other hazardous materials can lead to this protection being broken down. It can cause

pain, discomfort and long term ill health.

So where do the risks come from?

Your skin can come into contact with hazardous materials through everyday work activities

such as

1. Wet work and use of chemicals in many workplaces 2. Mixing or decanting chemicals and materials

3. Having skin contact with substances on contaminated surfaces, containers or clothing

or 4. Exposure to, or working with animals or

food stuffs and finally 5. Don’t forget the sun

What are the causes of these risks?

Damage to your skin can arise in any situation where direct or indirect exposure is possible,

for example

6. Immersing hands in hazardous materials 7. Splashes, aerosols and dusts landing on

the skin 8. Where there is no containment or reduction

in use 9. Where there is poor or no extraction at

the source 10. Where staff do not have suitable protective

clothing such as gloves or 11. Have the wrong or poorly maintained protective

clothing 12. Not knowing how to put on or take off

gloves safely 13. Poor house keeping and storage of chemicals

or hazardous substances

And where there is a

14. Lack of awareness of the risk among staff and poor management

So how does all this affect your health?

Damage to your skin can lead to a number of health effects:

15. Irritant dermatitis or burns 16. Skin sensitisation and allergic dermatitis

even to very small quantities 17. Pain and discomfort

18. Infection 19. Sunburn and possibly Cancer

How do you control the risks?

Taking steps to control the risks means you must identify which hazardous materials staff

are exposed to. Then consider what steps are needed to remove or reduce this exposure,

for example:

20. Use chemicals and hazardous substances that are less harmful to skin

21. Ensure good containment of the hazardous material

22. Consider tools and working practices that would minimise exposure to wet work and chemicals

23. Provide and maintain good work equipment and extraction systems

24. Provide suitable protective equipment such as overalls, gloves or aprons as appropriate

25. Practice good storage and house keeping 26. Consider skin health checks for exposed

staff 27. Always monitor your systems to ensure

they are working correctly

Following these examples will help you reduce your health risks at work. For more information,

check out the where to get extra help and support chapter at the end of this DVD and in the guidance pack.