Skin Protection Safety Guide

Why Skin Protection Matters

Dermatitis is a skin condition caused by contact with something that irritates the skin or causes an allergic reaction.

Some types of dermatitis can become so severe that workers may have to give up work or change their trade. Skin problems can be painful, long-lasting, and difficult to treat if exposure continues.

Construction workers may come into contact with oils, cement, solvents, resins, bitumen, chemicals, dusts, and weather conditions that can damage the skin.

Common Skin Hazards on Construction Sites

Mineral Oils

Mineral oils, including fuel oils and mould oils, can cause serious skin conditions, oil acne, and may increase the risk of cancer after prolonged exposure.

Oil-Contaminated Clothing and Rags

Prolonged skin contact with oily rags, especially when kept in overall pockets, can increase the risk of serious health effects, including testicular cancer.

Chemicals

Chemicals including alkalis, acids, and chromates can penetrate the skin and cause ulcers, burns, irritation, and dermatitis.

Cement

Cement can cause chronic dermatitis. Wet cement can cause serious burns, which may be severe enough to require urgent medical treatment and, in extreme cases, may lead to amputation.

Solvents and Degreasers

Solvents and degreasers, including thinners, dissolve the natural oils in the skin. This leaves the skin dry, cracked, irritated, and more vulnerable to infection.

Tar, Pitch, and Bitumen

Tar, pitch, and bitumen products can cause blisters and oil acne. They may also cause tar warts, which can lead to cancer if not treated properly.

Epoxy Resins, Glass Fibre, and Hardwoods

Epoxy resins, glass fibre, and some hardwoods can irritate the skin and may lead to dermatitis or allergic reactions.

Weather and Environmental Conditions

Extremes of sunshine, temperature, and humidity can make the skin more vulnerable to dermatitis, sunburn, dryness, cracking, and other skin problems.

Signs of Skin Damage

Workers should check their skin regularly for early signs of damage, especially after contact with hazardous substances.

• Redness
• Itching
• Dry or cracked skin
• Rashes
• Blisters
• Swelling
• Burning or stinging
• Warts or unusual lumps
• Skin that does not heal properly

Skin problems should be reported early. Delaying treatment can allow the condition to worsen.

Precautions to Protect Your Skin

Follow the Safe System of Work

Always comply with your employer’s safe system of work. Risk assessments and COSHH assessments should explain how hazardous substances must be handled safely.

Avoid Skin Contact

Avoid direct skin contact with hazardous substances wherever possible. Use tools, applicators, barriers, and safe handling methods to reduce contact.

Wear Correct PPE

Wear the correct personal protective equipment for the task. This may include chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, eye protection, sleeves, aprons, or protective footwear.

Keep Skin Clean

Keep your skin clean and wash properly after handling hazardous substances. Use suitable after-wash skin cream to help prevent dryness and cracking.

Keep the Workplace Clean

A clean workplace reduces accidental contact with hazardous substances, contaminated surfaces, and waste materials.

Cover Cuts and Grazes

Get first aid for cuts and grazes and keep them covered. Broken skin allows chemicals and contaminants to enter the body more easily.

Do Not Use Abrasives or Solvents on Skin

Never use abrasives, thinners, petrol, white spirit, or other solvents to clean your skin. These substances can strip natural oils from the skin and make damage worse.

Do Not Let Resins or Glue Harden on Skin

Do not allow synthetic resins, glue, or similar materials to harden on your skin. Remove contamination safely using approved cleaning methods.

Check Skin After Exposure

If you experience skin contact with hazardous substances, periodically examine the affected skin for signs of damage.

Do Not Wear Contaminated Clothing

Never wear oil-contaminated clothes next to your skin. Contaminated clothing should be removed, cleaned, or replaced.

Sun and Weather Protection

Outdoor workers may be exposed to strong sunlight, wind, cold, heat, and humidity. These conditions can damage the skin and increase the risk of irritation or dermatitis.

Workers should:

• Cover exposed skin where possible
• Use suitable sunscreen when working outdoors
• Stay hydrated
• Protect hands from cold and wet conditions
• Change out of wet clothing when possible
• Report sunburn, skin irritation, or unusual skin changes

Employer Responsibilities

• Assess skin exposure risks
• Provide COSHH assessments for hazardous substances
• Provide suitable PPE and skin protection products
• Provide washing facilities
• Train workers on skin hazards and safe handling
• Investigate skin-related incidents and exposure events
• Replace hazardous substances with safer alternatives where possible
• Provide health surveillance where required

Worker Responsibilities

• Follow safe systems of work
• Wear PPE correctly
• Avoid direct contact with hazardous substances
• Wash hands and exposed skin properly
• Use skin creams where provided
• Report rashes, warts, burns, or irritation
• Do not clean skin with solvents or abrasives
• Remove contaminated clothing promptly

Skin Protection Questions for Toolbox Talks

• What hazards are there from contact with mineral oil?
• What effect do solvents have on your skin?
• What can you wear to protect your skin?
• If you notice rashes or warts, what should you do?
• What should your employer be doing for you?
• What should not be used to clean your skin?
• How can exposure to the sun affect you?

Conclusion

Skin protection is an important part of construction health and safety. Dermatitis, burns, irritation, acne, and other skin conditions can be caused by contact with oils, cement, solvents, resins, chemicals, and environmental conditions.

Workers should avoid direct skin contact with hazardous substances, wear suitable PPE, keep skin clean, cover cuts and grazes, and never use solvents or abrasives to clean the skin.

Employers must assess risks, provide suitable protection, train workers, maintain washing facilities, and investigate skin-related incidents. Early reporting and proper control measures can prevent minor skin irritation from becoming a serious long-term condition.