Hazards Of Working With Parts Washing Machines
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The use of parts washing machines which use recycled solvents cause a serious hazard to workers.
These parts washing machines are periodically filled with solvent which degreases parts for auto and industrial customers. These machines remove the used “dirty” solvent and recycle it for further use.
The machine consists of a drum partially filled with a solvent, a pump to push the solvent through a hose with a brush attached to it, and a sink in which the operator washes and scrubs parts to degrease and clean them with the solvent. Larger models use a tank instead of a drum.
These machines are defective for two reasons. First, they lack a local exhaust ventilation devise to remove vapors from workers breathing zones, to prevent workers operating these machines from inhaling the toxic vapors. Second, the machine lacks a barrier or guard to prevent solvent from splashing onto the machine operators.
From ordinary use of the machine, workers inhale toxic vapors from solvent aerosols that form as the solvent flows through the hose into the air in an open system, and from vapors that form as volatile components evaporate in the air.
Also, solvent splashes onto the skin of workers operating the machine from normal use.
This solvent is contaminated with many toxic chemicals which are especially harmful to the liver and kidneys.
Many lawsuits have been brought against the manufacturers of these parts washing machines and the solvent which is used in the machines, because of serious illnesses which have been caused by the users of these machines. Among the adverse condition are leukemia and hematological malignancies, other cancers, liver and kidney disease, neuropathies and other diseases.
Workers may also have workers compensation claims against their employers if they are unable to work or need medical treatment as a result of working with or near these parts washing machines.