1. Preventing Work Related Contact Dermatitis in Catering Workers

2. Dermatitis in catering
Contact dermatitis is one of the main causes of ill health in catering workers
The incidence rate for the hotel and catering sector is twice the all industry average
Almost all workers engaged in wet work have some degree of dermatitis

3. What is contact dermatitis?
A disease involving inflammation of the skin
Caused by damage to the skin by substances such as solvents, wet work and cleaners
Some substances cause sensitization

4. What is contact dermatitis like?
Inflammation of the skin leading to
Redness
Itching
Scaling / flaking
Blistering
Weeping
Cracking
Pain

5. Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis cannot be passed from one person to another
You may not have it now but that does not mean you will never develop it
Contact dermatitis can be caused and made worse within the workplace
Often starts on the hands and can spread to other parts of the body

6. Types of contact dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis
Single heavy dose or prolonged exposure
Allergic contact dermatitis
Repeated exposure, sensitisation
There are two types of contact dermatitis.
Irritant contact dermatitis
Can flare up because of one or a few contacts with a strong irritant, like bleach or strong cleaners.
Or, more commonly, it can develop slowly over time from contact with milder irritants – working in water with detergents for example.
These contacts with milder irritants damage the skin barrier, without you realising it.
If you have had dermatitis or eczema as a child, then you are more prone to developing irritant contact dermatitis.
Allergic contact dermatitis
Happens when you become allergic to something you are in contact with.
Once you become allergic to something, you will get a rash every time you come into contact with it. You may well have it for life.
Sometimes allergic contact dermatitis can develop quickly, possibly after only a few contacts with the substance. Sometimes it can take months, or even years, before the allergy develops.
It is not always clear why somebody suddenly becomes allergic to something they have worked with for a long time without any problem, but it can and does happen.

7. Contact with substances in the workplace
Immersion
Direct handling
Contaminated surfaces
Splashing
Depositing

8. What causes allergic contact dermatitis?
Onions and garlic
Flour and dough
Fish and shell fish
Meat and poultry
Herbs, seasoning and spices

9. What causes irritant contact dermatitis?
Chemical
Detergents
Solvents
Wet work
Pot washing
Wet food preparation

10. What is wet work?
Wet work means having your hands frequently in contact with water. As a guide
More than 2 hours contact with water per day
20 or more hand washes per day
Tasks such as daily cleaning of tools and surfaces
Preparing or processing wet food

11. How to prevent contact dermatitis?
Avoid contact
Protect your skin
Check for early signs of dermatitis

12. No contact – No dermatitis
Avoid skin contact
No contact – No dermatitis
Make people aware of dermatitis and its causes
Where possible
Use automation (eg. mixing or peeling)
Handle food with tools (eg tongs)
Buy in ready prepared ingredients
Use a dishwasher
Use tools for cleaning and pot washing

13. Protect the skin
Re-usable gauntlets will be more appropriate for pot washing
Know how to put them on and take them off
Choose the correct size and suitable material for individual and task
Use a non latex single use food grade glove for wet food prep
Dispose of single use gloves after each use

14. Take regular glove breaks Wash contamination off the skin
Protect the skin
Take regular glove breaks
Wash contamination off the skin
Wash hands before and after glove use
Dry your hands thoroughly with a soft paper towel
Use appropriate moisturizing creams before and after work
Hypoallergenic, fragrance and nut oil free
Ensure all parts of the hands are covered

15. Check for early signs of dermatitis Who checks
Check the skin
Check for early signs of dermatitis
Who checks
Employee
Responsible person
What next
Investigation
Follow up
Reporting
Take action

16. What about food hygiene?
Damaged skin can be more difficult to wash and clean properly
Dermatitis can become infected with the potential to contaminate food
Gloves must be used properly
Dispose of single use gloves after each use
Wash hands before and after wearing gloves
Take regular glove breaks
Guard against bacterial cross contamination of food

17. A cook’s tale

18. A cook’s tale – the problem
32 year old female cook with 10 years experience
Developed rash on hands arms and face
Happened on three occasions following cleaning ovens with disposable latex gloves as protection
Each “attack” lasted 2 weeks and required treatment from her GP
Referred to skin specialist doctor
Patch test showed allergy to a chemical in the oven cleaner

19. A cook’s tale – the solution
Visit by Workplace Health Connect Adviser
Removed from oven cleaning until symptoms subsided
Oven cleaner changed for one which did not contain the allergen
Hand care products supplied
Training for cook on performing and recording skin checks and access to medical advice

20. A cook’s tale – the benefits
Reduced risk of new cases of dermatitis or worsening of dermatitis in existing sufferers
Experienced and trained workers retained in employment
Reduced cost in terms of sickness absence and temporary staff cover

21. Where to get more information & help
Ask your Health & Safety Officer
Ask your doctor

22. You can prevent contact dermatitis
Remember…
Avoid contact
Protect skin
Check for early signs of dermatitis

23. End