A toolbox talk on dermatitis in catering What

A toolbox talk on dermatitis in catering

What is dermatitis? Dermatitis is inflamed sore skin caused by repeated wetting of the skin. . . or by substances such as detergents, cleaners etc. It can also be caused by developing a skin allergy to something you work with, e. g. some foods.

What does it look like? Red itchy skin - Swelling - Flaking - Blisters - Cracking. . . can follow

Remember Dermatitis can be prevented. . . you cannot 'catch' dermatitis from someone else.

Imagine how it must feel. . . "My life is ruined as far as work is concerned. I've tried for different jobs not involving contact with water, but you've only got to mention dermatitis and they don't want to know you. It's very painful - I can't go swimming, I can't wear rings or a watch, I can't even peel a potato. " Catering assistant

Preventing dermatitis in catering look after your hands • Avoid contact • • handle food properly clean with care • Protect the skin • • use gloves use hand cream • Check skin regularly

Handle food properly. . . Good food hygiene: If you can, avoid handling raw food - use tongs / scoops / colanders, etc.

Handle food properly. . . Use tongs or. . . gloves if necessary

Typical food grade disposable glove

Take care when cleaning - look after your hands Dishwasher Gloves and tools Dishwasher

Using gloves in a kitchen

Standard reusable glove for general cleaning activities such as pot washing Colour of glove does not matter

Look after your hands 1 Clean hands 2 properly 2 Dry thoroughly with soft paper towel 3 Moisturise

Remember. . . Washing and cleaning tasks can remove natural oils and fats from your hands. . . moisturising replaces these.

Check skin condition regularly and report any concerns. . .

Look for. . . -Dryness - Itching - Redness. . . which can develop into flaking, scaling, cracks, swelling and blisters

Next steps. . . What can we do to prevent dermatitis? 1. . . . . 2. . . . . 3. . . . . 4. . . . by when?