Latex

Exposure to natural rubber latex (NRL), used in gloves, can produce skin and respiratory problems. The proteins naturally present in NRL can cause allergies, either through direct contact with the skin or by inhalation of powder from powdered latex gloves.

Reactions range from non-allergic irritation of the skin to a permanent allergy that produces a severe reaction and offers the potential for anaphylactic shock.

The Legal Position

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 places duties on employers to systematically assess all workplace risks and to take all reasonably practicable action to minimise those risks. This includes exposure to NRL. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended) also requires employers to assess any substances used at work that are hazardous to health.

Reporting incidents

Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR), employers have a duty to report to the Health and Safety Executive incidences of occupational dermatitis and asthma attributable to NRL. Employers should also have in place the correct reporting mechanisms, perhaps through occupational health or the health and safety officer, for employees to be referred or diagnosed.

Employer responsibilities

Employers should provide all employees, patients and other members of staff with necessary guidance and information to ensure their protection from the risks to health associated with NRL products.

Where possible, employers should provide alternative products and encourage staff not to use NRL products and to consider alternatives.

NHS employers should also provide employees with regular health checks to identify early warning signs of any reaction to NRL.

Preventative measures

Sensitised individuals should avoid contact with NRL at all times. This can be done by:

• avoiding contact with NRL gloves or products where possible
• informing employers of NRL allergy
• avoiding areas where inhalation of powder from NRL gloves worn by others may occur
• using Medic-Alert bracelets, stating NRL allergy.

NHS employers cannot eradicate NRL from healthcare settings, but they can help to control it. Occupational health departments are ultimately responsible for advising employees who have developed an allergy on how NRL can be managed within the workplace. However, employers should implement policies and risk assessment procedures in relation to the use of NRL.