Controlling Exposure and Risk
Employers should follow the well-known hierarchy of controls to help prevent or mitigate exposure and the risk of latex allergies in the healthcare setting.
The strategies in the hierarchy for latex protection include elimination, substitution, administrative controls, and PPE.
Elimination & Substitution
Eliminating exposure to latex is the most effective method of control. Unnecessary latex-containing materials should be eliminated. When materials, such as gloves and bandages, are required, a non-latex version should be substituted to replace the latex-containing version.
Administrative controls
Healthcare facilities should implement administrative controls, which include policies and procedures, to reduce the risk of allergic NRL reactions. For example:
- Creating so-called "safe zones" to protect those employees who are already sensitized to NRL allergenic proteins might be necessary. "Safe zones" are areas where non-NRL products are used and NRL allergenic proteins have been removed from the environment.
- Ensuring workers use good housekeeping practices to remove latex-containing dust from the workplace. Policies are developed to:
- identify areas contaminated with latex dust for frequent cleaning (upholstery, carpets, and ventilation ducts); and
- make sure workers change ventilation filters and vacuum bags frequently in latex-contaminated areas.
- Providing workers with education programs that include instruction and hands-on training about latex safety.
- Periodically screening high-risk workers for latex allergy symptoms. Detecting symptoms early and removing symptomatic workers from latex exposure are essential for preventing long-term health effects.
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1-10. What is the most effective hazard control method associated with latex exposure?
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