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Handling Used Motor Oil

CAUTION
It has been demonstrated that continuous contact with used motor oil can cause skin cancer in laboratory animals. It has also been documented that some substances found to cause cancer in laboratory animals can also cause cancer in humans. Therefore, it is important and prudent to minimize skin contact with used motor oil.

Skin contact with used motor oil can be minimized by following these safety precautions:

  • DO follow work practices that minimize the amount of skin exposed and the length of time used oil stays on the skin.
  • DO thoroughly wash off used oil as soon as possible with soap and water.
  • DO wear long-sleeved shirts and use gloves made of material that oil cannot penetrate.
  • DO remove and launder oil soaked clothing promptly. Discard oil soaked shoes.
  • DON'T use kerosene, gasoline or other thinners to wash oil off the skin. They remove the skin's natural oils and can cause dryness or have serious toxic effects.
  • DON'T over-use waterless hand cleaners. They also remove the skin's protective barriers.
  • DON'T put oil rags in your pocket. This can cause prolonged skin contact.

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