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:
@Charles_Lewton-Brai1
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