Westfalia OSD 6-91-067, Instruction Manual

Page: 30 / 206

Westfalia Separator
30
Mineraloil Systems GmbH
2058-9001-101 / 0506
1.9 The health hazards involved when handling heavy oils and lube oils
As a result of the deterioration in quality of fuel oils, the danger has arisen that the heavy oils used on
board contain greater amounts of substances injurious to health. These include:
- polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons,
- lead compounds,
- chemical residues.
An increased amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is also present in used lube oils (waste oils).
The health hazards for the engine room staff depend to a large extent
•
on the concentrations of the dangerous substances,
•
the ambient air (inhalation of oil vapours/oil mist),
•
the intensity and duration of the contact with the skin or mucous membrane.
Possible short-term effects:
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headaches,
•
dizziness,
•
nausea,
•
itching or burning of the skin,
Possible long-term effects:
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allergic reactions, especially skin allergies,
•
festering inflammation of the skin pores (oil-acne),
•
damage to the central nervous system after inhalation over a long period,
•
skin cancer caused by direct skin contact over a long period,
•
Lung cancer or cancer of the digestive organs after inhalation over a long period
(not certain as the causes are difficult to separate from the effects of smoking and alcohol).
1.9.1 Code of practice and personal protective measures
•
Avoid skin contact with heavy oils or lube oils if possible!
- Wear suitable protective gloves.
- Apply a protective ointment to the skin (e.g. ointment no. 76), especially if no protective gloves are
worn!
•
Avoid breathing in oil vapours if possible!
•
If possible, improve the air circulation in the room!
Fully open the air regulation flaps in the outlets of the air supply ducts in the centrifuge and filter area.
•
Wash affected areas of skin frequently and thoroughly!
Apply protective ointment to the skin!
•
Personal hygiene is of the utmost importance!
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Change dirty overalls regularly!
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Exercise special care when carrying out maintenance work on and cleaning heavy oil and lube oil cen-
trifuges and filters!