Assessment of the effectiveness of using skin protection measures in preventing occupational dermatoses in the industry and in the service sector

The aim of the task was to assess the effectiveness of using skin protection measures in preventing contact dermatitis (CD) in the industry and in the service sector and dissemination of a program of skin protection, which means taking measures to eliminate or reduce the incidence of dermatoses of the skin of hands. Available materials and documents on the legal status and practical use of skin protection measures (SPM) in selected countries were analysed. On that basis, guidelines regarding the requirements, selection and use of those preparations were developed. A way of marking SPM depending on their purpose (protection against water and water solutions of acids, bases and salts; against organic substances; against radiation) was suggested. The need for voluntary certification and for marking those products with the "B" sign was expressed. Selected SPM were evaluated by means of controlled applications and technical methods developed at CIOP-PIB. 10 SPM - 5 hydrophilic and 5 hydrophobic ones - available on the market were tested. It was shown that the hydrophilic preparations (A, C, F, H, J) and hydrophobic ones (B, D, G, I, K) have different protective properties regarding resistance to permeation by organic solvents and the effect of oil and grease, they show different antiadhesive properties and different resistance to the effect of water and a water solution of a detergent. A controlled 4-week application of the preparations was conducted in a group of 105 workers from different occupational groups. The functional properties of the preparations were evaluated and - with the use of the microtopographic method - their effect of the skin of hands. Guidelines and training materials were developed and pilot training courses were run.