Engine Oils

Prolonged and repeated contact with used engine oil may cause skin cancer. Try to avoid direct skin contact with used oil.

If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner as soon as possible.

HEALTH PROTECTION PRECAUTIONS

• Avoid prolonged and repeated contact with oils, particularly used engine oils.

• Wear protective clothing, including impervious gloves where practicable.

• Do not put oily rags in pockets.

• Avoid contaminating clothes, particularly underpants, with oil.

• Heavily soiled clothing and oil-impregnated footwear should not be worn. Overalls must be cleaned regularly.

• First aid treatment should be obtained immediately for open cuts and wounds.

• Use barrier creams, applying them before each work period, to help the removal of oil from the skin.

• Wash with soap and water to ensure all oil is removed (skin cleansers and nail brushes will help). Preparations containing lanolin replace the natural skin oils which have been removed.

• Do not use gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, gas oil, thinners or solvents for cleaning skin.

• If skin disorders develop, obtain medical advice without delay.

• Where practical, degrease components prior to handling.

• Where there is a risk of eye contact, eye protection should be worn, for example, chemical goggles or face shields; in addition an eye wash facility should be provided.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PRECAUTIONS

Dispose of used oil and used oil filters through authorized waste disposal contractors to licensed waste disposal sites, or to the waste oil reclamation trade. If in doubt, contact the local authority for advice on disposal facilities.

It is illegal to pour used oil on to the ground, down sewers or drains, or into water sources.

The regulations concerning pollution vary between regions.