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 ...