Download Latex Exposure Policy - South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS

The Prevention and Management of Latex
Exposure Policy
Approved by:
Issued by:
Review date:
Executive Management Team and Health and Safety Policy
Action Group May 2005
Infection Control Team June 2005
June 2007
INDEX
Page No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Introduction
1
1.1
Background
1
Objectives of the Policy
2
2.1
2.2
2
2
Objectives of the Policy
Achievement of Objectives
Roles and Responsibilities
4
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
3.11
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
6
7
7
8
Trust Board
Chief Executive
The Executive Management Team
Locality Management Teams
Service Managers
Line Managers
Employees
Agency Staff and External Contractors
Logistics Department/Purchasing Manager
Occupational Health Departments
Human Resources
Types of latex allergy
8
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
8
9
9
9
Background
Skin irritation (irritant dermatitis)
Delayed hypersensitivity (type IV)
Immediate hypersensitivity (type I)
Risk factors of latex allergy
10
5.1
5.2
10
10
People most likely to react to latex
Risk factors in the use of powdered gloves
Protocol for latex sensitive clients
11
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
11
11
11
12
12
The importance of questioning of clients
Recording of the clients response
Provision of alternatives to latex based products
Maintenance of records
Clients who develop symptoms of possible latex allergy
7.
8.
9.
Protocol for latex sensitive healthcare workers
12
7.1
7.2
13
13
Information dissemination to staff
Reporting possible latex allergy
Glove quality and selection
13
8.1
14
Why only powder-free gloves must be worn
References and further reading
Appendix 1 : Sources of Latex
Appendix 2 : Questions to ask clients/staff to identify sensitivity to Latex
Appendix 3 : Information leaflet
14
15
16
1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background
Over the past twenty years the health risks associated with the exposure to
natural rubber latex (NRL) have been increasingly recognised. The
development of allergy to NRL is associated with a range of reactions
from skin rashes, hay fever-like symptoms and asthma, through to
anaphylaxis, which has resulted in some fatalities.
The incidence of latex allergies within both the hospital and community
setting has become an increasingly significant problem for staff and
clients.
The risk of developing NRL allergy is associated with the extent of
individual exposure to latex proteins. During the 1980s and 1990s the use
of Standard Precautions in health care led to an increased use of NRL
gloves.
This increasing demand for NRL products led to changes in the
manufacturing process resulting in materials which allowed a higher level
of NRL proteins to be released during use (particularly when combined
with powder in gloves).
The repeated exposure of clients to certain treatments e.g. catheterisation
also led to increased exposure and an increasing risk of developing allergy
(a process referred to as sensitisation).
It is important that all staff recognise latex allergy as a potential
problem and know where and when to refer clients/staff for further
investigation.
The aim of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
(formerly known as The Medical Devices Agency) is to ensure NHS
organisations take all reasonable steps to protect the public, clients, carers
and staff. A bulletin published in April 1996 (MDA DB 9601) highlighted
evidence of latex sensitisation. In 1999 the Health and Safety Executive
issued guidance to health care about the use of latex gloves (HSE 1999).
This policy details the responsibilities of all staff in ensuring the effective
management of NRL risks.
A report by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) in 2005 has
examined the response of NHS organisation to latex allergies and whether
they have taken adequate measures to protect workers and clients.
(Beckford-Ball 2005)
1
2.
OBJECTIVES OF THE POLICY
2.1
Objectives of the Policy
The South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust recognises its obligation
to ensure as far as is reasonable practicable, the health, safety and welfare
at work of all its employees (section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work
Act 1974).
Furthermore, it has a responsibility to protect the health of clients and
visitors from the hazards of an unsafe environment and unsafe working
practices.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulation (2000)
requires risk assessments to be carried out in relation to specific
substances used in the work place, so that control measures can be
implemented in order to protect the health of staff and others.
The SWYMHT is also required by the Disability Discrimination Act
(1995) to make reasonable adjustments to enable employees diagnosed
with a latex allergy to continue in their work.
The South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust Health and Safety
Policy defines the means by which the Trust will plan and execute the
assessment and control of health and safety risks, and monitor and review
the progress of this.
The Latex policy specifically defines the specific organisational
arrangements through which SWYMHT will reduce the risk of clients,
staff employed by the Trust, those contracted to the Trust and those
providing agency cover within the Trust from developing NRL allergy and
ensure safe employment or treatment for those who become sensitised.
2.2
Achievement of objectives
The objectives of the organisational arrangements will be achieved by :

ensuring that all reasonably practical measures are taken to maintain a
safe environment for clients and staff to protect against latex
sensitisation,

advising healthcare personnel of any increase in reports of the
incidence of latex allergy,
2

ensuring staff are aware of the possibility of latex sensitisation and
how to avoid it,

emphasising the importance of identification of latex sensitisation in
staff and clients,


ensuring staff question clients about reactions to latex products as part
of their allergic medical history,
encouraging staff to seek guidance if suspected or confirmed latex
allergy presents,

ensuring adequate occupational health facilities for staff,

recognising the importance of recording adverse latex reactions in
clients records and reporting any evidence of latex allergy using the
South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trusts incident reporting
system,

ensuring recorded incidents are reported to the Medicines and
Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (formerly known as the
MDA) to allow accurate national data collection,

ensuring that the correct types of products are purchased as advised by
the Infection Control Team including alternatives to latex-based
devices as necessary,

providing latex-free environments for latex allergic clients.
This policy should be used in conjunction with the:

Incident Reporting Procedure,

Serious Untoward Incident Reporting Procedure,

Infection Control Policy,

Medical Devices Management Policy,

COSHH Guidance,

Health and Safety Policy.
3
3.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1
Trust Board
The general responsibilities of the Trust Board are detailed in the
SWYMHT Trust Health and Safety Policy
3.2
Chief Executive
The Chief Executive has overall responsibility for ensuring compliance
with this policy and that there are effective arrangements within the Trust.
They are responsible for ensuring that all Executive Directors, Locality
Management Teams and staff understand and accept their responsibilities
with regard to this policy.
3.3
The Executive Management team
The Executive Management Team is responsible for approving the
contents of the policy and ensuring that risks associated with NRL allergy
to clients and staff are managed in accordance with this Policy and the
associated protocols and procedures.
3.4
Locality Management teams
The Locality Management Teams will:
3.5

ensure that the policy is implemented within their areas,

ensure that business plans capture any resource implications identified by risk
assessment,

ensure that adequate facilities are made to fulfil the policy including releasing
staff for training,

disseminate information and seek advice from the Infection Control Team where
necessary.
Service Managers
Service Managers are responsible for:

ensuring that all staff within their service have access to and have read
this policy,
4

providing the appropriate resources and access to training.
It is strongly advised that managers retain a checklist of signatories to
confirm that all staff members have seen, read and understood the contents
of this policy.
3.6
Line Managers
Line managers are responsible for:
3.7

ensuring that staff are aware of and comply with this policy and carry
out their responsibilities as outlined within this policy,

ensuring that general NRL risk assessment is undertaken with regard
to work and clinical activities within their areas of responsibility.
Specific individual risk assessment will be required where clients or
staff are identified as allergic to NRL.

Identifying and implementing any action required following the NRL
assessment i.e. ensuring that latex free gloves and equipment are
available for individuals who have been assessed as having a latex
sensitivity. Further advice may be sought from the infection Control
Team or Occupational Health.

Ensuring that staff are given the necessary information, instruction and
training to enable them to manage NRL allergy and comply with this
policy including the need for reporting.

Reporting NRL allergic reactions experienced by clients via the
untoward incident reporting system.

Referring staff with symptoms suggestive of NRL allergy to the
Occupational Health Department
Employees
Each employee is responsible for taking reasonable care of themselves,
clients and any other people affected by their acts or omissions during
infection prevention and control procedures in accordance with Health and
Safety at Work Act 1974.
The responsibilities of employees working in the Trust are to:

comply with the information, instruction and training provided by their
Line Manager by following the associated protocols, procedures safe
systems of work for their area(s) of work and responsibility,
5
 report any possible NRL allergy symptoms to Occupational Health.
In order to reduce their risk of latex sensitisation employees must :

wear only recommended gloves which are powder-free, low in
extractable proteins and residual chemicals,

only wear gloves when necessary, ie. when the hands will come into
contact with body fluids or hazardous substances,

ensure that the right glove is being used for the right job,

always wash hands preceding and following the wearing of gloves,

gloves must be removed and hands washed thoroughly after each task
or contact with each client and discarded as clinical waste,

gloves must not be worn for long periods of time,

any soreness or skin rashes experienced after glove use must be
reported to the line manager and referral made to the Occupational
Health Department. A risk incident form should be completed.

Oil-based hand creams should not be used as these are not compatible
with latex.
(Further information is available in the Infection Control Policy Section 5:
Glove Usage.)
3.8
Agency Staff and External Contractors
The Trust has an obligation to safeguard the health and safety and welfare
of any person working for it. This responsibility applies to those working
in the Trust who do not necessarily hold Trust contracts of employment.
Latex-free gloves must be made available to all individuals stating that
they have an allergy to latex.
Managers have an important role in ensuring that individuals who enter
Trust premises whilst undertaking work or visiting clients are protected
wherever possible from risk.
Agency staff and External Contractors are expected to comply with
reasonable instructions given by staff who are seeking to protect them
from risk of allergic reaction.
6
3.9
Logistics Department/Purchasing Manager
The logistics department/purchasing manager will:

provide information for purchasers about products containing latex and
suitable alternatives,

purchase powder-free gloves on behalf of the Trust in accordance with
Glove Usage : Section 5 of the Infection Control Policy.
Powdered gloves must not be used or available for use within the
Trust. Powder free latex gloves with low extractable levels of protein
must be used.
3.10
Occupational Health Facilities
The Occupational Health Service will:

screen potential employees at their pre-employment health assessment
and arrange diagnostic testing for those whose history may suggest
latex sensitivity,

ensure staff or prospective staff with NRL allergy and their managers
are advised of any necessary adjustments or restrictions to their work
activities using a risk assessment approach,

support diagnostic testing for Trust staff referred to the Department
having presented with signs of reaction,

provide guidance to staff and managers on suitable and safe working
environments for NRL sensitised employees,

liaise with Service Managers to ensure safe working practices and the
availability of alternative gloves and /or other equipment,

inform the GP that the member of staff is experiencing problems,

advise the individual to inform all health care workers i.e. podiatrists,
dentists, who are involved in their care about the condition. This
advice must be documented.

Liaise with Managers to ensure that latex-free powder-free gloves and
equipment are available to staff who have been assessed as having a
7
latex sensitivity and that suitable arrangements are made to allow the
symptoms to subside.
3.11

Report any staff reaction to a latex product to the MHPRA.

Liaise with managers for relocation of staff to environments where
there is no/reduced risk of allergic reaction if symptoms cannot be
controlled.
Human Resources
The Human Resources Department will :
4.

support health care workers who may develop a latex allergy by
arranging temporary relocations,

work with managers and Occupational Health to facilitate permanent
relocations of these individuals with confirmed allergies to alternative
safe working environments.
TYPES OF LATEX ALLERGY
4.1
Background
NRL comes from the milky sap of the rubber tree known as Hevea
brasiliensis. The sap contains proteins, preservatives and other chemicals
added during the manufacturing process. The NRL proteins enter the body
in different ways such as via the skin, mucous membranes and lungs. They
set up an allergic response which worsens on repeat exposure.
NRL is durable, flexible and affords a high degree of protection from
many organisms. It is found in a wide variety of medical devices (gloves,
adhesive tape, elastic stockings, bandages, blood pressure cuffs) as well as
in general usage (balloons, elastic bands, hot water bottles). Please see
Appendix 1.
Many countries, including the UK have experienced an increase in latex
sensitisation due to general exposure to latex within the clinical and social
environments.
In recent years concerns among health care workers and the general public
regarding hazards of infection have lead to the increased use of barriers
against infection with gloves forming a primary method of protection.
8
As the frequency and duration of the use of latex products has increased,
the emergence of latex sensitisation has been identified as a problem for
some individuals. This may lead to a variety of allergic reactions.
Reactions may vary in severity. There are three recognised types of
reactions (Medical Devices Agency 1996):
4.2
Skin irritation (irritant dermatitis)
This is a non-allergic condition, the affects of which are usually reversible
although some individuals may have a predisposition to progress onto
allergy problems.
When latex gloves are used redness or a rash may occur on the back of the
hands, which is characteristically dry and itchy. These symptoms usually
resolve themselves once contact with the latex product is discontinued.
It is important to note that such skin irritation may be caused by a
wide range of substances, for example; glove powder, skin cleansing
or disinfecting agents, which may be confused with latex sensitisation.
4.3
Delayed hypersensitivity (type IV)
This type of reaction is predominantly caused by an allergy to agents used
in the manufacturing process of gloves. It is the most common reaction to
latex sensitivity. The reaction is delayed, occurring several hours after
contact, reaching a maximum after 24-48 hours and then it subsides.
Repeated exposure may cause the skin condition to extend beyond the
actual contact area of latex. It may also lead to sensitisation with other
latex products. This type of reaction is often characterised by:
4.4

a red rash on the back of the hands and between the fingers,

skin may become leathery and develop papules or blisters.
Immediate hypersensitivity (type I)
This is the most serious reaction caused by an immune response to protein
allergens. It may occur within 5-30 minutes of latex exposure causing:

local or generalised urticaria (nettle rash),

itching, redness and swelling (oedema) of the skin,

rhinitis (runny nose) if the mucous membranes are affected,

conjunctivitis (red, itchy eyes),
9


5.
sneezing and wheezing with breathlessness.
Anaphylactic shock may occur in extreme cases. Such a reaction
is almost immediate in effect but respiratory difficulties usually
diminish rapidly once contact with the latex material has ceased.
RISK FACTORS OF LATEX ALLERGY
5.1
5.2
People most likely to react to latex:

individuals who are predisposed to allergies in general e.g. hayfever,
eczema, dermatitis and asthma,

clients/staff with spina bifida or congenital urological abnormalities
who have undergone a large number of surgical procedures,

occupational workers who, in the course of their work, are likely to
have been exposed to frequent prolonged latex contact,

individuals who are sensitive to avocado, melon, kiwi fruit, passion or
star fruit, banana, potatoes, tomatoes and/or chestnut. This is due to
shared antigenic similarities between the fruit and the latex.

There is also a higher instance among the female population.

The users of powdered gloves. The powder in the gloves is added to
make it easier to put the gloves on. However this powder absorbs the
latex antigens and disseminates them into the air when the gloves are
handled, making it widely available to non-sensitised and sensitised
people alike.
Risk factors in the use of powdered gloves
It is also recognised that powdered gloves increase latex exposure because
the protein residue present in latex is carried by an aerosol action into the
environment when gloves are removed. Where powdered gloves are used
in procedures or during contact with mucosal surfaces, sensitisation and
ensuing allergic reactions may occur.
Powdered gloves must not be used or available for use within the
Trust. Powder free latex gloves with low extractable levels of protein
must be used.
10
6.
PROTOCOL FOR LATEX SENSITIVE CLIENTS
6.1
The importance of questioning of clients
In order to prevent allergic reactions and the rare occurrence of
anaphylaxis staff must familiarise themselves with the following:
it must be ascertained during the admission process whether there is a
possibility of latex sensitivity. The person should be asked whether they
have had any of the following symptoms:
6.2

skin, nose or breathing problems after handling rubber items such as
balloons,

sneezing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or swelling, itching or wheals
on the skin after being examined by a health care worker wearing latex
gloves,

itching, swelling or redness of the skin appearing within minutes or
hours after wearing latex or rubber gloves,

allergies to banana, melon, avocado, kiwi fruit, passion or star fruit,
chestnuts, potato or tomatoes,

multiple surgical procedures i.e. replacement of urinary catheters,

spina bifida or neurological problems.
Recording of the client’s response
The client’s response must be recorded and incorporated into the plan of
care if relevant. If latex sensitivity is identified a sticker indicating this
must be affixed to the front of the client’s note to ensure that all staff are
aware of this information.
Appendix 2 is a flow chart giving examples of questions to ask clients to
ascertain whether there is a possibility of latex sensitivity.
6.3
Provision of alternatives to latex based products
Immediate hypersensitivity (type I) client at risk should:

be provided with a latex-free environment to include latex-free
mattress covers and pillows,
11

have available treatments for anaphylactic shock.

Pharmacy should also be made aware to ensure latex-free procedures
when preparing medication.

Catering staff should be made aware not to prepare food for the
individual concerned using latex-gloves.
Delayed hypersensitivity (type IV) client at risk should:
6.4

be treated by staff wearing latex free gloves with low levels of
extractable proteins,

have available treatments for anaphylactic shock.
Maintenance of records
6.5

Observation, assessment and management of an allergic reaction must
be fully documented and the allergy be clearly apparent in the client’s
records. The response must be recorded and incorporated into a plan
of care if relevant. All staff must be made aware of this
information.

Clients should be advised to inform all health care workers of their
allergy. This advice must be documented.

An information leaflet should be given to the client and the content
discussed as appropriate. Please see Appendix 3.

An incident report form must also be completed and sent to the Health
and Safety Manager who will communicate with the MHPRA if
necessary.

The client’s GP/Consultant must also be informed, especially if
surgical or mucous membrane contact is indicated.
Clients who develop symptoms of possible latex allergy

7.
Clients who develop symptoms of possible latex allergy should be
assessed by a doctor as soon as possible and, if appropriate, referred to
a Dermatologist.
PROTOCOL FOR LATEX SENSITIVE HEALTHCARE WORKERS
To comply with current legislation it is important that staff follow the procedures
below, to safeguard their own health and that of their colleagues and clients.
12
7.1
Information dissemination to staff.
Staff will be informed of the potential problems caused by latex
sensitisation by the following:
7.2

Occupational Health pre–employment assessment,

distribution of the guidelines for dealing with latex sensitivity by
Locality Management teams. Managers should ensure members of
their team are aware of the Trust’s Latex Policy and ensure
compliance within their area.

As part of both the Trust and locality induction programme.

As part of the mandatory infection control training programme.

Availability of information leaflets.

As part of mandatory infection control training.
Reporting possible latex allergy
Staff should be aware of the symptoms of latex sensitisation and be
assured that if affected the Trust will be supportive.
8.

Whenever latex sensitisation is suspected diagnostic testing should be
encouraged to ensure positive identification of the allergen.
Healthcare workers who regularly use gloves and show any
characteristic symptoms of allergy should seek advice from
Occupational Health Services.

Service Managers should be aware of any symptomatic member of
staff. They must advise against continued latex contact, and refer the
member of staff to the Occupational Health Service. This must also be
recorded in the relevant staff personal file.

The occurrence must be reported via the incident reporting procedure.
GLOVE QUALITY AND SELECTION
8.1.
Why only powder-free gloves must be worn
The risk of latex allergy appears to be exacerbated by the use of powdered
gloves not only to the user but also to sensitised individuals in the area.
13
Most powdered gloves have higher extractable protein levels than powderfree gloves. Where powdered gloves are used in procedures powder may
be introduced into the patients body or come into contact with mucosal
surfaces. This may cause sensitisation and subsequent allergic reactions.
SWYT has shown a commitment to reduce this problem whilst
ensuring the protection of staff by ensuring that all staff wear powder
free gloves which have low levels of extractable protein.
Further information can be found in Glove Usage : Section 5 of the
Infection Control Policy
9.
REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING
NPSA (2005a) Report of the survey of the responses of NHS organisations to the
risks of patient and staff sensitivity to natural rubber latex.
www.npsa.nhs.uk/site/media/
NPSA (2005b) Patient Safety Information. www.npsa.nhs.uk
Becford-Ball, J. (2005) Tackling latex allergies in patients and nursing staff.
Nursing Times; 101:24, 26-27
MDA Devices Bulletin (1996) Latex Sensitisation in the Healthcare Setting MDA
DB9601
MDA Bulletin (198) Latex Medical Gloves (Surgeons and Examination)
Powdered Latex Medical Gloves (Surgeons and Examination) MDA SN9825
Health and Safety Commission (1999) Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Regulations
Health and Safety Commission (1995) Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and
Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)
Health and Safety Executive (1992) Personal Protective Equipment at Work
Regulations
Infection Control Nurses’ Association (2003)
Royal College of Nursing (1999) Latex Allergy in Healthcare Settings
www.hse.gov.uk/latex - information leaflets regarding latex available
www.upsa.nhs.uk/advice
www.pasa.nhs.uk
www.lasg.co.uk
14
APPENDIX 1
Common medical and household sources of latex
Medical items:
adhesive tape
blood pressure cuffs
disposable syringes
catheters
enema tips
gloves
stethoscope tubing
wheelchair wheels
bandages
elastic stockings
Household items:
balloons
swimming costumes
cycling shorts
condoms
elastic bandages
hot water bottles
rubber bands
rubber plants
rubber toys
swim caps
underwear
this is not an exhaustive list
15
APPENDIX 2
Questions to ask clients/staff to identify sensitivity to latex products
Eczema
Asthma
Hay fever
Dermatitis
Allergy to:
Avocado
Bananas
Chestnuts
Tropical fruit
YES
YES
Tingling, Swelling,
Wheezing or Rashes
associated with:
Hot water bottles
Rubber gloves
Elastic bands
Following a visit to the
dentist
Any other products
containing latex
(see appendix 1)
YES
consider the
potential for
latex
sensitisation
Was the
reaction
immediate
Was the
reaction
delayed
Consider
Type 1
Sensitivity
Consider
Type 4
Sensitivity
Measures to reduce the risk:
Measures to reduce the risk:
All staff aware
Provide latex free
environment
Treatment available for
anaphylactic shock
Treat using powder free non
latex gloves with low
extractable proteins
16
What happens if the client is sensitive?
The Trust Policy gives guidance on what to do about the whole subject of
latex sensitivity, including trying to identify at-risk clients on assessment.
In summary, it says that the client:

Will be assessed for risk prior to any procedure, then, if necessary, the
client:
o
o
o
o
will be provided with a latex-free environment,
be scheduled first in a session,
will have treatment for anaphylactic shock available at all
times,
have details of the sensitivity recorded in their case notes.
INFORMATION
What is the Trust doing about Latex generally?
The Trust has produced a latex policy and all staff must read it and follow
the guidance it contains. The policy states that:






powder-free gloves which are low in protein and chemical content must
be provided for use,
staff will be trained to care for their hands and to use gloves correctly,
clients with a latex problem will be identified,
any problems staff have must be reported and Occupational Health will
be notified for investigation,
in high-risk work situations, latex-free alternatives will be provided,
affected staff will be helped to carry on with their current jobs whilst
avoiding contact with latex.
To make this policy work effectively, the Trust, its staff and Occupational
Health need to work in close co-operation.
FOR PEOPLE WITH
LATEX SENSITIVITY
This information leaflet is supplementary to the Trust’s Policy and
Guidance relating to Latex sensitivity.
How will I recognise it?
If you:
What is Latex sensitivity?


There are three types of reaction to Latex:



Irritation – this is a non-allergic condition and the effects are usually
reversible. It generally develops as a dry, itchy rash.
Delayed hypersensitivity – appears several hours after contact, as
dermatitis or eczema of varying severity. Predominantly caused by an
allergy to residues of chemicals used in the manufacturing process.
Immediate Hypersensitivity – appears within 5 – 30 minutes of
exposure. Symptoms may include local or generalised nettle rash
(urticaria) an associated swelling (oedema), hay fever-like reactions
(rhinitis), irritated red eyes (conjunctivitis) or wheezing. Respiratory
difficulties and severe potentially life-threatening allergic reaction
(anaphylactic shock) may occur in extreme cases. It is usually a
response to the natural protein residue found in latex rubber.
What should I do about it?
If you think either you or one of your clients has latex allergy you should
report it to your Line manager as soon as possible. As a member of staff
you should attend the Occupational Health Service for further investigation.
The client’s GP must be informed of the concern.
In the meantime, you should:


Who is at risk?


use alternative latex free gloves i.e. nitrile.
avoid contact with any product containing latex.
What will happen if I am sensitive?
Anyone can be sensitive but particular groups of people have a higher than
average risk:


get a rash on your hands after wearing gloves,
suffer from runny eyes/nose, wheezing or develop breathing difficulties
after any exposure to latex products, then you may have a latex
sensitivity.
If latex sensitivity is confirmed, the Trust will do everything it can to help
you carry out your job whilst avoiding contact with latex products.
People who are prone to allergies,
Those who have undergone a large number of surgical procedures
(especially children),
Individuals who are sensitive to avocados, bananas or chestnuts,
Healthcare workers who are likely to have been exposed to frequent
prolonged latex contact.
This will include:



How will I come into contact with latex?
The most common method of contact for healthcare workers is by wearing
latex gloves. This practice has increased enormously in recent years in
response to the demand for protection against disease.
Latex is also present in a large number of other items used in our working
and domestic lives, masks, catheters, elastic bandages, stockings,
waterproof bed covers, are just a few of the items you may come into
contact with at work. At home there are items such as rubber gloves, family
planning devices, balloons, elastic bands, hot water bottles.
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Providing you with alternative latex free gloves
Providing information on what products you may work with which
contain latex and have alternatives available if at all possible,
Monitoring the situation to offer you support and to make sure you are
not still exhibiting symptoms.