Chemicals, workplace and the skin: a one-day course
Many of those employed in the cleaning industry will be potentially exposed to chemicals; particularly since statistics show that the most common chemical causing occupational contact dermatitis is water - from wet work, long term use of occlusive gloves, etc. Since exposure of the skin to chemicals in the workplace is unavoidable, maintaining an effective skin management system is an essential element for any caring workplace. Yet how many cleaning companies will have an effective skin management system in place? How many will really understand the complexities involved in selecting and using gloves?
Unfortunately, this is a complex aspect of health & safety where it is easy to take action that appears logical - with the best of intentions - but that actually increases the risk.
EnviroDerm Services has been running courses on skin management since 1991. For 2008 it has revised its course structure and introduced a new course aimed specifically at those who have little or no knowledge about the skin and the working environment and designed for those who may not have medical or occupational health training but who are responsible for ensuring a safe and healthy workplace... it assumes no prior knowledge about the skin and its interaction with the environment and deals with the practical issues involved in developing and maintaining an effective skin management system, without undue cost to the employer. The course aims to prevent the common mistakes that keep occupational skin disease a major cause of occupational ill health and that can result in avoidable skin problems with their associated costs.
Participation on this course will help you to understand:
* What the law requires from the employer (not always obvious)
* How our skin interacts with the (working) environment and the potential consequences of exposure
* Why safety data sheets do not tell you what you need to know, where to find the information you really need and how to interpret this
* How to identify skin exposure in a real workplace and how to assess the significance of the consequences
* How to develop a strategy and introduce practical techniques for managing skin exposure risks, mainly by technical measures, but also including selection, use and testing of personal protective equipment, such as gloves
* What is involved in developing and maintaining an effective skin management system
The course is practical, interactive, and deals with real issues. It includes numerous case studies and examples. There are plenty of opportunities for participants to introduce and discuss situations of concern to them. The course also explains how REACH may affect the management of chemicals in the workplace, particularly where skin exposure is involved.
Courses normally start with registration between 09:00 and 09:30 and finish around 16:30.
T: 01386 832 311
13th December 2007