How does skin come into contact with chemicals?

  • Hand dipping object in chemical
    Immersing hands (sometimes legs) into chemicals
  • Person handling object on machine
    Direct handling of contaminated workpieces
  • person pouring chemical into large container
    Splashing (eg when liquid or powdery chemicals are mixed or handled)
  • Person wearing boilersuit covered with dust and dust in the air
    Contact with contaminated surfaces (eg workbench, tools, clothing and containers
  • Person surrounded by dust in the air
    In deposits in the air (eg cement dust
  • Hands being washed
    Wet work (eg frequent hand washing)

Note on wet work

Prolonged or frequent contact with water, particularly in combination with soaps and detergents, can cause dermatitis (eg a long time spent washing up or frequent handwashing). 'Wet work' is the term used to describe such tasks in the workplace.

Back to top

Is this page useful?

Updated 2025-05-29