I have been advised by a workshop technician that his manager has taken away protective gloves and insisted that they use barrier cream instead. One of the workshops technician has dermatitis and has been supplying his own gloves. I think that when workers are dealing with dielels and oils they should be supplied with gloves as a ppe. Has anyone got experience in this field. I would welcome some advise. Thank you.

I think the question I would ask of the manager is "Why have you taken the gloves away?" He would need to have a very good reason for substituting a control measure that might work (the barrier cream) for a proven control measure (the gloves) that definitely works for all. I have extensive experience in the Motor Vehicle trade and have been advising a number of dealerships for the last 8 years. I always advise that gloves be worn when handling used engine oil as it is suspected of being a carcinogen. Gloves are also effective in preventing de-fatting of skin and most technicians prefer them because they don't end up with ingrained dirt on their hands and fingernails.

In the meantime, and as it's Friday; if this is a formal management/union dispute, presumably the gloves are off anyway? I'll get me coat. Tumbleweed can constitute a tripping hazard don't you know............

'I think the question I would ask of the manager is "Why have you taken the gloves away?"' Agreed, the only legitimate reason I can think of is the gloves could present a hazard if working with rotating machinery, otherwise the manager has much to answer for.

I'm sure Chris will add a word of caution on the glove selection in relation to oils. I recently purchased a UV light cabinet with a barrier cream type liquid. I use it to demonstrate effective use of barrier cream, contamination control and correct hand washing. Not a single person, so far,(out of close on 300) has put it on and got full coverage. All have said they have never put it on as thoroughly and are surprised they have left gaps - usually thumbs, nail beds and between the fingers. In short, from my experience, it has limited value and many argue it gives a false sense of security. Correctly selected glove/s have to be preferable if contact with the oil can't be ruled out.

COSHH even :0S