RISK ASSESSMENT FORM - Latex Allergy Risk Assessment in Aesthetic Practice

RISK ASSESSMENT FORM

Latex Allergy Risk Assessment in Aesthetic Practice

HAUS OF ÄSTHETIK

 

Location: 4 Portland Square, Water Street, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1HA, United Kingdom

Date of Assessment: 1st April 2025

Review Date: 1st April 2026

Assessed By: Managing Director

1. Hazard Identification

   • Hazard: Exposure to latex-containing products, leading to allergic reactions in patients or staff.

• Location of Hazard:

   • Treatment rooms (gloves, aesthetic couch material, syringes, medical supplies).

   • Reception area (potential latex-containing items in office supplies).

    • Waste disposal areas (discarded latex products).

• Who is at Risk?

   • Patients with latex allergies undergoing aesthetic procedures.

   • Staff handling latex products (gloves, medical devices).

   • Visitors with unknown sensitivities to latex.

 

2. Risk Assessment Summary

Hazard	Potential Risks	Risk Level Before Control Measures	Control Measures in Place	Risk Level After Control Measures
Latex gloves used in procedures	Allergic reaction in sensitive patients or staff	High	- All gloves in clinic are nitrile-based  - Latex-free policy in place  - Staff trained to check patient allergies	Low
Latex present in medical supplies (syringes, tapes, dressings)	Anaphylaxis or skin reactions	High	- Review all clinic supplies for latex content  - Source latex-free alternatives  - Use silicone or plastic dressings when possible	Low
Latex material in the aesthetic couch	Allergic reaction from contact	Medium	- Check couch materials for latex  - Cover with a protective latex-free barrier  - Ensure alternatives are available if required	Low
Waste disposal of latex-containing products	Contamination risk for allergy sufferers	Medium	- Separate waste bins for latex materials  - Staff training on latex disposal procedures	Low

 

3. Risk Control Measures

A. Prevention & Patient Screening

   • All patients are asked about latex allergies during initial consultation and on medical forms.

   • Patient allergy status is documented in their medical record and flagged during appointments.

   • A ‘LATEX-FREE’ protocol is activated for any identified allergic patients.

B. Clinic-wide Latex-Free Policy

   • All gloves used in treatments are nitrile-based.

   • Medical equipment and supplies are sourced as latex-free where possible.

   • Reception and waiting areas are checked for latex-containing products (e.g., balloons, rubber bands).

   • Staff are trained on recognising and handling latex-related allergic reactions.

C. Managing Treatment Room Risks

   • Ensure all couches, bandages, and syringes used in aesthetic procedures are latex-free.

   • If latex-containing products must be used (in rare cases), ensure clear risk warnings and patient consent.

   • Provide a latex-free protective barrier over treatment couches if there is concern.

D. Emergency Preparedness

   • All staff trained in recognising latex allergic reactions.

   • Emergency kit contains antihistamines and adrenaline for anaphylaxis.

   • Emergency protocols in place to respond to severe allergic reactions, including calling 999 if necessary.

 

4. Emergency Response Plan for Latex Allergic Reactions

A. Mild Allergic Reaction (Skin Irritation, Rash, Itching):

   1. Remove any latex exposure immediately.

   2. Apply a cold compress or antihistamine cream if needed.

   3. Monitor the patient and record the incident.

   4. Advise patient to consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

B. Severe Allergic Reaction (Breathing Difficulties, Swelling, Anaphylaxis):

   1. Call 999 immediately for emergency assistance.

   2. Administer adrenaline if available and trained to do so.

   3. Position the patient comfortably (lying down with legs raised).

   4. Monitor vitals and reassure the patient until emergency services arrive.

   5. Document the incident and report under MHRA Yellow Card Scheme if necessary.

 

5. Monitoring & Review

   • Annual review of all medical supplies to ensure latex-free compliance.

   • Regular staff training on latex allergies and emergency response.

   • Patient records updated to flag latex allergies for future visits.

 

6. Risk Assessment Conclusion

   • Overall Risk Level After Controls Applied: Low

   • Are the current control measures sufficient? ☑ Yes ☐ No

   • Additional control measures required? ☐ Yes ☑ No

Review Schedule:

   • This risk assessment will be reviewed annually or upon any new latex-related incidents or changes to clinic supplies.