Posted By Gavin Barr Barrier creams should be used before a working shift, after every hand wash and at the end of every working day. They must be used with PPE and any other control measures that are available because barrier cream is not a form of PPE. Metal cutting fluids contain mineral oils that are a known cause of dermatitis so rubber, nitrile gloves should be worn also (not latex) in conguntion with the creams. Inform, instruct and train all people, on the use of barrier creams because a lot of people do think that if they use the cream alone they will be protected. Regards Gavin

Posted By ian milne Barrier creams are apparently, there to provide some resistance to prevent ingress of a hazardous substance into the skin. The fact remains that both it and moisturisers should only be used with full PPE i.e. gloves etc. You will recognise that you still require to implment/follow the COSHH hierarchy i.e. elimination, substitution, exposure reduction etc before the issue of PPE. On a relevant note, you may/may not be aware that moisturisers are recommended for application to skin after 'each' wash as chemicals, sorry substances (incl ordinary soap)... apparently remove/deplete a minute level of the protective oils your skin needs to assist it in elasticity and protection. Mineral oils by their nature although 'oily' are effective in removing this natural oil and should be prevented from contact with skin or respiratory function (although I do believe that welders, metal finishers etc still refuse to agree with this small fact). I also seem to remember that EH40 and COSHH 2002 had some changes to the cutting fluids. Seek information from various suppliers (not just one though). I trust this information adds to the many responses that you have received.

Posted By Chris Pope Regardng the efficacy of barrier cream I understand from HSE that a swedish study found that of 500 users none of them completely covered their skin. Like all coshh issues the answer lies in eliminating the nasties - have a look at the series of booklets on skin, gloves and metalworking fluids by HSE and I would second the last contributor - Chris Packham of Enviroderm will certainly give you his inside story on the relevant merits of barrier creams and gloves. However one product that has proven itself as a waterproof barrier cream, that actually protects the skin like a glove is Dermashield - you can find it on the web and they will send a free sample on request.