Avoid Direct Contact with Oil

You should avoid direct contact with oil. If you come into contact with small amounts of oil or tarballs for a short period of time, you should experience no long-term harm.

Some people might have a slight allergic reaction to exposure, with short-term effects such as a rash.

If your skin comes into direct contact with crude oil, wash the area with soap and water, baby oil, or a safe cleaning compound such as the hand cleanser paste sold at auto supply stores.

Your worksite may have safety showers, eye washes, or decontamination kits for a worker exposed to a large quantity of crude oil.

Do not use solvents, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, or other similar product on the skin. These present a greater health hazard than contact with the oil.

To learn more about Crude Oil Hazards visit our Crude Oil Hazards Online Training web page.