A toolbox talk on dermatitis in catering
Mar 28, 2015
A toolbox talk on dermatitis in
catering
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 is dermatitis?
Red itchy skin
- Swelling
- Flaking
- Blisters
- Cracking ... can follow
What does it look like?
Dermatitis can be prevented ... you cannot 'catch'
dermatitis from someone else.
Remember
"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
Imagine how it must feel ...
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
Gloves and tools
Dishwasher 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 properly
2 Dry thoroughly with soft paper
towel
3 Moisturise
Washing and cleaning
tasks can remove natural
oils and fats from your
hands ... moisturising
replaces these.
Remember ...
Check skin condition regularly and report any concerns ...
-Dryness
- Itching
- Redness
... which can develop
into flaking, scaling,
cracks, swelling and
blisters
Look for ...
What can we do to
prevent dermatitis?
1 ......................................
2 ......................................
3 ......................................
4 ......................................
...................... by when?
Next steps ...