Save Your Skin
CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training
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Guide to Skin Protection
The following are links to all of the items in this collection:
Summary Statement
A handout with illustrations discussing precautions to protect your hands, including items such as how to wash, how to remove gloves and what soap to use. Part of a collection. Click on the 'collection' button to access the other items.
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Not so fast! Did you clean your hands first? | ![]() ![]() |
Your hands might be contaminated. | ![]() |
Putting gloves on over these contaminants traps them against your skin. | ![]() |
That can lead to irritation and dermatitis. | ![]() |
Always
wash with a pH-neutral or slightly acidic soap or cleaner. Ask your pharmacist to recommend one. At work, a buffering or neutralizing spray may reduce surface skin pH. |
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Avoid
sensitizers, like lanolin and limonene. If you must use lanolin or limonene, apply it at home after you have thoroughly cleaned your skin. |
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If
you can’t leave your work clothes at work, take them home in
a separate container. Trash bag work great! |
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Wash your work clothes separately to protect your family. | ![]() |
Clean
reusable gloves daily. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Store them away from tools and materials in a cool, dark, dry place. |
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To
remove disposable gloves, peel back from the top, turning them
inside out. Discard them at the jobsite each day. |
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Don’t wear watches, rings or other jewelry while you work. | ![]() |
So, wash your hands first. Use a pH-neutral or slightly acidic soap. Clean the nail beds, too. |
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Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel or wipe. | ![]() |
While you’re at it, why not wear a light-weight cotton glove liner to keep your hands dry and comfortable. | ![]() |
If
you remove your gloves during work, wash again with clean water and
soap, or you may carry contaminants into your gloves. If you have no clean water, try carrying a clean damp wash cloth or disposable towelettes. |
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Before
removing your gloves, always clean off the outsides. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. |
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To remove gloves, loosen them on both hands. Hold hands down so contaminated water will not drip onto skin or clothing. | ![]() |
Keeping gloves down, remove the first glove only to the fingers. The cuff of the glove will remain over your palm. |
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Now, grabbing the second glove with the first glove, remove the second glove. | ![]() |
The
first glove should slip off. Try to handle gloves by the insides only. Don’t touch the outsides. |
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If you get a persistent skin problem, even a minor one, see a physician. Be sure to tell your doctor that you work with wet portland cement. | ![]() |
Remember, your hands are your living. Protect them. They will last your lifetime. |
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