[Jewelry making - Article 00268] - Re: [Orchid] Ultrasonic cleaner and damage to hands

[Charles Lewton-Brain]

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    dangers associated with ultrasonic cleaners 

    Hi there, In answer to Tina Duffy's question about ultrasonic
    dangers. 

    My conclusion: 

    there are defatting problems and dermatis issues from the
    solutions-keep youf fingers out and use tweezers. In terms of damage
    to joints, the medical ultrasounds are finely tuned to not hurt the
    body, I don't believe jewelers ones, which age, and are altered by
    what is in the tank and how the tank surface is corroded etc are as
    controllable or as constant in their output. It's purpose is to cause
    cavitation, bubbles which appear on the surface of the material, I
    would suspect not good for you if it occurs inside your body..... 

    my conclusion-don't stick your fingers in the ultrasonic. Its no big
    deal to learn to use tweezers and if it does actually hurt you then
    you removed any risk by not doing it. And you'll lessen your chance
    of skin damage. best Charles here are bits from the safety book. 


    Ultrasonic cleaning equipment can produce headaches, dizziness and
    nausea in some people (Kinnersly 60). 

    Ultrasonic Cleaner 

    See all the general safety rules above and the grinder rules as
    well, as most apply here. Follow all the rules about electricity very
    carefully. Electrocution and fire are always possible when using
    electricity. Don't operate the machine unless the tank is at least
    half full of liquid (or better, almost full and regularly topped up
    to the right level). Don't overload the tank or place heavy work
    directly on the bottom, as this will decrease its efficiency. Don't
    use volatile, toxic, or inflammable solvents in the ultrasonic
    because the use of ultrasonics tends to increase the evaporation
    rate and cause additional hazards. Use tweezers to place objects into
    the tank, and to remove them. This keeps your fingers out of the
    cleaning solutions with their de-fatting effect, and keeps them away
    from the ultrasound as well. If your ultrasonic is very noisy,
    consider segregating it behind some kind of barrier-high-pitched
    sounds are the most damaging to your ears. When you are finished
    using the machine, rinse the tank well and wipe it dry. 

    Ultrasonic Cleaning 

    Jewelers use ultrasonic cleaning to remove grease and polishing
    compounds. Sometimes in order to strip investment from castings, an
    acid solution is placed in a beaker and placed into the fluid in the
    ultrasonic. Hazards: See the section in "Rules for Tools" on
    ultrasonics. Electrical hazards are present. Noise can be an irritant
    and high-pitched ones may be damaging. Dermatitis from exposure to
    degreasers and detergents. People have worried about putting their
    fingers into the ultrasonic for some time; there are rumors that it
    damages one's joints over time. I have seen some debate about this.
    Acids used for investment removal can be dangerous-see "Acid
    Handling." Chemical: My main worry would be the "defatting" of the
    fingers by exposure to cleaning and degreasing compounds. Defatting
    results in "dry, scaly, cracked skin" (McCann, Health Hazards 23),
    and makes you more susceptible to absorbing chemicals through your
    skin and reacting to metals. Acids and alkalis may be used with
    ultrasonics, though in beakers within the ultrasonic rather than in
    the bath itself. This can cause mists-an issue. Physical:
    Electrocution, noise may be an issue. Ergonomic: Working heights,
    production usage are the main concerns. FiRe: See "Fire Safety Rules"
    and "Fire Safety." Electrical fire is a possibility with powered
    equipment. Avoid using flammable solvents in the ultrasonic cleaner,
    even if they are in a jar placed in the liquid in the ultrasonic.
    Exposure routes: Hearing, skin, inhalation of chemical cleaning
    mixtures. Safety precautions to use: Use your tweezers as much as
    possible to keep your fingers away from the chemicals, soaps,
    solvents you use. I wear my 8-inch German, stainless steel tweezers
    in the center pocket of my apron, always at hand when I need them.
    Keep a pair of tweezers as part of your apron or jump suit, then you
    will be less likely to use your hands when you shouldn't. Sound
    levels may be difficult to bear depending on the machine. Get the
    quietist machine you can. Substitution options to reduce risk:
    Ultrasonic cleaning is itself a safer substitute for various solvent
    uses. Dishwashing liquid, a toothbrush, a little household ammonia
    and hot water in a stainless steel pan on a hot plate does a pretty
    good job. The "Speed-Brite" ionic cleaner substitutes for some
    ultrasonic functions. 

    Charles Lewton-Brain/Brain Press Box 1624, Ste M, Calgary, Alberta,
    T2P 2L7, Canada Tel: 403-263-3955  Fax: 403-283-9053  Email:
    brainnet AT telus.net 

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