Colormetric SWYPE systems are simple, visible skin exposure indicators. SWYPEs are best described as a workers’ training tool used to identify work practices that may result in skin exposure.
Skin SWYPEs can be used to test employees’ hands to verify that gloves are providing protection from exposure. Using moderate pressure, wipe the suspected exposed skin area (behind the ear, pencil; bridge of nose, safety glasses, etc.) with the cloth pad portion of the Skin SWYPE. Use a separate SWYPE for each area to be checked. To process, add ¼" of Developing Solution to the small plastic cup provided. Place the Skin SWYPE in the cup with the cloth pad portion in the solution and the color detection strip up at the top. The solution will wick up, carrying any contaminant, to the detector pad. Remove the SWYPE from solution cup when the detector pad is saturated.
The test takes approximately 5 minutes for the color change reaction to occur. The sensitivity of the Skin SWYPE is 3-5 ?g for aromatic amines and isocyanates.
A common sense approach is the key to the successful use of the SWYPE detection systems for reducing workplace exposures. The first step is to observe employee work practices. Tools, machinery controls, safety glasses or pencils that are handled with contaminated gloves, and may later be touched by bare skin, represent potential exposures. The rapid color indication of the Skin SWYPE helps to reinforce safe work practices and to educate workers in the prevention of skin exposures.
Skin SWYPEs are available for:
- Aromatic Amines
- Aliphatic Amines
- Aromatic Isocyanates
- Aliphatic Isocyanates
- Acid/Base
- Phenols