Chirs
Sorry for the delay in responding to your e-mail query. All that the
regulations require is someone "competent". The regulations do not specify
what this means. However, if you refer to other guidance, such as MS24,
these suggest that basic training in recognising skin problems is all that
is required. In fact, the HSE's video shows a manager checking workers hands
at their actual place of work. We have trained supervisors to do simple skin
checks, where the risk assessment has indicated that this is all that is
required. We have also held courses on skin health surveillance to train
occupational health practitioners where the risk assessment has shown that a
more extensive surveillance of skin condition is needed. The risk assessment
will also suggest the frequency at which surveillance is needed. Sometimes a
two-stage system is helpful, i.e. regular checks by suitably trained
supervisors who then refer to occupational health anyone where they suspect
there might be a problem. It all depends upon the situation in that
particular workplace.
Skin health surveillance can be a simple visual/tactile check of skin
condition. However, this will not detect sub-clinical damage accumulating
from exposure to irritants, which may ultimately result in irritant contact
dermatitis. Any irritant damage, even sub-clinical, may increase the
susceptibility to sensitisation and the consequent allergic contact
dermatitis. Thus where there is a combination of irritant and sensitising
chemicals, it may be necessary to consider more advanced skin condition
monitoring techniques. Visual assessment will not provide quantitative data
on skin condition. Skin bio-engineering techniques are now available
suitable for use in an occupational health setting that will detect
sub-clinical damage and that will provide quantative data. If you are
interested in this I suggest you contact me off the list.
Regards
Chris Packham
EnviroDerm Services
2 Amery Lodge Farm, North Littleton, Evesham, WR11 8QY, U.K.
Tel: 0044 1386 832 311
Dermatological Engineering for a healthier workplace
For more information about our support, services and technical aids, visit
our recently revised website: (www.enviroderm.co.uk)
For immediate help e-mail us at [log in to unmask] or phone on +44 1386
832 311
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please remove this footer before replying.
For list archives and documents, go to
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/occ-health.html
For jobs in Occupational Health, go to
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/OHJobs/
|