Skin Protection Toolbox Talk

1. Skin diseases are the most common on-the-job illness. Irritant contact dermatitis remains the most common occupational skin disease. It usually associated with toxic reactions to chemicals used in the workplace. Another area of concern to OSHA is dermal protection associated with sun exposure causing skin cancer.

2. One of the best ways to protect your 2,800 square inches of skin is to keep it covered up.

3. General Hazards: Dermatitis is the name for rashes, itching, swelling and other irritations that develop from exposure to substances.

4. General Hazards: Sensitization is allergy-like reactions, including rashes, that may be experienced whenever in the vicinity of a chemical following frequent or long exposure.

5. General Hazards: Skin can be burned by a flame, hot surface, electrical exposure or exposure to a corrosive substance.

6. General Hazards: Cuts, bruises, and other wounds can let bacteria in to the skin and lead to infections.

7. Skin protection tips: Use the least hazardous substance that will do the job.

8. Skin protection tips: Keep chemical containers closed when not in use.

9. Skin protection tips: Follow MSDS handling instructions.

10. Skin protection tips: Bandage any small scrapes or cuts before putting on gloves or protective clothing.

11. Skin protection tips: Wash promptly and thoroughly after working with hazardous substances.

12. Skin protection tips: Don't clean hands with solvents or industrial detergents.

13. Skin protection tips: Apply barrier skin creams and lotions to clean, non-irritated skin before starting job.

14. Skin protection tips: Wash and dry skin thoroughly at the end of work.

15. Skin protection tips: Wear sun block when working outside.

16. First Aid for Skin Problems: Chemical Exposure: Wash the exposed skin thoroughly with lots of soap and water for at least 15 minutes. If your clothing was exposed to the hazardous substance, try to remove it while wearing gloves.

17. First Aid for Skin Problems: Minor Burn. Rinse in cold water and put on a sterile bandage.

18. First Aid for Skin Problems: Skin cut. Wash with soap and water and cover with a sterile bandage.

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