yourself to nickel compounds, as once you are sensitised to nickel you will always be sensitised. If your employer has not provided gloves then ask for some, if the employer has and you have chosen not to wear them then you are responsible for your own health.
If you are truly nickel sensitised then I think you will not be able to work with anything contaminated with nickel salts for much longer.
Aerospace - Yeovil, Somerset, UK
February 16, 2011
I hate to say it, but you may be allergic to the nickel solution. In the 40 plus years of experience I have in the custom chrome business, I have had employees who broke out in the exact way that you describe. One employee's wife was so nickel intolerant he could not touch her regardless of how much he scrubbed in the shower after work.
When I moved these guys over to polishing or cleaning before plating, their problem went away.
They could not work with our reverse current sulfuric acid nickel strip tank either.
I am sorry to say that you will not be able to work around any type of nickel bearing solutions if you do suffer from nickel dermatitis.
- St. Louis, Missouri, USA
February 17, 2011
1. Wear protective gear as has been previously described.
2. Ask those that pull the parts out of the tanks to rinse the parts better.
3. Wash your hands often!
4. If you like this job and want to stay there, you must practice cleanliness now! Your problem will only get worse in the summer months! Figure out where and when you are getting exposed, and what you need to do to correct it.
- North Tonawanda, New York, USA
Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread