Stepping into Management Knowledge

H&S Training

1.07

AVOIDING DERMATITIS

PURPOSE OF THE TRAINING EXERCISE: To explain to team members the condition known as dermatitis and how it can be avoided.

TRAINING METHOD: Explanation and questioning. Refer to Risk Assessment 1.05

EXPLAIN TO THE GROUP:  Dermatitis is the name given to inflammation of the skin resulting in a range of symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, or blistering. Those of you who regularly have wet hands for long periods of time are most at risk of developing the condition but also are those of you who are in regular contact with cleaning chemicals.  Dermatitis is not ‘catching’- it can’t be passed from one person to another. It can develop at any time, or not at all - everyone is different.  Dermatitis is caused by either loss of oils from the skin due to repeated hand washing or pot washing, or a reaction due to handling foods such as tomatoes, fish or certain vegetables known to cause reactions in some people.

ASK QUESTION TO GROUP: Do any of you show any signs of dermatitis such as dry and cracked skin on your hands? ASSESS RESPONSES:  If the answer is YES point out that making simple changes to working methods can alleviate the condition and we will go on to explain further.  If the answer is NO explain that we will go through some simple procedures to help ensure our hands remain free from dermatitis.

EXPLAIN TO THE GROUP:  Dermatitis is a condition that can be avoided or at least alleviated by some simple precautions. It is important that if you do develop the condition and any cracks in the skin cause bleeding that vinyl gloves are worn when handling food.

[NOTE Non Latex, Powder free Gloves can be ordered from Brakes/Bunzl]

Make sure you dry your hands properly after hand washing and other tasks that involve getting hands wet. Prolonged periods of hands being wet and soapy can cause the condition.

 Use of moisturising hand cream such as Epicare 7 will help put oils back into your skin.

 Avoid contact with chemicals where possible, vinyl gloves will help protect your hands.

 Always use chemicals in a spray bottle where possible, avoid soaking cloths in solution of chemicals as this would cause you to put your hand in the solution and become exposed.

 Report any problems to your manager so we can help solve the problem.

Manager to ensure risk assessments are complete for all team members Record Training

Safety Assurance March 2016

H & S Training 1.07