COSHH Dermatology Surveillance

• COSHH Dermatology surveillance which is used to detect, report and manage work related skin conditions
• Follow-on Occupational Physician services where the condition is such that work place adjustment or medical treatment is required
• Instruction and training packages led by occupational hygienists or nurses which encourage good work place and personal hygiene practices

General Information

Dermatitis is characterised by changes in the nature of the skin and this includes redness, itching, scaling, peeling, hives (nettle rash) and blistering.

1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis - where a substance acts directly on the skin to cause an adverse reaction. Substances causing irritant dermatitis are known as irritants
2. Allergic Dermatitis - may result from repeated exposure where an employee develops an allergy to a specific substance. Substances causing allergic dermatitis are known as sensitisers

• Cleaning products
• Organic solvents
• Cement (chromium VI)
• Adhesives
• Certain chemicals
• Certain plants

Employers have a duty to identify all skin irritants and sensitisers and to control exposure to products known to cause Occupational Dermatitis. They must control exposure at source rather than relying upon personal protective equipment to limit exposure.

Regular Health surveillance is required if there is a foreseeable risk that exposure to a sensitiser or irritant is likely to result in ill health and the result of the Health Surveillance must be properly documented and kept for 40 years.

Information, instruction and training must be provided to employees exposed to products know to cause dermatitis.

Good personal hygiene should be encouraged and good occupational hygiene practices must be employed in the work place.