There are some simple control
measures that employees can take to protect themselves from
contracting dermatitis through their work activities.
For more information on what dermatitis is and what can cause it,
read our Occupational Dermatitis page.
What you can do to protect yourself
Hairdressers
- Wear single use gloves (vinyl or nitrate types with smooth
surface and 300mm sleeve are suitable) when using hairdressing
products (eg, shampoos, dyes, bleaches) and for work with hands in
water. The cost of these gloves ranges from 4p to 9p a
pair. Throw away the gloves every time you take them off and
change them between clients.
- Moisturise - apply hand cream before starting work and each
time you wash your hands.
- Dry your hands thoroughly after washing using a soft cotton or
paper towel.
Nail technicians
- If you use a disinfectant hand gel, choose a fragrance free one
containing softener.
- A downdraft ventilation table is recommended for all nail
work. Where power tools are not in use, place customers'
hands on a wet wipe. This will help reduce dust generation
when cleaning the work surface.
- Wear single use gloves for nail sculpture and nail product
use. Throw away the gloves every time you take them off and
change them between clients.
- Moisturise - apply hand cream before starting work and each
time you wash your hands.
Cleaners and domestics
- Keep a safe working distance between you and any cleaning
products or water. Use handles, not hands (eg, a floor mop
rather than a floor cloth, a dish mop rather than a dish
cloth).
- Wear gloves - robust, natural rubber gloves are acceptable
unless a cleaning product label tells you to wear a different
type. Choose flock-lined or use a separate cotton liner.
- Moisturise - apply hand cream before starting work and each
time you wash your hands.
- Take regular glove breaks - air your hands for a minute before
they get hot and sticky inside the gloves.
Catering staff
- Keep a safe working distance between you and any cleaning
products, food and water. Avoid direct handling where
possible, eg, use a dishwasher rather than washing up by hand, use
utensils rather than hands to handle food.
- Moisturise - apply hand cream before starting work and each
time you wash your hands.
- Take regular glove breaks - air your hands for a minute before
they get hot and sticky inside the gloves.
Useful links
Allowing skin to dry up can lead to dermatitis. Follow this link
for effective
handwashing and moisturing procedures.
The following links provide additional information in poster format
on the correct selection and use of gloves:-
The correct removal of gloves (single
use)
Selecting protective
gloves