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

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 1Clean 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? by when? Next steps...