According to a Technical Information Bulletin issued by OSHA, employers can reduce workers' allergic reactions to natural rubber latex in the workplace by minimizing unnecessary use of rubber latex products, especially latex gloves. According to OSHA, employers should have their workers use natural rubber latex gloves only in situations that require protection from infectious agents and bloodborne pathogens.
Foodservice workers, janitors, or housekeeping staff, therefore, would not need to use natural rubber latex gloves for food handling or janitorial purposes as they typically do not come into contact with infectious agents or blood. For workers in these industries, gloves made of plastic ("poly"), vinyl ("PVC") and even nitrile are viable alternatives.
OSHA released the Technical Information Bulletin to alert regional agency officers to the potential for allergic reaction to latex gloves used in the healthcare industry. Allergic reactions have been on the rise in that industry as workers have increased the use of latex gloves to protect against contracting Hepatitis B and HIV. However, Wesco believes that this bulletin should be disseminated to all industries where latex gloves are used frequently, especially foodservice and food processing.
If barrier protection is required, OSHA recommends that employers choose gloves that have a low latex protein count, such as latex powder-free gloves that have been chlorinated or even synthetic gloves such as those made of vinyl (PVC).
Studies have shown that powder-free latex gloves with reduced protein content can reduce the risk of allergic reaction to the natural rubber latex. Since natural rubber latex gloves have been shown to provide the most effective protection against infectious agents and bloodborne diseases, employees who work in such environments are encouraged to seek non-latex alternatives only when they are found to be allergic to natural rubber latex.
Regardless of one's choice, it is critical that substitute materials maintain an adequate barrier protection and are appropriate for the hazards under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard.
Proper Use of Gloves
- Wash hands thoroughly before donning gloves.
- Replace gloves whenever you change tasks. This helps eliminate the spread of contamination.
- Replace gloves frequently to discourage bacteria growth.
- It is especially important to replace gloves after coughing, sneezing or touching hair or face. After removing gloves, wash hands and replace with new gloves before returning to your task.
Proper Hand Washing Techniques
- Use soap, preferably anti-bacterial, and warm running water.
- Scrub hands and exposed parts of the forearms thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.
- Dry hands with disposable towels or an air dryer.
- As an additional barrier, use an FDA-approved hand sanitizer, but never use the sanitizer in place of soap and running water.
- Remember not to touch dirty or contaminated surfaces before returning to work. Use a paper towel to turn off faucets or turn doorknobs.
Latex Allergies
Despite the concerns about latex allergies, OSHA has noted that most healthcare workers are able to use natural rubber latex products without incident. Nonetheless, OSHA maintains that healthcare workers who are consistently exposed to natural rubber latex (such as operating room nurses, physicians, and technicians) face a higher risk for such allergic reactions. These workers may experience several types of reactions.
- The most common reaction is irritant contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by direct skin contact with the glove or glove powders and results in dried, cracked and split skin.
- A second, more severe type of reaction is allergic contact dermatitis. This reaction has an appearance similar to the typical poison ivy reaction, with blistering, itching, crusting and even lesions.
Workers with ongoing exposure to natural rubber latex should follow the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) recommendations which include: reducing exposure, using appropriate work practices, training and education, monitoring symptoms and substituting non-latex products when possible.
Allergy Tips
- Learn to recognize latex allergy symptoms: skin rashes; hives; flushing; itching; nasal, eye, or sinus symptoms; asthma, and (rarely) shock.
- If allergy symptoms develop, avoid direct contact with latex products until seen by a doctor experienced in latex allergies.
- Workers with latex allergy should talk to a doctor about areas where powder from latex gloves worn by others might be inhaled.
- High-risk workers should be periodically screened for latex allergy symptoms.
- Non-latex gloves should be used when contact with infectious materials is not likely (food preparation, routine housekeeping, maintenance, etc.).
- If latex gloves are required, use powder-free gloves with reduced protein content
- When wearing latex gloves don't use oil-based hand creams or lotions unless they reduce latex-related problems.
- After removing latex gloves, wash hands with a mild soap and dry thoroughly.
- Identify and frequently clean work areas contaminated with latex dust (upholstery, carpets, ventilation ducts, and plenums).
- Frequently change ventilation filters and vacuum bags used in latex-contaminated areas.
- Prevention strategies should be evaluated when a worker is diagnosed with a latex allergy
For more information about latex allergies, call the NIOSH Information Service at 1-800-356-4674.
Information provided in part by the Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association