Health & Safety Update: Get rid of the latex?
New guidance for employers about latex allergies in the
workplace has been published by the Royal College of Physicians and
NHS Plus.
Latex allergy (LA) is an allergic reaction to latex
proteins, commonly found in latex gloves. Symptoms may include an
itchy red rash, itching eyes and nose, sneezing, coughing or
difficulty breathing. In rare cases it can also cause a severe and
potentially fatal allergic reaction.
According to the research released alongside the guidance, up to
17% of certain occupational groups may be allergic to latex
proteins. However, the research does not support a full ban
on the use of latex gloves in the workplace.
According to the guidance, the following should be considered as
a means of reducing the risks of LA:
- Powdered latex gloves should not be used in the workplace as
the risk of developing LA is highest with the use of powdered latex
gloves;
- A switch to either powder-free latex or non-latex gloves for
the whole workforce can be cost effective in terms of glove costs,
compensation, etc;
- Employees with latex allergy, latex sensitivity or
latex-induced asthma should use non-latex gloves. Co-workers
should use powder-free low protein gloves or non-latex gloves.
Although alternatives are available and, according to the
guidance, should be considered as an option for eliminating LA
completely from the workplace, the alternatives have other
associated problems including user satisfaction and barrier
effectiveness.
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
2002 (COSHH), employers must assess all the circumstances in which
employees may be exposed to latex. Employers must decide how to
either prevent exposure or otherwise implement precautions that
will adequately control any risks.
What should you do if one of your employees has symptoms of
allergy?
You should refer your employee to their GP if they have any
symptoms that might have resulted from their exposure to latex.
Under the requirements of the Reporting of Injuries, Disease and
Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR), you have to report
incidents of occupational dermatitis and asthma attributable to
latex to the appropriate enforcing authority (the Health and Safety
Executive or your local authority) and keep a record of such
incidents. There is also a voluntary scheme in place for
reporting cases of latex sensitisation in healthcare workers and
patients to the Medical Devices Agency (MDA). The MDA is an
executive agency of the Department of Health.
Remember that early detection of LA may lead to a better outcome
in terms of reduction or even elimination of allergic symptoms. All
but the most severe cases of LA and latex-induced asthma can be
managed at work without the need for redeployment or redundancy by
avoidance of latex at work and minor changes in the workplace.