Laboratory Safety Latex Allergy s Laboratory Safety Latex Allergy continued from page 1 Occupational...
2
Quick Facts Laboratory Safety Latex Allergy The most common cause of latex allergy in laboratory workers is direct contact with latex, a natural substance used in making disposable gloves and other products. Some workers are sensitive to latex. Reactions range from localized skin irritation to immediate, possibly life-threatening reactions. Under OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), your employer must ensure that gloves and other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are accessible at your worksite or issued to you. However, alternatives are available and must be readily accessible if you are allergic to latex-containing PPE. Glove liners or powder- free gloves can be used to reduce exposure or latex-free gloves can be used to eliminate exposure. You may have a latex allergy if you develop symptoms after latex exposure, including: n nasal, eye, or sinus irritation n hives or rash n difficulty breathing n coughing, wheezing n nausea n vomiting n diarrhea If you have any of these symptoms you should be evaluated by a physician as further exposure may cause a serious allergic reaction. If you become allergic to latex, precautions must be taken to prevent further exposures. Some medications may reduce the allergic symptoms, but avoiding latex is safest. continued on page 2 Occupational Safety and Health Administration www.osha.gov 1-800-321-6742 For assistance, contact us. We can help. It’s confidential. OSHA 3411 8/2011 DSG Glove liners or powder-free gloves can be used to reduce exposure or use latex-free gloves to eliminate exposure.
-
Upload
hoangkhanh -
Category
Documents
-
view
217 -
download
3
Transcript of Laboratory Safety Latex Allergy s Laboratory Safety Latex Allergy continued from page 1 Occupational...
Quic
kFac
ts Laboratory SafetyLatex AllergyThe most common cause of latex allergy in laboratory
workers is direct contact with latex, a natural
substance used in making disposable gloves and
other products. Some workers are sensitive to latex.
Reactions range from localized skin irritation to
immediate, possibly life-threatening reactions.
Under OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR1910.1030), your employer must ensure that gloves and other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are accessible at your worksite or issued to you. However, alternatives are available and must be readily accessible if youare allergic to latex-containing PPE. Glove liners or powder-free gloves can be used to reduce exposure or latex-freegloves can be used to eliminate exposure.
You may have a latex allergy if you develop symptoms afterlatex exposure, including:
n nasal, eye, or sinus irritation
n hives or rash
n difficulty breathing
n coughing, wheezing
n nausea
n vomiting
n diarrhea
If you have any of these symptoms you should be evaluatedby a physician as further exposure may cause a serious allergic reaction.
If you become allergic to latex, precautions must be taken toprevent further exposures. Some medications may reducethe allergic symptoms, but avoiding latex is safest.
continued on page 2
Occupational Safetyand Health Administrationwww.osha.gov 1-800-321-6742
For assistance, contact us. We can help. It’s confidential.
OSHA 3411 8/2011DSG
Glove liners orpowder-freegloves can beused to reduceexposure or uselatex-free glovesto eliminate exposure.
Quic
kFac
tsLaboratory SafetyLatex Allergycontinued from page 1
Occupational Safetyand Health Administrationwww.osha.gov 1-800-321-6742
For assistance, contact us. We can help. It’s confidential.
OSHA 3411 8/2011DSG
If you become allergic to latex,precautions mustbe taken to prevent furtherexposures. Somemedications mayreduce the allergicsymptoms, butavoiding latex issafest.
Appropriate work practices can reduce the chance of reactions to latex. If you must wear latex gloves, oil-basedhand creams or lotions (which can cause glove deterioration)should not be used unless they reduce latex-related problemsand maintain glove barrier protection. After removing latexgloves, wash your hands with a mild soap and dry them thoroughly.
