Latex Policy - SchoolsOnline - Swindon Borough Council

SBC policy on the use of Latex FREE
Gloves
Human Resources
Civic Campus
Euclid Street
Swindon, SN1 2JH
Tel: 0800 032 5642
Fax: 01793 463498
Web: www.swindon.gov.uk
Title:
SBC policy on the use of Latex FREE Gloves
HR Code:
Version No:
V1
Author(s):
Health & Safety Team
Sponsor:
HR Director
Endorsed by: Ops Board Date: 08/08
Review date 1/9/2010
Application
All Swindon Borough Council Employees
This document replaces:
New policy
Introduction
Predominately latex gloves are used to protect people who are exposed to
biological, chemical or physical hazards. A small proportion of user
experience an allergic reaction to latex.
What is Latex Allergy
Latex allergy is an allergic reaction to latex proteins. The symptoms occur
when individuals are in contact or in close proximity with latex or the powder
from latex gloves, and may include itch red skin rash, itch eyes and nose,
sneezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing and asthma. In rare cases, if an
allergic person is exposed to latex it can lead to a severe allergic reaction.
Individuals may have other reactions to rubber gloves, which are due to
irritation or allergic reactions to other chemical that are within the gloves.
Legal requirement
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations SBC must
assess all the circumstances in which employees may be exposed to latex.
Managers responsibilities
Through the risk assessment process SBC have decided that removing latex
gloves from all work places. The use of alternative products is the safest way
of controlling these risks.
• Managers must review practices where latex gloves have been used in
the past and risk assess an alternate type of glove
• Current stocks of latex gloves must be disposed of and replaced by a
latex free type of glove

• If there is an incident where there is an exposure to latex report the
incident following SBC’s accident incident procedure.
• In the unlikely event of an occupational dermatitis or occupation
Asthma from exposure to latex in the work place this is RIDDOR
reportable
• Further controls should be put in place to further control exposure to
latex products for members of staff with a latex allergy
Employees responsibilities
To assist SBC in fulfilling there duties employees must cooperate and follow
this guidance and instruction:
• Only wear non latex gloves that are provided
• Report to managers any latex gloves found in the work place
• Report any allergic reaction expected to be related to a latex allergy
Latex Allergy Screening
Before staff are employed a health screening questionnaire should be filled in,
which should highlight any history of latex allergy. Further controls should be
put in place to further control exposure to latex products for members of staff
with this disposition
Related Guidance,
Policies and
Procedures:
- Health and Safety Code of Practice Managing Personal protective
clothing
Legislation: - The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002
Contacts:
For more information on this policy please contact the Health& Safety
Team on:
ext. 4890