How bad is brake fluid on skin?

[Big Black Stilo]

Well managed to get my hands covered in it this afternoon, and theres no melting or anything, just a bit sensitive on the finger tips. This skins good stuff when it comes to it.

But should i be worried, washed my hands plenty of times and I can still smell it on them and like i said, fingertips are a bit sensitive

any suggestions?

Im not going to go to A&E - its not that bad, just slightly noticable.

 

[custard]

i had this when having my brake probs on the cinq.it passed in the end

 

[Chas Uno]

Brake fluid is corrosive, so can't be good for skin. But saying that, I've had it all over my hands many times with no bad effects. If you've washed your hands with detergent (washing up liquid) you should be fine. The soreness on your fingertips is more likely to be from washing your hands too many times rather than the brake fluid, especially if you used a nail brush vigorously!

Perhaps applying some moisturising cream might help?

 

[vtec]

id doesnt really cause any problems to mos people once you clean your hands but i react with that stuff., its horrible.,

 

[Renegade_8]

It's never caused me any problems, I use it as lubricant when fitting seals so get it all over my hands. It's horrible in your eyes though!

 

[dave]

i hope it not too bad Ive had it in my mouth fulls, sucking it out to make room to fit new pads

 

[JonnyBoy]

i hope it not too bad Ive had it in my mouth fulls, sucking it out to make room to fit new pads

Tastes bloody vile, doesn't it...

 

[Chas Uno]

i hope it not too bad Ive had it in my mouth fulls, sucking it out to make room to fit new pads

Dave Nooooooooooo! Brake fluid is poisonous :dead:

 

[sledge]

If it was very dangerous they wouldnt be allowed to sell it to the public. Should be instructions with it on how to deal with spillages, ingestion or eye contact. Long term exposure is probably bad news but the odd splash wont do any real harm, my guess is soap and water. You could always contact NHS direct if you are really concerned or are suffering.

 

[vtec]

Tastes bloody vile, doesn't it...

i be it does.,.,lol.,i got gearbox oil in my mouth the other day, Disgusting., and even makes me sick just smelling it.,:yuck:

 

[JonnyBoy]

i be it does.,.,lol.,i got gearbox oil in my mouth the other day, Disgusting., and even makes me sick just smelling it.,:yuck:

'Box oil is possibly the worst-smelling substance in the world, ever. Gets right to the back of my throat and makes me gyp!

 

[Chas Uno]

If it was very dangerous they wouldnt be allowed to sell it to the public. Should be instructions with it on how to deal with spillages, ingestion or eye contact. Long term exposure is probably bad news but the odd splash wont do any real harm, my guess is soap and water. You could always contact NHS direct if you are really concerned or are suffering.

There are loads of products you can legally buy off the shelves that are very dangerous unless used as intended! Brake fluid is fine, as is anti-freeze, paint stripper etc. but you're NOT supposed to drink them!

 

[pinin__prestatyn]

I've noticed some on my car cover Couldn't find any damage to the paintwork...yet.

 

[Rampage94]

i near enough know every oil and liquid in a car by taste. oddly enough my fav taste is high octane fuel. think it tastes well good. :yum:

 

[vtec]

I've noticed some on my car cover Couldn't find any damage to the paintwork...yet.

it has to be left sitting for a while., so should be ok .,

 

[pinin__prestatyn]

Yeah? how long?

 

[Liam]

repeated skin contact can lead to dermatitis which causes the skin to break and bleed etc, t'is nasty stuff, get the marigolds on.

Liam

 

[Renegade_8]

I think tolerance varies, I know some pro mechanics who always put on latex gloves before working on a car, others just don't bother have been in the trade for 30 years and no probs at all. For the time we are exposed as "gifted " amateurs I thnk 90% will be fine. And yes brake fluid is poisionous but I have often got some in my mouth, and have primed a siphon that way to empty master cylinders but spit it straight out and it will not hurt you. I remember it being rather sweet, bit like Liebraumilch but I that was in the 70s so maybe my memory is wrong . Hypoid oil must taste disgusting if it's as as bad as it's smell. Has anyone here ever worked on Service aircraft? Remember DTD858, any tight space with hydraulics in it was always swimming in the stuff and it could run uphill if it had 1/2 a chance of getting in your eyes.

 

[jug]

i hope it not too bad Ive had it in my mouth fulls, sucking it out to make room to fit new pads

me too.

i've had it on my hands almost daily for weeks and weeks, and tbh it is not a problem unless it is left in contact with the skin for some time, or if you have broken skin.

same goes for petrol, and used engine oil, etc etc.

 

[SkinzCinqSporting]

Anti- Freeze tastes lovely, swallowed about 200ml once , was fine all day but when alcohol got near boy did I vomit fast!