Managing Skin Exposure Risks at Work: HSE Books

Health and
Health and Safety

Safety
Executive
Executive
Managing skin exposure risks

at work
Many materials used at work can affect the skin or can pass through the skin and
cause diseases elsewhere in the body. If you are an employer, health and safety
adviser, trainer or safety representative, this book provides practical advice to help
you prevent these disabling diseases. It covers the protective role of the skin, ill
health arising from skin exposure, recognising potential skin exposure in your
workplace, and managing skin exposure to prevent disease.
Many employers don’t realise they have legal duties to assess the health risks from
skin exposure to hazardous substances at work. This book can help you comply
with those duties by preventing or controlling exposure to the hazards by using and
maintaining suitable controls.
There is advice on assessing and managing risks, reducing contact with harmful
materials, choosing the right protective equipment and skincare products, and
HSG262 (Second edition) checking for early signs of skin disease.
Published 2015
The document also contains a series of case studies drawn from a wide range of
industries.
The guidance in this edition has been refreshed and references updated.
HSE Books
Page 1 of 30
Health and Safety
Executive
© Crown copyright 2015
First published 2009
ISBN 978 0 7176 6649 2
You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or
medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view the licence
visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence, write to the
Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email
[email protected].
Some images and illustrations may not be owned by the Crown so cannot be
reproduced without permission of the copyright owner. Enquiries should
be sent to [email protected].
This guidance is issued by the Health and Safety Executive. Following the guidance
is not compulsory, unless specifically stated, and you are free to take other action.
But if you do follow the guidance you will normally be doing enough to comply with
the law. Health and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the law and
may refer to this guidance.
Managing skin exposure risks at work Page 2 of 30

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Contents
Introduction 5
What does the law require? 5
Why is the skin important? 5
What health problems can occur through skin contact? 6

Burns 6
Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) 6
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD 6
Other skin diseases 7
Systemic diseases following uptake through
the skin 7
How do I recognise a skin hazard? 7

What are the consequences of diseases? 8
How do I assess the risks? 9

Exposure pathways 9
The risks from wet work 10
How can I manage risks to prevent

ill health? 10
How should I avoid or reduce contact

with harmful materials? 12
Avoid contact by elimination 12
Avoid contact by substitution 12
Avoid or reduce contact by using
engineering controls 12
Avoid or reduce contact by using a ‘safe
working distance’ 12
Avoid or reduce contact by using
procedural controls 14

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Other measures to protect the skin 15

Protect the skin by using PPE 15
Choosing and using protective gloves 15
Skincare 19
Choosing and using skincare products 19
Pre-work creams 19
Skin cleansers 21
Moisturisers 21
Choosing skincare products 22
Check for early signs of skin disease 22

Why should skin checks be carried out? 22
Who should carry out skin checks? 23
Action to take on finding a problem 23
Appendix 1 Key points 24
Appendix 2 Gloves sizes: Measuring

your hand 25
Appendix 3 Memory aid for selecting protective gloves 26
Appendix 4 Symbols for gloves standards 28
Further reading 29
Further information 30

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Introduction
1 This book explains what you, as an employer, can do to protect your

employees from skin problems. It will also be useful to employees and their
representatives. The book will help you identify what tasks and substances may
cause harm in your workplace. It introduces practical steps for controlling the risks
and will help you comply with the law.
2 Many materials or substances used at work can affect the skin or can pass
through the skin and cause diseases elsewhere in the body. This book covers:
what the law requires;

why the skin is important;
ill health arising from skin exposure;
recognising potential skin exposure in your workplace;
managing skin exposure to prevent disease.
What does the law require?
3 Employers must comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

Regulations 2002 (COSHH) by assessing risks, providing and maintaining adequate
control measures, providing information, instruction and training, and in appropriate
cases, providing health surveillance. Employees should take reasonable care of their
own and other people’s health; they should follow their training and co-operate with
their employer on health and safety.
Why is the skin important?
4 The skin is the largest organ in the human body. Its main functions are to:
provide a protective barrier against harmful substances;

protect against injury;
restrict the loss of moisture;
reduce the harmful effects of UV radiation;
act as a sensory organ (eg touch, temperature);
help regulate body temperature;
help detect and protect against infections;
produce vitamin D.
5 The skin is made up of two main layers, the epidermis and dermis. The outer
layer, the epidermis, provides the skin’s barrier function. However, it is not a perfect
barrier – it limits the amount of material that can pass through it to affect other
parts of the body.
6 If the moisture content of the epidermis is too high or too low, it can affect the
skin’s barrier properties. If it is too dry, eg when working in a low-humidity room,
the skin dehydrates, becomes rough, thickened and flaky and can crack through
loss of elasticity. If it is too moist, eg due to prolonged contact with water, the
skin becomes over-hydrated, impairing its barrier function.

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Figure 1 A cross section of Between cell route

Through cell route
the outer layer of skin cells
to illustrate the potential
pathways through which
chemical absorption can
take place. Chemicals can
also enter the body through
the openings in skin surface
(eg around hair follicles and
through the ducts of the
sweat glands)
What health problems can occur through skin contact?
7 Some substances can pass through the skin and cause diseases in other parts
of the body. Other substances can cause ‘local effects’, which are limited to the
skin itself. Dealing with local effects first, there are four main groups of substances
that can cause skin problems, mostly at the site of skin contact:
corrosive substances that can lead to burns;

irritant substances that can lead to irritant contact dermatitis;
sensitising substances that can lead to allergic contact dermatitis;
substances that cause other diseases, eg urticaria, acne, skin cancer.
Burns
8 Severe skin damage (burns) can follow brief skin contact with a corrosive
substance, eg wet cement, strong acids and alkalis. This may lead to the skin scarring.
Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD)
9 Irritant contact dermatitis is a skin reaction leading to inflammation at the site of

contact. Dry, red and itchy skin is a common first sign. Swelling, flaking, blistering,
cracking and pain may follow. Usually, the inflammation subsides once the skin has
healed. However, repeated contact may lead to ‘hyper-irritability’ – the skin
becomes inflamed more readily than normal.
10 ICD can develop after regular contact with mild irritants such as detergents, weak
acids or alkalis and some solvents. It can also develop through ‘wet work’. Wet work
can cause the skin to over-hydrate. It is a leading cause of ICD but often goes
unrecognised.
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD)
11 Allergic contact dermatitis (or skin sensitisation) is an ‘immunological response’ to

a sensitising substance (allergen). The signs and symptoms are difficult to distinguish
from ICD. Sensitisation can develop over time and it may be weeks, months or even
years before it becomes apparent. However, once a person has developed an allergy
(is ‘sensitised’), tiny amounts of the allergen will trigger ACD. By then, the only
remedy is to prevent further exposure.

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Other skin diseases
12 Urticaria is a skin condition that typically shows as a wheal (swelling) and flare
(red mark) reaction. Skin irritants or allergens may cause it. It is different from ICD
and ACD in that it quickly follows skin contact and disappears again within hours.
13 Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Signs of skin cancer
may include a scaly patch of hard skin, a red lump or spot, an ulcer, a new mole,
or a patch of skin that bleeds, oozes or has a crust. Exposure to certain chemicals,
such as polycyclic aromatic hydrogen (PAH) compounds can cause skin cancer.
Don’t forget that skin cancer is a particular problem for outdoor workers exposed
to ultraviolet rays from the sun.
14 Acne is an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles in the
skin. Pimples and pustules (white-centred bumps) mark it. Grease and oils can cause
‘oil acne’ in mechanics and roofers can develop acne from exposure to pitch.
Systemic diseases following uptake through the skin
15 Many substances can pass through the skin and cause diseases in other parts
of the body (systemic diseases). Examples include bladder cancer (eg from
aromatic amines) and scrotal cancer (eg from PAHs), diseases of the kidneys (eg
from carbon tetrachloride), heart (eg from carbon disulphide), blood (eg from
benzene) and nervous system (eg from organophosphates). Some health effects
can appear quickly, some can take months or years to appear (eg cancers).
Whether or not a substance causes systemic disease by skin uptake, the aim is to
control skin exposure.
How do I recognise a skin hazard?
16 Hazardous substances include:
substances/products used directly in work activities (eg adhesives, paints,

cleaning products);
substances generated during work activities (eg rosin fumes from soldering,
metal fumes from welding, wood dust from sanding);
naturally occurring substances (eg grain dust, flour, sunlight (UV radiation));
biological agents (eg bacteria).
17 The first step in recognising a skin hazard is to identify substances either used
or generated in your workplace. Next, decide which might cause health effects
following skin exposure. There are information sources that help with these steps:
HSE’s ‘skin at work’ web pages (www.hse.gov.uk/skin);

EH40/2005 Workplace exposure limits
(see Further reading), which lists substances with a ‘skin notation’ (symbol Sk);
the product label – look for the hazard and precautionary statements. See
HSE’s packaging and labelling web pages for further information (www.hse.gov.
uk/chemical-classification/labelling-packaging);
trade associations, trade journals or trade websites.

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Case studies: Exposure to chemicals

Skin exposure can also cause systemic disease:
When a worker in France was disposing of some industrial waste, he splattered

2,4 dichlorophenol over parts of his arm and thigh (less than 10% of his body
surface). He experienced a seizure within 20 minutes and died.
Two workers in a textile factory developed a transient brain disorder following

skin exposure to ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, which they had been using
as a cleaning agent instead of acetone, which had been temporarily
unavailable due to a shortage.
What are the consequences of diseases?
18 For individual employees there is pain and suffering, with their social life affected.
Some may have to give up their jobs. Employers can also face civil liability claims for
damages if they have been negligent. For society, there are costs such as medical
treatment and rehabilitation and costs from loss of earnings (eg benefits).
Figure 2 Cement burns to a

construction worker’s knee.
This serious injury could
have been prevented either
by avoiding the need to
kneel down in wet cement
or by providing a suitable
pair of knee protectors
Figure 3 This hand shows

irritant contact dermatitis.
It is swollen, painful and
infected

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How do I assess the risks?
19 The ‘risk’ is the likelihood that workers’ skin will come into contact with
hazardous substances that could affect their health. ‘Assessment’ means deciding
who might be harmed and how:
Do you have to use the substance and, if so, how much is used?
How often is it used, and by how many workers?
How is the substance handled – can you handle it in a way to avoid skin
contact?
Which parts of the skin are exposed and for how long?
20 Remember those cleaners, visitors, contractors and maintenance workers etc

who may not be in the workplace all the time.
21 You can often do the assessment by simply watching the tasks. Where cases
of skin exposure are less predictable or less obvious, using colour-indicating wipes
or pads can help you detect skin or surface contamination (your trade association
may be able to help you find a supplier). For situations that are more complex or
where very toxic materials are used, you are advised to seek the help of a health and
safety professional such as an occupational hygienist. They will help you to assess
the risks and will advise you on the appropriate methods to manage those risks to
prevent ill health.
Exposure pathways
22 An ‘exposure pathway’ is the link between a hazard source and a worker. Skin
exposure can occur by several pathways:
immersion – the skin is submerged into a liquid or powder;

splashes – from decanting or mixing liquids and powders;
deposition – when droplets, dusts, fumes or aerosols contact the skin, either as
part of a work activity or incidental to it (eg emission from a nearby process);
contact with contaminated surfaces. This can happen in a variety of ways:
directly handling a contaminated workpiece;
contact with contaminated work surfaces;
residue on hands transferred to the eyes, nose and mouth;
residue on hands transferred to tools, paperwork and food;
removing contaminated PPE incorrectly.
Case study: Cement dust

Tim’s four-year-old daughter got a painful rash that would not go away. He took her
to several doctors, but the ointments they prescribed did not make a difference. Then
he listened to a toolbox talk on preventing dermatitis at work. Tim works on a building
site using cement − he realised his daughter may have been exposed to cement dust.
Tim began following the precautions mentioned in the talk. He cleaned the inside of
his car and now always removes his work overalls before getting into it. He also
follows the guidance on washing and caring for his skin. Within a few weeks his
daughter’s problem was gone – Tim’s skin is better too.

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The risks from wet work
23 There is no exact definition on when wet work is likely to be a risk. However,

prolonged contact of more than about 2 hours (or more than 20-40 hand washes/
contacts a day) is likely to lead to irritant contact dermatitis. Wet work is the term
used to describe prolonged or frequent contact with water (particularly in
combination with soaps, cleansers and other chemicals). Wet work can cause the
skin to over-hydrate. Dermatitis from wet work is common in trades such as
hairdressing, metal machining, catering, cleaning and health care.
Case study: Repeated hand washing

Fifty-five employees working for a meat-processing company were suffering from
hand dermatitis. Repeated hand washing with a cleanser was routine (30–40 washes
a day). Hands were often immersed in ‘over-hot’, softened, water dosed with
chlorine dioxide. Gloves were not routinely used. No skincare regime was in place.
No skin checking was carried out, so early signs of a problem were missed.
When the outbreak happened, the company sought the help of a consultant. His
advice was to:
reduce water temperature and control it at 32 °C;

regulate chlorine dioxide dosing at a continuous, ideal level;
reduce washing by 30% throughout a shift (this still maintained adequate food
hygiene standards);
supply and encourage the use of appropriate moisturising cream, before
breaks and at the end of shifts;
introduce skin checking by a responsible person.
How can I manage risks to prevent ill health?
24 Prevention is always better than cure. If you identify a skin contamination

problem, you must develop measures to adequately control the risk. This will
reduce the likelihood of health effects occurring.
25 Managing work to prevent ill health from skin exposure can be summed up in
three key steps: Avoid; Protect; Check:
Avoid or reduce contact with materials that cause skin/systemic problems.

Protect the skin.
Check for early signs of disease.

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Case study: Engineering controls can reduce contact

Sam was a spray painter working in a furniture factory. He sprayed furniture on an
overhead conveyor belt while wearing a respirator. He stood between the furniture
and the exhaust vent at the rear of the area when spraying the back of each piece.
He occasionally wore rubber gloves, but they weren’t always available.
When a new paint was introduced, Sam developed a rash on his arms. Within a
week or so this had spread to his legs and neck. Shortly after that, he began to
develop breathing difficulties. The new paint was epoxy-based, this can cause
allergies. Sam had developed allergic contact dermatitis and asthma; he
eventually had to give up work. This could have been prevented if the right
precautions had been used:
Epoxy-based paints should only be sprayed in an enclosed booth or room

with ventilation.
Sprayers should be provided with air-fed respiratory protection.
Sprayers should be provided with suitable personal protective equipment
(PPE).
Good washing facilities and skin creams should be provided.
Health surveillance should be carried out.
Figure 4 This worker is spraying paint containing isocyanate. The fine spray, not normally
seen with the naked eye, is shown up with the use of ‘Tyndall illumination’. Skin and
inhalation exposure to isocyanates has the potential to cause skin allergies and asthma. The
right controls should be used to minimise exposure

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How should I avoid or reduce contact with harmful materials?
Avoid contact by elimination
26 This is most feasible at the ‘process design’ stage. For existing systems,
‘elimination’ usually means a change of process, eg removing paint by scraping
instead of using solvents. However, if this introduces other risks, such as noise, dust
or musculoskeletal problems, these must be controlled too.
Avoid contact by substitution
27 If elimination is not possible, you should consider substitution, or replace the

substance with something less harmful. For example, use less concentrated
products, replace solvent-based products with water-based ones and replace
surfactant degreasers with milder products.
28 Substituting the physical form of a substance may also reduce the potential for
skin contact. Use granulated or liquid formulations rather than powders to reduce
the spread of dust. Use pre-packaged forms of a substance to avoid contact
during scooping or weighing.
Avoid or reduce contact by using engineering controls
29 ‘Engineering controls’ include containment (eg a glovebox or closed reactor)

and partial enclosure with some form of local exhaust ventilation (LEV).
30 Engineering controls can be very effective in controlling skin contact during normal
operations. However, there will be a potential for contact during cleaning, maintenance
and repair operations. For such cases, controls might include procedures such as defined
decontamination procedures and permits-to-work.
Avoid or reduce contact by using a ‘safe working distance’
31 Sometimes, the work means having the skin (usually the hands) close to the
hazardous substance. The next option is to put a ‘safe working distance’ between the
skin and the hazardous substance. The greater the distance between the worker and
the source of contamination, the less likely it is that contact will occur.
32 Use automated handling systems rather than manual handling. Use tools and
equipment (eg tongs, hooks, scoops) for handling work items rather than using the
hands as tools. Where tools have handles, choose a long-handled tool over a
short-handled one.

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6 4
6 4
6 4
Figure 5 Distance your skin from chemicals and wet work.
Case study: Handling solvent-soaked material

An inspector visited a factory producing coated fabrics. Workers handled solvent-
soaked coating material, transferring lumps of it to a coating machine and then
spreading it out with their hands. They did this for most of the day. The material
often stuck to their hands.
The inspector recognised that handling solvent-soaked material can cause irritant
contact dermatitis and if the solvent passes through the skin it can cause ill health
in other parts of the body. The inspector told them how to improve the situation:
The material could be transferred using a semi-automated dispenser,

operated by a compressed air plunger on demand by the operator.
The spreading could be done using a suitable stainless-steel spatula, which
would prevent the hands coming into contact with the material.
Using the above procedures eliminated the need to use solvent to remove the coating
from workers’ hands.

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Avoid or reduce contact by using procedural controls
33 Prevent or minimise access to areas where there is a risk of skin contact.
34 Put barriers between contaminated and clean work areas to prevent the spread
of contamination.
35 Use spillage controls, eg use drip trays, to prevent the spread of contamination
and make cleaning up spills easier.
36 When surface contamination is inevitable, reduce the impact by providing

impermeable, easy-to-clean work surfaces. Clean them regularly. Alternatively, reduce
contamination by using disposable, absorbent paper lining, with regular replacement.
37 Effective supervision will help to show you whether you are maintaining an
adequate standard of control.
6
Figure 6 A floor coating being applied by a worker who is kneeling down and using a short-
handled spreader
4
Figure 7 With the help of a long-handled spreader, an adequate safe working distance has been
applied, reducing the likelihood of contact with the coating. It reduces the potential for back
problems too
(Photo courtesy of European Epoxy Project Team and IV AM, The Netherlands.)

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Other measures to protect the skin
Protect the skin by using PPE
38 PPE is an important control option when other reasonably practicable methods of

control do not give enough protection. However, PPE has a number of limitations:
it can only protect the wearer;

it has to be the right material and the right size;
it has to be put on, worn and taken off properly;
it may limit the wearer’s mobility;
its continued effectiveness will depend on proper cleaning, maintenance,
training and supervision.
39 PPE is available in a wide range of natural and synthetic materials. Typical

examples include gloves, aprons, overalls and footwear for skin protection.
40 PPE needs to be ‘fit for purpose’ — the right quality and construction to give the
protection needed. It must be CE marked, fit the wearer, be suitable for the task and
compatible with any other PPE to be worn. Over-elaborate PPE can discourage its use.
41 PPE can increase the risk of skin exposure when used incorrectly. For example,
contaminant trapped inside ill-fitting PPE can be held against unprotected skin.
42 You must provide employees with adequate and comprehensible information,

instruction and training on the PPE they will be required to use. This will include the
purpose of the PPE, how to use it, the risks it will avoid or limit, and any action they
must take to ensure it remains in a suitable condition. You must also ensure that any
PPE is suitably maintained, and provide storage facilities as necessary. Employees
must use PPE in accordance with the training given, and report any loss of or
obvious defect with the equipment.
Case study: Benefits of PPE as part of a skincare regime

Joe was a part-time worker at a fast-food restaurant. His duties were to fry food and
clean down the equipment and stove at the end of the day.
Joe found that handling the moist foods and stove cleaners stung his hands and
this, along with lots of hand washing, made his skin dry.
After seeing a doctor, Joe was told that he had irritant contact dermatitis from wet
work. Joe told his boss, who introduced some changes at work:
A less hazardous cleaner is now used, which still does the job.
Thick rubber gloves are used for cleaning.
Vinyl food handler’s gloves are used for handling moist foods.
Workers use a moisturiser before breaks and at the end of shifts.
Workers’ skin is checked periodically by a responsible person.
Choosing and using protective gloves
43 Skin contact at work mostly occurs on the hands and forearms. There is a wide
range of protective gloves on the market, the following guidance concerns choosing and
using protective gloves to protect against hazardous substances and wet work only.

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44 Take all the steps you can to avoid hand contact with substances before resorting
to protective gloves. If avoiding contact is impractical or gives insufficient protection,
protective gloves are an appropriate solution.
45 The gloves you choose should be ‘suitable’ — they should match the work, the
wearer and the work environment. There are five factors to consider:
the substances handled;

other hand hazards;
the type and duration of contact;
the wearer – in terms of size and comfort;
the task and the need for robustness and sensitivity.
46 You can select protective gloves based on these criteria, but protective glove
suppliers are a useful source of information to help with your selection. They will
need information from you on the factors described in the previous paragraphs. To
help with this, there is a memory aid sheet in Appendix 3; you can complete it and
hand it to your supplier. You can also download copies from HSE’s ‘skin at work’
web pages at www.hse.gov.uk/skin.
Substances handled
47 Gloves vary in design, material and thickness. No glove will protect against all
substances and no glove will protect forever.
48 For ‘wet work’ choose a glove that meets the European Standard EN 374-2.
This shows that the gloves are waterproof.
49 To protect hands from substances/chemicals, choose a glove that meets the

European Standard EN 374-3, but be sure the glove material protects against the
substances handled.
50 Glove manufacturers usually produce charts to show how well their gloves
perform against a range of single substances/chemicals. The performance of glove
materials can vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer, so check the right
chart. These charts usually use three key terms: breakthrough time, permeation
rate and degradation.
The breakthrough time is the time a chemical takes to work through (permeate)
the glove material and reach the inside. The substances pass through the
material without going through pinholes or pores or other visible openings. This
is the maximum time that a glove remains effective. Choose a glove with a high
breakthrough time.
The permeation rate is the amount that then moves through. The higher the rate
the more the chemical will get through the glove. Choose a low permeation rate.
Degradation is damage of the glove material. It may get harder, softer or may
swell. It will crack or tear more easily. Degradation indicates the deterioration of
the glove material on contact with a named substance. Choose gloves with an
excellent or good degradation rating.
51 The wearer is unlikely to notice permeation or breakthrough because inside the

glove the substance is likely to be present as a vapour. The glove will not show any
obvious change.
52 Once permeation has started, it continues even if the glove is no longer in

contact with the substance. It only stops when the concentration of the chemical
on the inside surface of the glove equals the concentration on the outer surface.

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53 Protective gloves are not only subject to physical and chemical damage.
Ageing, flexing and stretching, poor storage and poor maintenance all lead to
deterioration of the glove and loss of protection.
54 Manufacturers’ data are for pure chemicals, yet most products are mixtures. As
a ‘rule of thumb’, base your glove selection on the component in the mixture/
product with the shortest breakthrough time. However, the only way to be sure
how a glove performs is to have it tested against the product.
Other hazards for hands

55 Are there other hazards to take into account, eg abrasion, cuts, puncture,
vibration or high temperature? There are protective gloves that combine chemical
protection with protection against other hazards. Choose gloves that meet all
standards, eg:
gloves marked EN 374-3 and EN 388 give protection from chemicals and from
mechanical hazards;
gloves marked EN 374-3 and EN 407 give protection from chemicals and from
thermal hazards.
The type and duration of contact

56 Will gloves be worn for a short time, intermittently or for long periods?
Generally, thicker, robust gloves offer greater protection than thinner gloves but
thinner gloves offer better dexterity. For intermittent use, a series of thin ‘single-use’
gloves may offer adequate protection. Where thicker, reusable gloves are used
intermittently, they need to be stored carefully between each use.
57 Will contact be from occasional splashes or by total immersion? Short gloves

can protect against splashes but if hands are immersed (and this is unavoidable),
choose a length greater than the depth of immersion.
The wearer: Size and comfort

58 Wearing protective gloves can be uncomfortable, particularly when
undertaking a physically demanding task and for long periods. Thick gloves
restrict movement and reduce dexterity, making precise work impossible.
59 Gloves should fit the wearer. Tight gloves can make hands feel tired and lose their
grip. Gloves that are too large can create folds; these can impair work and be
uncomfortable − see Appendix 2 for sizing charts.
60 Employees are more likely to wear comfortable gloves. Involving them in the
selection process, by giving them a reasonable choice to pick from, can sometimes
promote buy-in to wearing them.
61 Hands can sweat inside gloves, making the skin over-hydrated (which can lead
to dermatitis) and the gloves uncomfortable to wear. Encourage staff to take glove
breaks, removing gloves for a minute or so before hands get too hot and sweaty,
can help air the hands. You might also supply separate cotton gloves to wear
under protective gloves to help absorb sweat. They may be laundered and reused.
62 Sometimes the chemicals used in the manufacture of protective gloves

themselves can cause skin allergies in some individuals. A particular problem with
single-use natural rubber latex (NRL) gloves is that proteins naturally present in the
latex can also cause allergies, either through direct contact with the skin (leading to
contact urticaria) or, if the gloves are powdered, by inhalation of the powder
(leading to asthma).

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63 If you select single-use NRL gloves, your risk assessment must have identified
them as necessary, ie you identified them as the safest choice of material for a
given hazardous substance and you know that those employees do not have an
allergy to NRL. When provided, they must be ‘Iow-protein and powder-free’ and
should carry a CE mark.
The task
64 Gloves should not hamper the task. If wet/oily objects are handled, choose
gloves with a roughened/textured surface for good grip. Select gloves that balance
protection with dexterity. Thick gloves are suitable for heavy-duty, less precise
work. Ensure the gloves selected meet any standards required for the task, eg
sterile gloves, food grade gloves. Consider whether colour is important, eg to show
up contamination.
Is there anything else I need to consider?

Issue, maintenance and disposal
65 You must:
make arrangements for storing an adequate stock of gloves of the right sizes
and types;
make arrangements for the issue of gloves when they need replacement (ie
based on the glove performance data, not just when they look like they have
worn out or when an employee asks);
if the glove types used require maintenance, carry out regular inspection to
check the state of the gloves in use or cleaning inside gloves. Follow
manufacturers’ instructions;
keep appropriate records (eg stock or maintenance issues);
arrange for storing and disposing of used gloves. Do they need disposal as
hazardous waste?
Information, instruction and training

66 Protective gloves are only effective if they are used correctly. Employees,
supervisors, managers and those involved in ‘glove maintenance’ need training (or
refresher training) in the effective use of protective gloves. Training may appear trivial
— it isn’t.
67 Everyone who wears protective gloves should know:
what gloves to wear and when to wear them;

how to look after them;
how to put them on and take them off without contaminating the skin;
the limitations of gloves as a control measure;
how to dispose of them safely.
68 Refresher training will be particularly important for people who do not have to
wear protective gloves very often, or are likely to use them only for emergency
purposes such as dealing with spillages.
69 Records of training details should be kept.

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Case study: Cleaner exposed to detergents

A part-time cleaner developed severe dermatitis as a result of exposure to
detergents she used at work. She sued her employer. In defence, her employer
told the court that she had been supplied with rubber gloves.
On investigation, it was found that she had been supplied with gloves but was
unaware of, and had not been told about, the risk of dermatitis from exposure to
detergents.
To make matters worse, she had not been instructed in the steps she needed to
take to protect herself. The cleaner won the case and was awarded substantial
damages.
Employers have a legal duty to inform employees about the risks from exposure to
any hazardous substances they use at work and the precautions that they should
take to protect themselves.
Skincare
70 Attention to skincare will help to protect the skin by reducing the effects of
exposure:
Accidental contamination should be washed away promptly.

Encourage employees to wash areas of skin that may have been exposed to
hazardous substances at breaks and after work. They should wash the skin
with warm water and dry thoroughly, preferably with a clean, dry, soft towel.
Provide clean washing facilities as near as possible to the area of work. Provide
the least aggressive cleaning products that will do the job and never allow
solvents or very abrasive products to be used for skin cleaning.
Pre-work creams can be applied before starting work or on returning from a break.
After-work creams should be used before breaks and at the end of shifts to
replace the natural oils that the skin can lose when washed or when it comes
into contact with detergents.
Choosing and using skincare products
71 Skincare products are designed to help maintain a stable and adequately

hydrated barrier layer so the skin remains in good condition and retains its
protective role.
Pre-work creams
72 These are designed for application at the start of work, after breaks etc, and
there are several types:
Vanishing creams trap contaminants such as resins and dyes, which can then
be washed off the skin. They may contain refined mineral oil, petrolatum,
lanolin, emulsifiers, preservatives and fragrances.
Water-resistant creams form a film over the skin surface that repels water-
based chemicals such as acids and alkalis. They can contain silicones,
beeswax, stearates, preservatives, fragrances and synthetic tanning agents.
Water-resistant creams tend to feel greasy.
Oil/organic solvent-resistant creams are designed to repel oils, tars and organic
solvents. They may contain glycerine, preservatives and fragrances. These
creams can come off through sweating.

Health and Safety
Executive
Other types of pre-work cream react chemically with the contaminant to make
it less harmful, eg by reacting with acids to make them less acidic, or trapping
an allergen such as nickel.
73 Choose creams that have the best repellent properties for the substances in
your workplace.
74 Sometimes pre-work creams are known as ‘barrier creams’ but this is something
of a misnomer and may lull users into a false sense of security. Pre-work creams do
not function as protective gloves and employees should not use them in their place.
Some pre-work creams appear to provide some protection against the substances
for which they were designed. However, others seem to give far less protection in
practice than their formulations suggest. They do not form a barrier in the same way
that PPE does because:
workers may not apply them properly, leaving part of their skin unprotected;
there is no information available on the rate of penetration of substances through
pre-work creams;
they may be removed while working, without workers noticing.
75 Pre-work creams can play a role in an overall skincare programme. They will
help remove dirt during washing, so milder cleansing agents can be used.
Case study: Pre-work creams, moisturisers and gloves

Pete was a motor mechanic who loved his job. He was always getting oil, grease
and petrol on his hands from handling dirty parts and equipment. Pete often used
his bare hands to remove parts soaking in a bucket of solvent. He didn’t use the
gloves he was given because he thought they made the work hard.
Pete used a strong, abrasive cleaner to get the dirt off whenever he washed his
hands. Pete developed dermatitis and had to have a number of weeks off to let
his hands heal. When he came back to work a number of changes had been
introduced. Pete now also does his bit and his dermatitis has not come back.
A cleaning station is now used to degrease parts.

Pete persevered with using gloves for tasks where he couldn’t avoid contact
with hazardous materials, and he gradually got used to them.
Pre-work creams are used. They make it easier to remove dirt when washing, so
the abrasive hand cleaner has been replaced with a milder one.
Moisturisers are supplied and used.
Skin checks are carried out by a responsible person.

Health and Safety
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Skin cleansers
76 These remove contaminants from the skin, but they can also damage it. A
suitable cleanser will remove most of a particular contaminant without causing
unacceptable damage to the skin. Some products may contain components
intended to moisturise the skin, and counteract the damaging effects of surface-
active agents (surfactants), which are present in most skin cleansers. There are
three main components of skin cleansers:
Surfactants (eg soap) wetten and suspend dirt in water, which is then removed
by washing. Washing with water alone may spread contaminants around the
skin, rather than remove them. The skin may be damaged by surfactants. There
are different types of surfactants in skin cleansers that vary in their skin
compatibility. The pH of a cleanser (a measure of its acidity or alkalinity) is not
usually a reliable guide to its tolerance by the skin.
Scrubbing agents (heavy-duty cleansers) mechanically remove contaminants
by their abrasive action. They may also be designed to attract loosened
particles onto their surfaces. Avoid very abrasive products; milder abrasives
such as wood flours and plastics are preferred. Another alternative is walnut
shell powder.
Organic solvents are present in certain cleansers to dissolve contaminants such
as paint. All organic solvents can remove the natural fat in the skin to some
degree. Milder solvents such as alkanes and acetates are preferred.
77 You should use the least aggressive cleanser that will do the job.
Moisturisers
78 Whether a cream, lotion or ointment, these are all moisturisers. They are also
known as ‘emollients’ or skin conditioners. Their purpose is to help replace moisture
and temporarily restore the barrier effect of the skin. This allows the moisture in the
barrier layer to be restored by natural processes within the body. They need to be
applied at least once a day, preferably more frequently, and ideally each time the hands
are washed and dried.
79 The basic components of after-work creams are water, oils and emulsifiers.
Water is often the main component. The most common oils used are refined
mineral oil, petrolatum and lanolin; these coat the skin and reduce the amount of
water lost by evaporation. After-work creams may also include preservatives,
fragrances and other ingredients.
Figure 8 One of a number

of dispenser types for
moisturiser. Dispensers are
preferred to tubs to reduce
the likelihood of cross-
contamination

Health and Safety
Executive
Choosing skincare products
80 When choosing skincare products, bear in mind the following:
The choice of products should be appropriate to the hazards in your workplace

and suitable for each employee. Ask suppliers for help.
Will the product do the job? Is there evidence to support claims?
Is a full list of ingredients provided? Can any cause dermatitis?
Products should be placed in appropriate places, eg by sinks, not too far from
work areas.
Is educational support for the product available, eg leaflets or videos?
Inform and instruct employees on their use.
Ask suppliers to help you select a suitable skincare product.
Dispensing systems should be easy to use and kept replenished.
81 Certain ingredients of skincare products are known to be skin sensitisers. If you

suspect a worker has developed an allergy to a skincare product, it can only be
confirmed by specific skin tests known as ‘patch tests’. These should only be
carried out under the supervision of a skin specialist. In the first instance, workers
may be referred to their GP or company occupational health nurse or doctor if there
is one.
Check for early signs of skin disease
82 When employees are exposed to hazardous substances, employers must

ensure that, where appropriate, employees are under suitable health surveillance.
The following paragraphs refer to carrying out health surveillance for ‘local effects’
following skin exposure to hazardous substances, ie straightforward visual checks
of employees’ skin.
Why should skin checks be carried out?
83 Skin checks are a crucial part of managing skin disease at work:
Regular skin checks will help to identify the early stages of dermatitis or other
skin effects caused by skin exposure.
The earlier that health effects are recognised and treated, the more likely it is
that the sufferer will make a full recovery.
Checks can also show whether an adequate standard of control is being
maintained. They may give an early indication of lapses in control and the need
for a reassessment of the control strategy.
Who should carry out skin checks?
84 Employers using substances with a potential to cause skin disease should

ensure regular skin checks are conducted. Checks for skin diseases can be as
simple as conducting regular visual inspection of the potentially exposed areas of
workers’ skin. A ‘responsible person’ should carry out skin checks but employees
should also be encouraged to check their own skin and report any problems
promptly. You need to safeguard the confidentiality of such reports.

Health and Safety
Executive
Case study: Hairdressing

Maureen had been a hairdresser for many years and eventually owned her own
salon. When she returned to work after having a family she spotted a rash on the
back of her hands. She initially ignored it. However, her hands swelled up and
starting cracking and the rash spread all over her body. It became infected. Wet
work had damaged Maureen’s skin, leaving it vulnerable.
She subsequently developed an allergy to an ingredient in a hair product. She

used steroid creams prescribed by her doctor to treat it, but work was becoming
a struggle. Her home life suffered too. Simple tasks such as washing dishes or
peeling potatoes, even bathing the children, caused her immense pain.
This could have been avoided if the right preventative measures had been
followed:
wearing suitable gloves for washing clients’ hair and using chemicals;
rinsing products off her hands promptly, and drying them thoroughly;
using a moisturiser regularly;
seeing her doctor earlier.
85 The role of the responsible person is to:
assess the condition of a new employee’s skin before, or as soon as possible after,
they start work;
periodically check employees’ skin for the early signs of skin disease;
keep records securely;
tell the employer the outcome of these checks, so they can review their control
measures and risk assessment; and
advise the employer when to seek expert help on any skin disease outbreak,
and to restore control of exposure.
86 A ‘responsible person’ can be an employee provided with suitable training.

They should know:
the substances in their workplace that can cause skin disease;

the types of skin diseases they can cause;
what the early signs of those diseases look like;
how exposure happens through handling, use, maintenance etc;
what controls are in place and the consequences of any shortcomings.
Action to take on finding a problem
87 This includes:
reporting to the employer on the disease and exposure controls;

advising the affected employee(s) to see an appropriate health professional;
keeping records of observations;
keeping records secure.

Health and Safety
Executive
Appendix 1 Key points

Protect Check
Avoid
Examples of ways to avoid Examples of ways to Reasons for skin checks

contact protect skin
Tell workers how to look after
Substitute a more their skin. Remind them to Regular skin checks can
hazardous material with a wash any contamination from spot the early stages of
safer alternative. their skin promptly. dermatitis.
Automate the process. Tell them about the importance Early detection can prevent
Enclose the process as of thorough drying after more serious dermatitis
much as possible. washing. from developing.
Use mechanical handling. Provide soft cotton or paper Steps can be taken to start
Use equipment for towels. treating the condition.
handling. Supply moisturising pre-work Checks can help indicate a
Don’t use the hands as and after-work creams. possible lapse in your
tools. Use a safe working Provide appropriate protective preventative measures and
distance clothing/gloves. Make sure the need to reassess the
gloves are made of suitable situation.
material.
Select gloves that are the right
size and right for the task to
be done. Use and store gloves
correctly. Replace gloves
when necessary. Provide
training for safe glove removal.

Health and Safety
Executive
Appendix 2 Glove sizes: Measuring your hand

Remember, gloves should not be your first choice. The most effective way to prevent skin problems is to avoid
or reduce contact with the tasks and substances that may cause harm in your workplace. Appendix 1 gives
examples of how you can avoid contact. See also www.hse.gov.uk/skin/gloves.htm.
Length
Measure from the bottom edge of your palm to the tip of your middle finger to determine your ‘finger length’ size.
EU sizes US sizes
160 mm EU - 6 6 5/16 inches XS
171 mm EU - 7 6 3/4 inches S
182 mm EU - 8 7 3/16 inches M
192 mm EU - 9 7 9/16 inches L
204 mm EU - 10 8 1/16 inches XL
215 plus mm EU - 11 8 7/16 plus inches XXL
Width
Wrap a measuring tape around your dominant hand just below your knuckles, excluding your thumb, and make
a fist. This measurement is your ‘hand width’ glove size.
EU sizes US sizes
152–178 mm EU - 6 6—7 inches XS
178–203 mm EU - 7 7—8 inches S
203–229 mm EU - 8 8—9 inches M
229–254 mm EU - 9 9—10 inches L
254–279 mm EU - 10 10—11 inches XL
279 plus mm EU - 11 11 plus inches XXL

Health and Safety
Executive
Appendix 3 Memory aid for selecting

protective gloves gloves
Company: Reference:
Department: Date:
Contact: Number of workers:
Description of task:
Substance handled:
Wet work Hazardous substances
Substance Form Concentration Temperature Label or Material

(solid, liquid, (during use) Safety Data Sheet
gas etc) (MSDS) attached?

Other hazards present:
Mechanical:

Snag Puncture Abrasion Cut Tear
Thermal:
Heat Cold Hot splashes Hot sparks
Biological:
Infectious material (bacteria, viruses etc) Body fluids (blood, urine etc)
Other (eg antistatic needed, radiation protection needed):

Health and Safety
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Type and duration of contact:
Type of contact:
Accidental splash Direct contact Immersion (note depth) Deposition
Duration of contact:
Occasional contact (note maximum contact time)
Continual contact (note maximum contact time)
Wearer requirements:
Sizes required:
Inner gloves required:
Length of arm to be protected:
Any known skin allergies or other considerations:
Task requirements:
Grip requirements:
Dry grip Wet grip Oily
Dexterity requirements:
Precision Some dexterity Optimum protection, dexterity less important
Colour requirements (eg to show up contamination):
Special requirements (eg sterile, food grade):

Health and Safety
Executive
Appendix 4 Symbols for gloves standards

EN374 EN511
Protective gloves against Protective gloves against
chemical risks risks due to cold
FULL PROTECTION
EN407 EN374
Protective gloves for Protective gloves against
thermal risks chemical risks
SIMPLE PROTECTION
EN421 EN388
Protective gloves against Protective gloves for
ionising radiation mechanical risks
EN421 EN374
Protective gloves against Protective gloves against
radioactive contamination bacteriological risks

Health and Safety
Executive
Further reading
Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH). The Control of Substances
Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended). Approved Code of Practice
and guidance L5 (Sixth edition) HSE Books 2013 ISBN 978 0 7176 6582 2
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l5.htm
Controlling skin exposure to chemicals and wet-work: A practical book RMS

Publishing 2008 ISBN 978 1 906674 00 7
COSHH essentials: www.coshh-essentials.org.uk
EH40/2005 Workplace exposure limits: Containing the list of workplace exposure

limits for use with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (as
amended) Environmental Hygiene Guidance Note EH40 (Second edition)
HSE Books 2011 ISBN 978 0 7176 6446 7 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/eh40.htm
Preventing contact dermatitis and urticaria at work Leaflet INDG233(rev2)

HSE Books 2015 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg233.htm
Risk assessment: A brief guide to controlling risks in the workplace Leaflet

INDG163(rev4) HSE Books 2014 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg163.htm
Health surveillance: www.hse.gov.uk/health-surveillance
Skin at work: www.hse.qov.uk/skin

Health and Safety
Executive
Further information
For information about health and safety, or to report inconsistencies or inaccuracies
in this guidance, visit www.hse.gov.uk. You can view HSE guidance online and
order priced publications from the website. HSE priced publications are also
available from bookshops.
This document is available at www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hsg262.htm.
Published by the Health and Safety Executive HSG262 10/15 Page 30 of 30

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Health and

Health and Safety

Managing skin exposure risks

© Crown copyright 2015

First published 2009

ISBN 978 0 7176 6649 2

Managing skin exposure risks at work Page 2 of 30

What does the law require? 5

Why is the skin important? 5

What health problems can occur through skin contact? 6

How do I recognise a skin hazard? 7

How do I assess the risks? 9

How can I manage risks to prevent

How should I avoid or reduce contact

Managing skin exposure risks at work Page 3 of 30

Other measures to protect the skin 15

Check for early signs of skin disease 22

Appendix 1 Key points 24

Appendix 2 Gloves sizes: Measuring

Appendix 3 Memory aid for selecting protective gloves 26

Appendix 4 Symbols for gloves standards 28

Managing skin exposure risks at work Page 4 of 30

1 This book explains what you, as an employer, can do to protect your

 what the law requires;

What does the law require?

3 Employers must comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

Why is the skin important?

 provide a protective barrier against harmful substances;

Managing skin exposure risks at work Page 5 of 30

Figure 1 A cross section of Between cell route

What health problems can occur through skin contact?

 corrosive substances that can lead to burns;

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD)

9 Irritant contact dermatitis is a skin reaction leading to inflammation at the site of

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD)

11 Allergic contact dermatitis (or skin sensitisation) is an ‘immunological response’ to

Managing skin exposure risks at work Page 6 of 30

Other skin diseases

Systemic diseases following uptake through the skin

How do I recognise a skin hazard?

16 Hazardous substances include:

 substances/products used directly in work activities (eg adhesives, paints,

 HSE’s ‘skin at work’ web pages (www.hse.gov.uk/skin);

Managing skin exposure risks at work Page 7 of 30

Case studies: Exposure to chemicals

When a worker in France was disposing of some industrial waste, he splattered

Two workers in a textile factory developed a transient brain disorder following

What are the consequences of diseases?

Figure 2 Cement burns to a

Figure 3 This hand shows

Managing skin exposure risks at work Page 8 of 30

How do I assess the risks?

20 Remember those cleaners, visitors, contractors and maintenance workers etc

 immersion – the skin is submerged into a liquid or powder;

 contact with contaminated work surfaces;

 residue on hands transferred to the eyes, nose and mouth;

 residue on hands transferred to tools, paperwork and food;

 removing contaminated PPE incorrectly.

Case study: Cement dust

what the law requires;

provide a protective barrier against harmful substances;

corrosive substances that can lead to burns;

substances/products used directly in work activities (eg adhesives, paints,

HSE’s ‘skin at work’ web pages (www.hse.gov.uk/skin);

immersion – the skin is submerged into a liquid or powder;

contact with contaminated work surfaces;

residue on hands transferred to the eyes, nose and mouth;

residue on hands transferred to tools, paperwork and food;

removing contaminated PPE incorrectly.

reduce water temperature and control it at 32 °C;

Avoid or reduce contact with materials that cause skin/systemic problems.

Epoxy-based paints should only be sprayed in an enclosed booth or room

The material could be transferred using a semi-automated dispenser,

it can only protect the wearer;

the substances handled;

what gloves to wear and when to wear them;

Accidental contamination should be washed away promptly.

A cleaning station is now used to degrease parts.

The choice of products should be appropriate to the hazards in your workplace