• Wear the correct gloves for the substance being handled every time.
• Apply barrier cream before work and moisturiser after washing your hands.
• Wash hands with mild soap and warm water; dry them thoroughly afterwards.
• Report any skin redness, itching, cracking, or blistering to your supervisor.
• Attend skin checks as part of the health surveillance programme on site.
• Read the safety data sheet to identify skin hazards before using chemicals.
• Change gloves if they become torn, punctured, or contaminated inside.
• Remove wet or contaminated clothing promptly to prevent prolonged skin contact.
• Use tools and equipment to minimise direct skin contact with cement and chemicals.
• Keep your skin clean but avoid harsh scrubbing or abrasive hand cleaners.

• DON'T handle cement, solvents, or resins with bare hands at any time.
• DON'T ignore early signs of dermatitis; early treatment prevents it getting worse.
• DON'T use white spirit, turpentine, or diesel to clean your skin.
• DON'T wash hands with very hot water or abrasive cleaners that strip skin oils.
• DON'T wear the same gloves all day if they are wet, torn, or contaminated inside.
• DON'T assume barrier cream alone is enough protection against chemical exposure.
• DON'T delay reporting skin problems; sensitisation becomes permanent once established.
• DON'T share gloves with other workers; contamination transfers easily between users.
• DON'T kneel in wet cement or allow it to enter the tops of your boots.
• DON'T skip health surveillance skin checks when they are offered to you.

See also: COSHH Awareness | Cement and Concrete Burns