Wire Rope Direct News

Wire Rope Lubricants & their possible hazards.

During the manufacturing process of wire rope many different chemicals are used for keeping the rope well lubricated and also corrosion inhibitors etc.  Many wire ropes will have oils, waxes, bitumens, resins, gelling agents, corrosion inhibitors and other chemicals present, it is for this reason that care must be taken whilst handling and working with wire rope to minimize potential problems.

At normal temperatures most of these chemicals will produce minimal hazards, however working with heated rope can cause extra hazards.  The minor hazards are usually skin irritations, but this can be easily minimised by wearing the correct protective clothing whilst handling the wire rope, in particular oil impermeable gloves and aprons; good hand washing after handling will also help.

When working with heated rope (such as when disc cutters are used) fumes given off from the heated lubricants can cause quite nasty problems. Heated lubricants which come into contact with the skin can cause severe skin burns; prolonged or repeated usage may cause longer term skin disorders such as dermatitis.

Inhalation of oil fumes from heated rope lubricants in high concentrations may result in dizziness, headaches, respiratory irritation or unconsciousness for this reason concentrations of oil mists, vapours and fumes in the working area must be kept as low as possible.  Eye contact may also produce mild irritation to some users.

General advice for handling wire ropes with lubricants;

You can reduce the chance of skin disorders; repeated or prolonged contact with synthetic or mineral hydrocarbons should be avoided where possible, and it is essential that all persons who handle these products should maintain good hygiene and high standards of safety.

ALWAYS;

• Use oil impermeable gloves, and/or oil repellent barrier creams
• Avoid unnecessary contact with oils through the use of protective clothing
• first aid treatment should be sought for any injury, however small
• Wash hands thoroughly before eating, toileting and after work
• Use conditioning creams after washing if possible.

NEVER;

• Put used/oily rags or tools in pockets,
• Use dirty rags for wiping oil from skin
• Wear oil soaked clothing
• Use solvents such as paraffin, petrol etc. To remove oil from the skin.

In conclusion the main area of hazard is through inhalation fumes generated by heat, e.g. where disc cutters are used. So always handle rope in a well ventilated area, especially when cutting, and always wear the correct protective clothing.

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