[Jewelry making - Article 00317] - Re: [Orchid] Ultrasonic cleaner and damage to hands

[James Binnion]

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>         I have not doubt that these warnings come with good
>     intentions, however, they do not cite any medical or scientific
>     data or information to back up their info. It is not uncommon for
>     manufacturers to be overly safety aware with the looming dangers
>     of litigation. 

    Except where required by law manufacturers tend to not publish
    health effects. There are a couple of reason for this One is most
    don't run any testing for health effects unless it is mandated by
    law mostly because of the huge expense involved in doing them. Also
    if they do any tests that find health effects and get sued after the
    test results are in the fact that they knew about the health issues
    will generally make the litigation go worse for them. 



>>           I am sure that most manufacturers don't list all the effects
>>      to limit law suits.

>         Why would you think that? 

    For chemical products the manufacturer is required to provide us
    with a MSDS that defines the health hazards of their product but
    equipment manufacturers are typically not required to provide any
    such information. They can just say "don't put your hands in the
    tank while in operation" they dont have to add what will happen if
    you ignore their advice. If there is any data available to the
    manufacturer that suggests that exposure to ultrasonic cleaners is
    damaging to the bones and joints they may be fearful that by
    publishing it they will get a ton of lawsuits that try to blame the
    manufacturer for any sign of arthritis or other normally occurring
    joint pain. 

>         I might be mistake, but I believe that these machines are
>     powerfull enough to remove most deposits without even using
>     solvents. Is that wrong? How many watts were these machines
>     butning? Is it really fair to include them for comparison to the
>     machines that most jewelers use? 

    It was a 1500 watt cleaner which seems like a lot when compared to
    your 200-400 watt cleaner but the power per cubic inch was not that
    much more than our cleaners. 

    All I can say is I belive that I will continue to not put my hands
    into a working ultrasonic. 

Jim Binnion

James Binnion Metal Arts
Phone (360) 756-6550
Toll Free (877) 408 7287
Fax (360) 756-2160
http://www.mokume-gane.com
jbin AT mokume-gane.com
Member of the Better Business Bureau


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