Wet-working and Dermatitis

Many hairdressers, particularly trainees, spend considerable periods of time with their hands wet.  This can cause damage to the outer protective layer of the skin which can then become dry, red and sore – a skin condition known as irritant contact dermatitis or eczema.  The skin may then become sensitive to products which are not normally considered hazardous and the condition may worsen.  If dermatitis is not identified and treated early, it can become a chronic condition and cause hairdressers to leave the profession. Additionally, a small number of hairdressers may be at risk of developing allergic contact dermatitis. This can develop if the body becomes allergic to a particular substance within a product.  Products will carry warnings indicating that they can cause an allergic reaction, where this is a recognized risk.  In such cases it is vital that protective gloves are worn.

Because of the risk of dermatitis, hairdressing employers will need to cover ‘wet-working’ within their COSHH assessment.  Possible ways of controlling exposure to wet-working (and so reduce the risk of dermatitis) include training staff on risks and how to reduce them, rotation of washing duties, a policy on glove use, provision of suitable, single-use gloves (e.g. vinyl or nitrile), provision of proper facilities for washing and drying hands, and provision of moisturizing creams.  An employer should also have a system in place for regular skin inspections. Figures from the UK HSE indicate that hairdressers have the highest risk of all occupations of developing dermatitis and, as a result, the HSE is working to reduce dermatitis in hairdressing. For further information go to www.hse.gov.uk/skin/information.htm 

An “any gloves will do approach” is a recipe for dermatitis. The law requires that the gloves must be matched to the substance, the environment and the wearer. Gloves for use with chemicals will carry a CE mark, a chemical protection sign and the relevant European Standard number.

Campaign to combat dermatitis in the salon

During the past three years, the HBSA along with other industry bodies has been working with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to reduce the incidence of dermatitis amongst hairdressers.

As part of the dermatitis ‘Bad hand Day?’ campaign, the HBSA together with the HSE is currently recommending two particular glove types, based on recent trial studies.

The recommendation is for a single use powder free, nitrile or vinyl (i.e. non-latex) glove with an all-round smooth finish. In addition, gloves should ideally be around 300mm in overall length and of a size that fits the individual properly.

Used as part of a salon’s overall hand-care policy, we believe that this type of glove will dramatically reduce the incidence of dermatitis and help in improving the health and wellbeing of hairdressers. Hairdressing has the highest level of dermatitis of any UK industry; it is estimated that around half of all hairdressers will develop dermatitis and up to 70% will suffer from some form of skin damage at some stage in their career.

Noted below for your information, are details relating to the individual aspects of the recommendations.

Glove Recommendations

Why are single-use gloves recommended?

Single-use gloves tend to give better dexterity because they are made of finer material than re-usable gloves. The hairdresser also has to change single-use gloves between clients, giving an opportunity to 'air' the hands.

Why are smooth gloves recommended?

The glove surface needs to be smooth because any kind of texture will have the potential to pull or ‘snag’ the clients’ hair.

Why Non-Latex Gloves?

Non-latex - natural rubber latex contains proteins to which some individuals can develop an allergy, for example asthma. The allergic reaction that some people can experience as a result of exposure to NRL is potentially life threatening. There are particular legal requirements associated with the use of substances at work like latex that cause ill-health. The first requirement is to eliminate it from the work environment where it is possible and practical to do so. Because alternative glove materials are available, i.e. nitrile and vinyl, hairdressers should use these. However, if latex are to be used in the salon, the use must be justified through a risk assessment, and they must be low-protein and powder-free. The employer must also undertake a further assessment to establish the risks to staff and clients who will be exposed. Where there are staff who are regularly exposed to latex, health surveillance is also likely to be required.

Why should gloves be powder-free?

Some powders used in glove manufacture can irritate the skin. Powder can also help to accelerate the extraction of residue of chemicals present in gloves and these extracted chemicals may increase the risk of further skin irritation or allergy. This is more critical with Latex gloves.

Why should a longer-length glove be worn?

 A 300mm length glove helps to ensure that the water does not get in the glove when used for wet working. In addition, hairdressers should be encouraged to fold back the glove at the cuff, to further prevent this. A longer length glove also reduces the potential for contamination of the wrists and hands during removal of used gloves.

Why is fit of the glove important?

Firstly comfortable gloves are more likely to be worn! Tight gloves can make hands feel tired and lose their grip.  Too large gloves can create folds; these folds may trap clients’ hair and cause snagging. Gloves that are too big can also increase the chance of water and hairdressing chemicals getting inside the gloves and becoming trapped against the skin. 

Members of the HBSA are playing a major part in this campaign by ensuring that the correct gloves are readily available for purchase to the Hairdressing Industry. I have listed below the stockists of Nitrile and Vinyl gloves.

For gloves contact anyone of the following HBSA members who may have a branch near you..

Suppliers

A.K.S                                               Derby                                01332 380028

Alan Howard                                  Stockport                         0161 429 6980 (Nitrile)

Arrow Hair & Beauty                   Redditch                          01527 520630

Aston & Fincher                          Birmingham                    0121 331 2050

Beauty Express                          Scotland                          0845 702 3883 (Vinyl)

Clynol                                              Aylesbury                        01298 314000 (Vinyl)

Capital Hair & Beauty                  Hove                                  01273 331122

Dennis Williams                          Bradford                         01274 675636

It&ly Hair & Beauty                      Watford                           01923 224040

Lion Hair Care                               Nottingham                      0115 970 7989

Rendezvous                                  East Midlands                 0115 970 8292

Sally Hair & Beauty                     Wokingham                     0118 944 3600

Salons Direct                                Birkenhead                      0151 670 9200

Schwarzkopf                                 Aylesbury                        01296 314000 (Vinyl)

Wella Professionals                    Basingstoke                    01256 320202 (vinyl)

Manufacturers

Marigold                                         John Thorne                    08450 753355

Polyco                                             Phil Vanes                       0208 443 9010

Semperit                                       Nigel Kelly                       01327 313144