Oxidizing Ink Rag Hazards

Used for a variety of processes, most commonly screen printing and the printing of some books, oxidizing ink works by drying from the top down and readily gives off oxygen. Unfortunately, oxidizing liquids can cause a fire hazard and, in some cases, become spontaneously combustive. One such occasion in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1991 led to more than $100 million in damage and three deaths. According to the report made by the United States Fire Administration, "The fire started in a vacant 22nd floor office in a pile of linseed oil-soaked rags left by a contractor." It is important to understand all the hazards associated with oxidizing materials.

Spontaneous Combustion

• Linseed oils and other oxidizing materials, such as oxidizing ink, can spontaneously combust. Research by engineers at Washington State University shows that the three major factors are environment, quantity of liquid and temperature. Sawdust in particular has been known to cause oil to ignite under the right circumstances. The fire can spread quickly depending on the availability of oxygen; in the 1991 Pennsylvania fire, flames consumed a 30-story building and burned for 19 hours. Because of this danger, it is extremely important to dispose of any ink-soaked rags properly and safely. Ideally, you should avoid soaking rags in the first place, but if you let them dry in an open space, the ink should harden so you can dispose of it safely.

Fumes and Dense Smoke

• Oxidizing ink is popular because of its quick-dry properties. Because it uses so much oxygen, it can quickly change the atmosphere in a closed-off room. Even if there is no fire, inhaling too much of the fumes can cause dizziness, and in extreme cases the need for supplemental oxygen. The best plan is to keep any area in which you work with oxidizing ink open and well-ventilated, ideally from above. The movement of air will help the ink dry quicker and keep the room's atmosphere fresher. If a fire does begin, the dark, thick smoke caused by oxidizing ink rags can be fatal. Firefighters should take precautions to avoid inhalation, and business owners must ensure that any area where oxidizing ink is used or disposed of has adequate smoke detectors and sprinklers.

Contact with Eyes or Skin

• Direct contact with oxidizing inks can cause irritation of the skin, especially if the contact is prolonged. Even brief contact with the eyes will cause irritation, and the ink should be flushed out immediately for at least 15 minutes. Many manufacturers recommend using gloves or safety goggles when working with the ink directly. Rubber gloves are also a good tool when disposing of ink rags safely. Because of the toxic and corrosive nature of this ink, you should also avoid contact with metals, which could be destroyed or, if finely powdered, cause a dangerous reaction.