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#1 Posted : 21 August 2003 16:25:00(UTC)
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Posted By Linda Westrupp Hi everyone, We banned the use of latex disposable gloves for personal care work last year and switched to nitrile. We have found the quality of these gloves extremely variable with some batches splitting while you are trying to put them on (these have no stretch at all). We also now have a member of staff who claims they are causing an allergic reaction in that she is getting a rash when wearing them (which she says she never did when using latex). Has anyone else had these problems? If so, how did you solve them? All contributions welcome Linda
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#2 Posted : 22 August 2003 08:48:00(UTC)
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Posted By Keith Higgs Linda, Some years ago we removed powdered latex gloves from use in laboratories due to the number of skin problems we were experiencing. We provided replacement gloves of hypoallergenic, powder-free latex and nitrile (Safeskin make). Since then we have had few problems and certainly no problems with splitting or poor quality. Our main occupational hazard is minor splashes of chemicals, some quite toxic but in small volume (often microlitres). So there is not an option of vinyl gloves, for example, for our work. We pay more for these high quality gloves of course. Added to this are occupational nurse visits where we conduct skin examinations for the few who are susceptible to skin irritation. Our nurse emphasizes that skin problems are often caused by the skin being in a moist environment for much of the day (within gloves) and inadequate hand washing. We have also invested in skin conditioning creams. We have found that a holistic approach to skin management is the only likely way to be guaranteed of success, given that there will always be some individuals more at risk. Keith Higgs
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#3 Posted : 22 August 2003 08:59:00(UTC)
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Posted By Jim Walker I had a problem with gloves splitting. Contacted the supplier and it turned out to be a manufacturing fault. All OK now. Never heard of a problem with reactions, might it be "sweat rash". So many trivial common complaints are lumped as allergies these days. Everyone seems to want an allergy.
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#4 Posted : 22 August 2003 14:58:00(UTC)
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Posted By David Mains Nitrile tends to be more brittle and offer less dexterity than latex. Latex offers more protection from needlestick injuries. Why did you withdraw latex gloves? Powder free latex still offer the best levels of protection for many tasks. Also, the HSE has recently issued a statement in the wake of the Dugmore v Swansea NHS Trust case stating that it doesn't regard the banning of latex as the best option. With regards to the employee who has developed the rash - it could be caused by a reaction (allergy, sensitisation)to the chemicals used in the manufacture of the nitrile gloves.
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#5 Posted : 22 August 2003 15:38:00(UTC)
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Posted By Diane Thomason We stopped stocking powdered latex gloves too, and recommended nitrile for laboratory use. We have had no reported problems with splitting or lack of stretchiness - maybe you just need to try a few different brands. According to the guidance from the Infection Control Nurses Association, latex gloves (unpowdered) are the glove of choice for protection against blood-borne infections. Nitrile however is reported to give very good protection too. Nitrile also gives better protection against common lab chemicals than latex. People need to be reminded however, that thin disposable gloves are sold as "examination gloves" - that's what they were originally intended for - and because of their thinness, basically they give burger all protection against chemicals. So in a situation where there is likely exposure to hazardous chemicals people need a thicker non-disposable glove, chosen by reference to a chemical resistance chart. There is no such thing as a good all-rounder glove for these situations. Jim is right, people tend to assume that these skin irritations are allergies but they usually turn out not to be. Allergy to nitrile gloves has been recorded but is very rare. Again if nitrile is your chosen glove material I recommend shopping around - the good quality ones we use are fine. HTH & happy POETS day Diane
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#6 Posted : 22 August 2003 15:46:00(UTC)
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Posted By David Mains Linda, forgot to mention that HSE and one of the NHS agencies are working together on a Latex Toolkit that is due to be launched during European H&S Week. This should assist you in choosing what glove to wear for certain tasks.
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#7 Posted : 26 August 2003 17:42:00(UTC)
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Posted By John D Crosby David Where and when did HSE say that banning latex gloves may not be the best option? I am involved in looking for an alternative but some procedures with non latex gloves may be putting people at risk of infection. Cheers John C
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#8 Posted : 27 August 2003 13:35:00(UTC)
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Posted By David Mains "Single use, disposable natural rubber latex gloves may be used where a risk assessment has identified them as necessary. When they are used they must be low-protein and powder-free."
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#9 Posted : 27 August 2003 13:44:00(UTC)
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Posted By Anthony Cassidy This is for info only:- I recall reading a medical document on microbiology that advised against the use of handcreams when wearing gloves and were repeated washing is required because of the increased risk for dermatitus.
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