JSP 375 Vol 2 

MoD Health & Safety Handbook 

2 

These guidelines follow the HSE guidance at Reference A. They should be read by anyone 

involved in the use of hazardous substances in the workplace (see Paragraph 3 below). Although written 

with a civilian workforce in mind, the principles here apply equally to Service personnel, with the proviso 

that, for example, arrangements for accessing the Defence Medical Services may not be quite the same 

as for Civilian personnel accessing their services. With a little care, most cases of occupational 

dermatitis could have been prevented. If spotted early enough and with suitable precautions and 

treatment, most sufferers make a full recovery, but some people can be affected long term, sometimes 

for life. Following these guidelines will reduce the risk of MOD staff developing occupational dermatitis 

and other work related skin problems. 

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Preventing workplace hazards should be seen as a multi layered activity requiring involvement of 

all levels of the workforce and prevention of occupational dermatitis is no exception to this rule. 

Specialist technical and engineering experts have a role in seeing if the use of hazardous substances 

can be avoided or, if this is not possible, how the workers can be protected from any contact with 

hazardous substances (See Appendix 1). Senior managers, in consultation with workplace 

representatives must produce appropriate policies and procedures that define safe behaviour when 

working with hazardous substances (See Appendix 2). Line managers must make workers aware of any 

hazardous substance and ensure that exposed workers receive proper instruction and training in the use 

of any protective equipment or procedures and monitor that the policies and procedures are being 

complied with (See Appendix 3). While workers themselves must cooperate with management in 

following the policies and procedures at all times and reporting to management any suspected skin 

problems, or failures or shortcomings in the protection provided (See Appendix 4). The appendices have 

been provided to enable different levels of the workforce to quickly identify their main areas of 

responsibility in implementing these guidelines. Ultimately, it is the most senior manager in any 

workplace who has the responsibility of ensuring these guidelines are implemented appropriately.  

RELEVANT LEGISLATION 

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The principle Regulations that set out legal duties for and lead to the sound management of skin 

protection at work are made under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act, and include: 

4.1  The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations. 

4.2  The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH). 

4.3  The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations  

4.4  The Chemicals (Hazardous Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations (CHIP). 

4.5 Other Regulations, e.g. relating to ionising radiation, manual handling, etc. may also be 

relevant in some specialised circumstances. 

CAUSES OF OCCUPATIONAL DERMATITIS 

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There are two broad types of occupational dermatitis: 

5.1 

Irritant:

 This is the most common form and is due to the general physical and chemical 

properties of the causative agent, e.g. acids, alkalis, detergents and other irritants. Irritant 

dermatitis can occur acutely if the irritant is a strong acid/alkali   often within 1 2 days of exposure. 

Repeated exposure to weak irritants can result in dermatitis after months or even years. However, 

once the dermatitis has appeared, healing is difficult to achieve if the irritant is still allowed to come 

in to contact with the skin. 

Leaflet 5 Annex E 

Page 2 

 April 

2003