Prevent work-related dermatitis - It's in your hands

1
(No Transcript)
2
Produced by in
association with partners
Version 2 (May 2008)
3
Working together to prevent Work Related
Dermatitis
4
(No Transcript)
5
Lets take a look at some common skin disorders
within industry
Service Engineer
6
Cleaner
7
Painter
8
Cook
9
Nurse
10
Hairdresser
11
What do they all have in common?
They are suffering from skin disorders caused
by materials, chemicals and wet-work
12
In fact they are suffering from irritant and
allergic contact dermatitis caused by things such
as
These are just examples, there are many more
13
Surely, you dont want to suffer these
consequences
14
Always remember, chemicals and materials can
cause burns as well as dermatitis
15
Construction Worker
What do you think happened in this case?
Wet cement got in between his boots and legs
causing severe burns!
Wet cement numbs the nerves and continues to eat
the skin without the person having any feeling.
In this case an extensive skin graft was needed.
In other cases, legs have been amputated.
16
Now let me explain about dermatitis
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by things
like skin irritants such as cleaning chemicals,
shampoos and solvents
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by
sensitising materials such as wood dust,
chemicals in hair dyes, epoxy resins and proteins
in single use latex gloves
Once a person is sensitised to a substance it
will remain with them for the rest of their life
17
Contact Dermatitis listen to the sufferers
18
Apart from dermatitis workers also suffered
Mammary Gland Development in Men
Heart Diseases and many more
Bladder Cancer
Do you know why?
Nervous System Disorders
Cancer of the Scrotum
Poisoning
Because chemicals got through the skin and
affected the internal organs such as the bladder,
nervous system, testicles and mammary glands
19
This is the best time to look at methods that
will help you to identify materials that can
cause dermatitis and other health problems
Always check
Product labels for warning signs
Safety data sheets for warning statements
Sensitising chemicals R43
Corrosives R34 or R35
Irritants R38 and R66
Check with your safety representative
Look at the HSEs website
20
How do I protect myself from Dermatitis?
ITS AS SIMPLE AS A, P, C
A
void contact with chemicals
P
rotect the skin
C
heck for early signs
21
Do not immerse your hands in solvents and
chemicals
Do not handle contaminated work pieces
Do not let splashes land on your skin
Do not let dirty clothing, PPE, Tools and
surfaces contaminate your skin
Always remember no contact no disease or
dermatitis
22
You can avoid contact with skin in various ways
Use tools and machines rather than hands
Ensure a safe working distance between your skin
and chemicals
Use ventilation systems correctly
Do not create dust, mists and vapours unnecessaril
y
Do not contaminate work surfaces, tools and
restrooms with chemicals. If they
get contaminated clean as soon as you can
Minimise contamination of your clothing,
coveralls and footwear
23
Protecting the Skin
If you cant avoid skin contact
Use PPE correctly right material, right
size and dispose as recommended
Do not contaminate the insides of gloves
Do not use gloves beyond the recommended period
Re-usable coveralls must be cleaned regularly
Use EN Standard approved PPE
Use the HSE posters to familiarise!
24
Looking after your Skin
Always clean the skin
Use warm water and mild cleansers
Avoid aggressive cleansers
Do not use solvents
Dry the skin with a soft towel
Apply pre-work creams
Use the right one for your task
Provide semi-resistant coating
Can be used with gloves
Make it easy to remove dirt
Apply moisturisers
Use to restore moisture content of the skin
Apply correctly
Not just at the end of the day
25
Regularly check for early signs of Dermatitis
What to look for
Skin contact with chemicals/wet work
Signs on the skin
Outbreak of Dermatitis
Who checks
Responsible person (foreman, owner)
Others (Occ. Health Nurse)
What next
Investigate causes
Follow up for treatment and prevention
Reporting to HSE and others
26
Preventing Skin and Systemic Disease is as simple
as
A
P
C
AVOID
PROTECT
CHECK
27
To find out more about dermatitis visit HSE
website Skin at Work For enquiries related to
content of this presentation, or if you have any
questions call the HSE Infoline (0845) 345
0055
28
Return