Awash with good advice
February 1st 2006

While dermatitis may never be entirely eliminated from the workplace, scrupulous and systematic skin care can help prevent occupational skin diseases. Duncan Isbister from BuckHickman InOne, Phil Lockheed of Stoko Skin Care and Mark Riley of SCA Tissue Europe offer some suggestions for the washroom

Statistics from the HSE estimate that there are 31 000 self-reported cases of work-related skin diseases and, of the 3600 new cases diagnosed each year, about 80% are due to contact dermatitis. In addition to the discomfort suffered by the victim, occupational skin disease costs UK employers an estimated £20 million and four million lost working days a year.

Duncan Isbister, national segment manager for the health and safety division of BuckHickman InOne, comments "While protective clothing such as the appropriate glove and other PPE will help minimise contact with hazardous substances, they should not be used in isolation. It is essential to have an effective cleaning and skin care regime.

"Education plays a key role, but managers must also ensure that adequate washing facilities are readily available and that the appropriate barrier creams, skin cleansers, drying facilities and moisturisers are provided."

Phil Lockheed, UK sales manager for Stoko Skin Care, agrees and adds "To effectively protect the skin, it is important to match the skin protection, skin cleansing and skin care products to the particular skin hazards involved.

Often, so called 'universal skin protectants' offer less protection than special formulations. Indeed, some cheaper products may actually contain mild irritants, potentially making the situation worse.

"Manufacturers of skin care products have an obligation to customers and should be able to provide independent documentation to support their product claims. Their customer service department should be able to advise on the correct selection for a particular situation."

Stoko advises that skin protection or pre-work creams should be put on to clean skin well before starting work and that they should be applied evenly, taking care to include areas between the fingers and around the wrists which, often, are not adequately protected.

Isbister of BuckHickman InOne states that it is important that skin cleansers are selected according to the nature and degree of soiling. He explains "Bars of soap are clearly inappropriate in the industrial environment since they would quickly become soiled, increasing the risk of cross contamination. Hand washing facilities should be serviceable and thorough, while catering for a high throughput of users. Dispensers for use with liquid and gel hand cleansers are good since they provide maximum hygiene and reduce the risk of cross infection."

Lockheed adds "It is important to make sure that skin cleansers are kind to the skin. Ideally, they should be solvent-free and suitable for the particular type of soiling.

In addition, use tepid water, avoid using a brush for washing if possible, don't use more cleanser than is necessary and rinse hands thoroughly before drying them carefully."

Mark Riley, product and market manager of SCA Tissue Europe says disposable paper towels should be used because they eliminate the risk of cross contamination associated with textile towels. Hand dryers, he believes, can cause the skin to become too dry and chapped or, alternatively, if someone is in a hurry, their hands may not be dried sufficiently. He says "Soft hand towels should be supplied because they are more user-friendly than abrasive towels and will not aggravate any chapping or soreness present."

According to Isbister, the entire skin protection and cleaning regime should be repeated several times a day to cover major breaks and, at the end of the day, an after work cream should be available to help moisturise and rejuvenate the skin. He adds "The correct selection of appropriate PPE is vital to help reduce the risk of hazards and should never be underplayed. However the importance of an effective skin care regime in the workplace is often underestimated.

Having good facilities and the right products available is vital and good education, including signage in the washroom, must play its part.

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