Worcestershire NHS Primary Care Trust. Latex Policy

Transcription

1 Worcestershire NHS Primary Care Trust Latex Policy To be read in conjunction with the Health and Safety Policy and associated health and safety guidance documents Version: Final Ratified by: Quality & Safety Committee Date ratified: March 2011 Name of originator/author: Tracy Baker Name of responsible committee/individual: Health & Safety Committee Date issued: April 2011 Review date: April 2014 Target audience: Clinical Staff 1

2 CONTRIBUTION LIST Key individuals involved in developing the document Name Tracy Baker Designation Health & Safety Manager Circulated to the following individuals for consultation Name Teresa French Richard Stringfellow Carole Clive Lesley Way Steve Bartlett Derek Carter Derek Scully Finbarr Costigan Bernie Gregory David Thomas Jenny Malone Amanda Jayne McMillan Alison Shearsmith Maria Wilday Jenny Stanford Elaine Truby Simon Bates Helen Gledhill Jane Pugh Marie McCurry Sur Warner Beverley Bickerstaff Designation Director of Provider Services Head of Corporate Development Consultant Nurse Infection Control Patient Safety Manager Senior Physiotherapist Estates Officer Estates Manager Clinical Director Prison Health Development Lead Prison Healthcare Manager Occupational Health Manager Assistant Practitioner in Mammography Manual Handling Advisor Matron Wheelchair & Community Equipment Service Manager Podiatry Team Leader Unison H&S Rep Staff Side Chair Associate Director Associate Director Associate Director Minor Injuries Representative 2

3 Contents Paragraph Page 1 Introduction 4 2 Purpose / Statement 4 3 Definitions 4 4 Responsibilities 4 5 Latex Sensitisation 6 6 Identification of Individuals at Risk 7 7 Safe Working Practices 7 8 Clinical Procedures 8 9 Purchasing Arrangements 8 10 Consultation, Development and Approval 9 11 Dissemination 9 12 Planning and Implementation 9 13 Monitoring and Review 9 14 Standards / Key Performance Indicators 9 15 References Appendix 1 Latex Sensitivity Guidance 11 2 Latex Screening Questionnaire 14 3 Alternatives to Latex Gloves 17 4 Skin Care Protocols 18 5 Guideline for Glove Selection 19 6 Equality Impact Assessment 20 3

4 1 Introduction This policy outlines the Trust s duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, to protect employees from exposure to health hazards whilst at work and to ensure non-employees are not exposed to health risks while on NHS premises. In line with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) the Trust is required to undertake a risk assessment of any hazardous substances. 2 Purpose / Statement The Trust will carry out assessments on the likely harm occurring from exposure to latex products in line with COSHH. Based on these assessments, appropriate control measures and safe working practices should be in place across the Trust s activities to ensure the risk of harm is as low as is reasonably practicable. This policy provides guidance on the identification and protection of people who may come into contact with latex products. The Policy will be communicated to all staff during their Induction. A copy will also be available on the internet and held at designated policy points. 3 Definitions Natural rubber latex is fluid containing protein, from the Heavea brasiliensis tree, used in the production of rubber with the addition of other chemicals (e.g. accelerators). It is commonly used in NHS hospitals. Most surgical gloves are made from latex. It is used in the production of a wide range of other medical devices and is considered to be hazardous due to its irritant properties. 4 Responsibilities 4.1 Chief Executive The Chief Executive has overall responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of the employees in the Trust. This responsibility is co-ordinated through various committees/groups e.g.: the Health and Safety Committee, Risk Committee etc. It is the responsibility of these groups to take a lead on issues surrounding latex allergy, including implementation of policies, risk assessment and reviewing controls measures. 4.2 Senior Managers Senior Managers are responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of this policy. Each Service will develop local procedures on how to deal with patients or staff with known latex allergies. Local policies will indicate and detail various levels of responsibility around the management and prevention of latex allergy including: Assessment of risks to ensure correct glove selection and usage is being undertaken for appropriate tasks, over usage of gloves is minimised and potential high risk individuals are identified and appropriate gloves are provided, thus reducing the potential for developing latex allergy. Arrangements including reporting structures, referral to Occupational Health and advice from Infection Control. 4

5 Staff training programmes including background information, high-risk groups, reporting procedures, glove usage, purchasing arrangements, work practices, etc. 4.3 Line Managers Line managers are responsible for ensuring general latex risk assessments are undertaken with regard to clinical activities within their areas of responsibility. Specific individual assessments will be required where patients or members of staff are identified as allergic to Latex (see Appendix 3). Once the risk has been assessed, local procedures must be drawn up, to ensure exposure is removed, reduced and/or controlled. Anyone likely to be exposed should be informed of the risks and control measures in place. Advice can be sought from the Occupational Health Department. If possible, alternative products should be used to eliminate the risk of exposure. Identifying and implementing any action/control required following the latex risk assessment, in accordance with the policy Ensuring staff receive necessary information, instruction and training to enable them to manage latex allergy and comply with this policy, including the need for reporting: - Latex allergic reactions suffered by patients via the appropriate incident reporting systems. - Symptoms, suggestive of latex allergy in members of staff (via a referral), to the Occupational Health Department. - Ensuring that, where individual members of staff are known to be atopic or to have food allergies associated with latex sensitivity, exposure is kept to a minimum. - Ensuring that, if signs of reaction occur (localised itching, oedema, eczema, erythema or shortness of breath), latex contact should be discontinued and staff referred to Occupational Health for investigation and their GP as appropriate. 4.4 Employees Co-operating with managers regarding the implementation of the policy. Complying with local procedures including consideration of risks to patients and notifying relevant staff of any potential sensitivity or allergy to latex and any subsequent allergic response Ensuring that they wear procedure gloves only when there is a potential risk of contact with body fluids and/or other hazardous substances. They should not be used for other routine procedures where there is no possibility of contamination Ensuring that they cleanse their hands thoroughly before and after wearing any procedure glove Ensuring that incidents related to latex sensitisation or allergic reactions, involving themselves and/or patients in their care, are reported: - Via the Sentinel Incident Reporting system - To their manager - To the Occupational Health 4.5 Occupational Health 5

6 Ensure staff (or prospective staff) with latex allergy and their managers, are advised of any necessary adjustments or restrictions to their work activities, using an evidence and risk assessment based approach Provide guidance to staff and managers on suitable and safe working environments for latex sensitised employees Facilitate investigation of staff suspected of having latex allergy Involvement in an on-going programme to identify at risk individuals through: - Health surveillance questionnaires - Pre-employment screening - Health assessments for new posts 4.6 Health and Safety Manager / LSMS Co-ordinating and monitoring implementation of this policy Monitor the control of cross-directorate latex risks Providing advice to managers developing protocols/procedures/safe systems of work relating to latex allergic patients Reviewing reports from Occupational Health Service and the Sentinel Risk management System regarding latex allergy related matters 5 Latex Sensitivity A latex allergy is a reaction to one or more of the components of latex rubber products. There are three recognised types of reaction: a) Irritation - Non-allergic condition b) Type IV - Delayed hypersensitivity caused by residual accelerators in latex rubber. Localised with no risk of systemic reaction c) Type I - Immediate hypersensitivity caused by the natural protein residue in latex rubber. May be localised, but has the potential to become systemic at any time. Repetitive skin or mucus membrane contact with any rubber latex product containing high protein residues may cause sensitisation. Sensitivity may also be transmitted via the powder used to dust some latex gloves through direct contact or inhalation. Staff predisposed to allergies in general Asthma, Hayfever or Atopic Dermatitis are more likely to become Latex sensitised. Staff who are allergic to certain foods e.g.: avocado, chestnut and banana are also more susceptible. Health care professionals are a high risk group because of their high exposure to latex products. Surgeons and theatre staff are particularly at risk, as they are required to wear gloves daily. Latex sensitivity is not restricted to health care staff. Patients who come into contact with these products can also suffer adverse reactions. Symptoms to look out for include: skin or mucus membrane irritation. This can result in dermatitis, generalised skin irritation and swelling or where mucus membranes are involved nasal congestion, red eyes/irritation or breathlessness. Extreme cases may result in anaphylactic shock within minutes of exposure. Members of staff, who develop signs of a reaction such as localised itching, swelling, redness or shortness of breath should discontinue latex contact immediately and seek advice from the Occupational Health Department. Members of staff who are 6

7 being treated by their GP are requested to inform the Occupational Health Department of a possible/diagnosed latex allergy. 6 Identification of Individuals at Risk All clinical services should ask patients at pre-assessment clinic or on admission Do you have any allergies? and explore either verbally or visually for evidence of: anecdotal accounts of swelling or itching of lips after blowing up balloons or after dental examinations swelling or itching of hands following contact with household gloves reaction to diaphragms or condoms or rubber swimming caps hand eczema food allergies (avocado, banana, chestnut or kiwi fruit) unexplained anaphylaxis asthma, eczema or hayfever occupational exposure to latex Suspect cases identified by history taking should be referred for latex allergy testing. Any confirmed latex allergy should be recorded in the patients healthcare records/notes. Patients should be reminded to inform doctors, dentists and other health care professionals of their allergy either verbally, visually or in writing before any examinations or procedures are carried out. 7 Safe Working Practices If latex gloves are to be used it is important to ensure that appropriate work practices are in place to reduce the risk of allergic reaction. These are typically: Use non-powdered gloves with low levels of latex proteins and residual chemicals Do not use latex gloves if the skin is cut or cracked Do not use oil-based hand creams or lotions when wearing latex gloves as they can cause glove deterioration Wash hands with a mild soap and dry thoroughly before and after using latex gloves: - Use cool/tepid water when washing to keep hand temperature down - Use hand-wash agents sparingly - Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of hand wash - Pat skin dry rather than rubbing it - Use soft, disposable towels - Ensure hands are dry before putting on gloves Use an aqueous based emollient if skin has any tendency to dry out Choose the right size of gloves Good housekeeping - clean areas and equipment contaminated with latexcontaining dust frequently Provide workers with training about latex allergy Screen high-risk workers for latex allergy symptoms periodically Remove symptomatic workers from latex exposure Evaluate prevention strategies whenever a worker is diagnosed with a latex allergy 7

8 The HSE publish a guidance leaflet INDG320 Latex, which is available from HSE Books or free from their website at It is advisable to have a health surveillance system in place if latex gloves are being issued. This could be in the form of: An assessment of the worker's respiratory, health and skin condition before they start work, to provide a baseline record A regular (or annual) enquiry for dermatitis and asthma. This can be undertaken verbally during appraisal reviews, etc. Positive results should be referred to an occupational health specialist for assessment A periodic clinical assessment by an occupational health doctor or nurse will be required for staff known to be sensitised to latex and those considered to be at a high risk of developing sensitisation, i.e. atopic individuals 8 Clinical Procedures Where a Type I allergy to latex is suspected the implications for clinical management should be considered. Confirmation of diagnosis should be made using appropriate methodology, particularly if a surgical procedure or mucus membrane contact is implicated. Where the diagnosis is confirmed and surgery or other medical procedures are necessary, patients should be scheduled first on the theatre list, in order to minimise their exposure to airborne latex allergens. Patients with confirmed latex allergy should be reminded to inform doctors, dentists or other health professionals of this allergy before any examinations or procedures are conducted. All procedures conducted on patients with acute latex sensitisation should be performed in a setting in which anaphylaxis can be treated. Checks on equipment are important, particularly in theatre areas where a large number of products likely to come into contact with the patient will possibly contain latex. The risk of latex allergy is exacerbated by the use of powdered gloves, which increases exposure to latex allergens both to the user and to the sensitised individuals in the vicinity, as well as adding to the risk of procedural complications. Powder free gloves must be worn to minimise environmental contamination and subsequent patient and staff exposure to latex proteins, bound to the powder particles. 9 Purchasing & Selection Arrangements Staff involved in the supply and ordering of products (new and replacements) can liaise with manufacturers on the potential for items to contain latex. They can advise management on the availability of alternative products and the purchase of latex free gloves and products. Purchasers of latex gloves must ensure that gloves provide, and maintain in use, an adequate level of protection from hazardous substances for both patients and users. Gloves must be well fitting for each individual and suitable for their use. Powder free latex gloves should be used as standard across all health care settings. This decision together with recommendations for the use of gloves with low 8

9 extractable protein levels (<50 ug/g) and accelerators should improve the working environment for healthcare workers and further reduce risks to patients. 10 Consultation, Development and Approval This policy is drafted and developed by the Health and Safety Manager in accordance with HSE best practice. Key stakeholders and specialist staff are involved in the consultation process e.g.: infection control, clinical staff, H&S Reps and H&S Committee members. The policy is subject to an equality impact assessment to identify any issues of inequality that may arise when implementing the policy. The Provider Quality & Safety Committee is responsible for approving the policy. Final ratification rests with the Trust Board. 11 Dissemination Policy documents are available via the Trust s website. Hard copies of the policy are also distributed across all Trust localities to designated policy points. The principles embedded within the policy are included in Induction Training for staff and in the Minimising Risk mandatory training updates. 12 Planning and Implementation The Trust Board will be responsible for setting the strategic aims for health and safety matters within the organisation. The Chief Executive will ensure, through the Trust s Directors that those aims are reflected within their business objectives. Directors and Senior Managers will ensure that health and safety arrangements form an integral part of their business planning process, in order to ensure that needs are identified, prioritised, and that appropriate resources are allocated. 13 Monitoring and Review Injuries, ill health and other "loss events" will be reported on a regular basis to the Health and Safety Committee. The investigation of such accidents/losses will be used to identify causation, reduce future incidence and assess the effectiveness of the latex arrangements. Policies will be subject to review in line with health and safety legislation or if there are changes to best practice. The review of policies will also be based on the prioritisation of risk within the Trust and as a consequence of any serious incidents. 14 Standards/Key Performance Indicators The Care Quality Commission requires the Trust to achieve Outcome 10 to demonstrate compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation. 15 References Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 9

10 Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, 2002 Avoidance and Management of Latex. (Royal College of Nursing, 1996) Latex Sensitisation in the Healthcare Setting (Use of Latex Gloves). Device Bulletin 9601, Medical Devices Agency (1996) Latex Medical Gloves (Surgeons' and Examination) Powdered Latex Medical Gloves (Surgeons' and Examination). Safety Notice SN 9825, Medical Devices Agency

11 Appendix 1 LATEX SENSITIVITY GUIDANCE During the last decade there has been a dramatic increase in reports of asthma and skin complaints attributed to latex. Research has proven that latex is a sensitiser, in that a person can develop a reaction from exposure to it. This sensitivity can increase to the point where violent reactions may occur at the slightest exposure. Type IV Latex Allergy This is a skin contact-related allergy that results in a red, itchy, scaly rash, often localised to the area of contact, e.g. wrists and forearms with glove use, but it can spread to other areas of the body. Some people react to the chemical accelerators that are added to the rubber during the manufacturing process. The chemicals most likely to cause a reaction are thiurams, dithiocarbamates and mercaptobenzothiazoles (MBT). These can have a delayed hypersensitivity reaction, occurring between 6 to 48 hours after exposure. In general, the diagnosis for Type IV allergy is made on the basis of clinical history plus either positive allergen-specific IgE blood test or skin prick/glove challenge test. Type I Latex Allergy This allergy is caused when latex allergens attach to the cornstarch used in powdered gloves, used to assist putting on and removal of the gloves. The powder acts as a vehicle to allow the latex proteins to become airborne when the gloves are used, enabling the allergens to be inhaled or drift onto skin. Symptoms include: Urticaria (hives) Hayfever-type symptoms Asthma Anaphylaxis (in severe cases), a severe drop in blood pressure leading to possible loss of consciousness or severe breathing difficulty. Latex allergic individuals may experience symptoms of an allergic reaction merely by being in a room where powdered latex gloves are used. Direct contact may not be necessary. Type I latex allergy is an immediate allergic reaction to latex proteins and is potentially life threatening. Months or even years of exposure without symptoms may precede the onset of clinical symptoms of Type I latex allergy. In many cases symptoms become progressively more severe on repeated exposure to latex allergens. It is important for sensitised individuals to avoid further contact with latex proteins. The HSE has a dedicated website that gives information, advice and examples of problems associated with latex, which can be found at 11

12 IRRITATIONS AND ALLERGIES Symptoms Irritation Type 1 Allergy Boundaries of the reaction Definite boundary, often coinciding with boundary of irritant e.g. cuff of glove. No. Reaction limited to glove Undefined. May be under glove or whole body. Tendency to spread Yes. May spread beyond glove contact area. contact area. Respiratory involvement Cough associated with May involve wheezing, runny wheeze. nose, swelling of tongue, shortness of breath, cough and tightness of chest. Systematic involvement None. Nausea, abdominal cramps, rapid heart rate, hives, dyspnea, hypotension, shock. Facial involvement Possible only by facial contact Swelling of eyelids, lips, face, with glove. tearing, itchy eyes. How acquired Skin contact. Skin, mucous membrane or open wound contact, injection, and aspiration. EXAMPLES OF ITEMS CONTAINING LATEX In the healthcare environment Adhesive tape Adhesive plasters Airways Blood pressure cuffs Bile bags Chest drainage units Colostomy pouches Condom/sheath, urinary collection devices Laparoscopy insufflation hoses Dental cofferdams Elastic bandages Enema tubing kits Epidural catheter injection adaptors Eye shields ET tubes Fluid warming blankets Gloves Haemodialysis equipment Head straps IV set injection ports Latex cuffs on plastic tracheal tubes Mattresses on stretchers Naso-pharyngeal airways Neonatal incubator Oral-pharyngeal airways Consumer products Adhesives Baby teats Balloons Calculator & remote control buttons Carpets Computer mouse pads Condoms Contraceptive caps DIY - gloves for car maintenance, painting, decorating & cleaning Erasers Hot water bottles Rubber bands Self sealing envelopes Shoe soles Sports equipment e.g. hand-grips, gym mats Stress balls Swimming cap & goggles Tyres Underwear elastic 12

13 PCA syringes Penrose tubing Protective sheets Rectal catheters Rubber suction catheters Rubber breathing circuits Rubber masks Rubber tourniquets Stethoscope tubing Stomach and GI tubes Teeth protectors & bite blocks Tourniquets Urinary Catheters Vial Stoppers. Many drug manufacturers now use latex free synthetic rubber bungs Wound drains Latex Policy The above devices potentially contain latex but the latex content of any other devices should also be considered. This list is not comprehensive and is a guide only. 13

14 Worcestershire NHS Occupational Health Services Occupational Health Department Appendix 2 LATEX SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE NAME.. DOB. ADDRESS... JOB TITLE.. LENGTH OF EMPLOYMENT LOCATION. SITE. OCCUPATIONAL HISTORY please circle correct response Does your present occupation involve exposure to Latex? Do you wear gloves for long periods? Do you change them frequently? What skin care products do you use? Other comments:... MEDICAL HISTORY please circle correct response Do you have a reaction to any Latex product? If yes please describe.. Are you allergic to any food products? If yes, please describe. 14

15 ... Have you ever experienced local swelling, itching or dermatitis when using any Latex products either at work, home or receiving surgical or dental treatment? If yes, when and under what circumstances? (Please describe).. Do you have a history of the following: Please circle correct response Dermatitis Eczema Urticaria (hives) Asthma Hay fever Shortness of breath Coughing Wheezing Sneezing Rhinitis Itchy or runny eyes PRESENT RASH Date of first appearance... What were you doing when rash appeared? On what parts of your body is the rash? Fingers Hands Right / Left / Both Wrists Right / Left / Both 15

16 Forearms Right / Left / Both Arms above elbow Right / Left / Both Trunk Legs Feet Face Please circle correct response Is the rash: irritating / itching / painful / red / swollen / dry / wet / scaly / spotty / patchy / other (please describe).. Is the rash aggravated by anything i.e heat, water, clothes etc. If yes please describe... Do your symptoms improve on days off or annual leave Have you attended your GP with the above symptoms? Have you been prescribed any treatment by your GP? If yes, please describe what. Occupational Health Notes. Photograph taken YES / NO Date Interviewed by... Designation.. Date Signature.. 16

17 Appendix 3 ALTERNATIVES TO LATEX GLOVES Benefits Risks Low Protein Latex Rubber (natural rubber product) Strength - Highly durable. Contains <50µg/g latex proteins, but may Fit - Clings to hand giving excellent still cause sensitisation to some tactile sensitivity. individuals. Viral penetration - Excellent high The cornstarch used may allow proteins degree of protection to become airborne and inhaled. Nitrile Rubber (petroleum-based product) Strength - Highly durable Contains a higher level of residual Fit - Reasonably good accelerator than natural rubber that may Viral penetration - High degree of cause type IV allergic reactions. protection Chemical resistance - Resistant to a range of chemicals Protein free - Negligible skin irritation Vinyl (plasticised petroleum product) Strength lower tensile strength than natural or nitrile rubber Fit stiffer than natural or nitrile rubber. Viral penetration provides a barrier to infection. Chemical resistance resistant to a range of chemicals Protein free - Negligible skin irritation Certain chemicals may permeate of degrade vinyl. Polyisoprene (petroleum-based polymer) Strength - highly durable. Contains residual accelerator that may Fit - clings to hand giving excellent tactile cause type IV allergic reactions. sensitivity. Certain chemicals may permeate of Viral penetration - provides a barrier to degrade polyisoprene. infection. Chemical resistance - resistant to a range of acids and alkalis. Protein free - negligible skin irritation. Polychloroprene (petroleum-based polymer) Strength - comparable to natural rubber. Contains very low residual or no Fit - clings to hand giving excellent tactile accelerator, slight risk of type IV allergic sensitivity. reactions. Viral penetration - provides a barrier to Certain chemicals may permeate of infection. degrade polychloroprene. Chemical resistance - resistant to a range of acids and alkalis. Protein free - negligible skin irritation. 17

18 Appendix 4 SKIN CARE PROTOCOLS A good skin care protocol should address the following: Hand washing Wash hands thoroughly with soap. Rinse hands thoroughly to remove soap. Dry hands with appropriate single-use towels. Hand washing concerns Washing too frequently may dry skin. There are harsh detergents in some soap. Single-use towels may be irritating. Hand washing recommendations Wash hands before and after using gloves. Use good quality soap. Thoroughly rinse hands. Gently dry hands Use of lotions/moisturisers Prevents dry skin. Is integral to a complete hand care regime. Lotion/moisturiser concerns All not compatible with antiseptic products. Hydrocarbon- based (oil) not compatible with Latex gloves. Lotion/moisturiser recommendations Apply frequently. Use water based and scent free lotions only. Appropriate glove usage Use only Trust recommended gloves. Glove usage recommendations Use Trust policies and protocols to inform glove use. Report all skin problems to Occupational Health. Manage allergic staff and patients safely and effectively 18

19 Appendix 5

20 Appendix 6 2 Equality Impact Assessment Stage 1 Policy or service being assessed Latex Policy Person(s) involved in conducting the assessment Tracy Baker Health, Safety and LSMS Lesley Way Patient Safety Manager Carole Clive Consultant Nurse Infection Control Date the assessment is completed 22/09/2010 Directorate Lead Richard Stringfellow Policy or service lead (Job title and contact details) Tracy Baker Health, Safety and LSMS 1. Is this a new or existing policy or service? New Existing 2. What are the aims, objectives and purpose of the policy or service? (include how it fits into strategic objectives) To ensure the employing organisation is committed to people s safety while at work. 3. Who will benefit from the policy or service and how? Give a brief explanation of how the target audience will benefit? Service Users Staff Partner Organisations Providing a safe working environment which, as far as is reasonably practicable, reduces the risk of harm occurring to patients Providing a safe working environment which, as far as is reasonably practicable, reduces the risk of harm occurring to staff Providing a safe working environment which, as far as is reasonably practicable, reduces the risk

21 of harm occurring to contractors 4. Does the policy or service contain aspects which cause inequality? E.g. Location of facilities, operational hours etc. NNo N 5. For each of the six equality strands, answer the questions in the table below with yes or no, with a brief explanation of your decision. Question Race Gender Disability Sexual Orientation Age Religion or Belief a. Do different groups have different No No No No No No needs, experiences, issues and priorities in relation to the proposed policy or service? b. Is there potential for or evidence that No No No No No No the proposed policy or service will not promote equality of opportunity for all and promote good relations between different groups? c. Is there potential for or evidence that No No No No No No the proposed policy or service will affect different population groups differently (including possibly discriminating against certain groups)? d. Is there public concern (including No No No No No No media, academic, voluntary or sector specific interest) in policy or service area about actual, perceived or potential discrimination against a particular population group or groups? 6. If you answer yes to any of the questions, what evidence supports this? Present your evidence stating the question followed by the strand(s) For example: Question: a. Strand: disability and sexual orientation followed by the evidence N/A 7. Provider Services only to answer this question. Are there concerns that the policy or service could have an adverse (negative) impact on terms following human rights principles 21

22 (FREDA): (See Guidance notes Appendix A) Fairness Yes No Respect Yes No Equality Yes No X X X Dignity Yes No Autonomy Yes No 8. If you answer yes to any of the principles, what evidence supports this? Present your evidence as the principle followed by the evidence. X X N/A 9. Have any barriers been identified that could inhibit access to the benefits of the policy or service e.g. physical access, information etc? No 10. How will the service or policy be monitored in relation to the six strands and human rights? This policy will be monitored by via incident reporting and feedback from Occupational Health. 11. What level of adverse (negative) impact (high or low) will this policy or service change have on each of the equality groups? Race Gender Low Low 22

23 Disability Sexual Orientation Age Religion or Belief Low Low Low Low 12. What action will you be taking to address these issues? N/A 13. Should the policy or service proceed to a Full Equality Impact Assessment? If so, what are the reasons? No 23

24 Equality Impact Assessment Report Template Your Equality Impact Assessment Report should demonstrate what you do (or will do) to make sure that your function/policy is accessible to different people and communities, not just that it can, in theory, be used by anyone. 1. Name of policy or function Latex 2. Responsible Manager Tracy Baker, Health & Safety Manager/LSMS 3. Date EIA completed 22/09/ Description of aims of function/policy To ensure the employing organisation is committed to people s safety while at work. 5. Brief summary of research and relevant data H&S legislation 6. Methods and outcomes of consultation 7. Results of Initial Screening or Full Equality Impact Assessment Initial or Full Equality Impact Assessment? Equality Group Race Gender Disability Age Sexual Orientation Religion or Belief Human Rights Assessment of Impact Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 8. Decisions and or recommendations (including supporting rationale) 9. Equality action plan (if required) N/A 10. Monitoring and review arrangements (include date of next full review) Department Directorate Director Report produced by and job title Date report produced Date report published Health and Safety Corporate Development Richard Stringfellow Please send completed Equality Impact Assessment, Report and Action Plan to Kulvinder Hira, 24