IOM undertakes training for Malaysian health and safety inspectors

Dr John Cherrie visited Kuala Lumpur during November to run two training courses for a group of Malaysian Government health and safety inspectors. The courses covered the problems arising from skin exposure to chemicals and wet work, and a more general course on monitoring of hazardous substances in the workplace.

John Cherrie with delegates

IOM has an international reputation for excellence in dermal exposure assessment and this course was an opportunity for us to share our experience with colleagues in Malaysia. In both the UK and Malaysia, dermatitis from wet working is an important problem, causing serious pain and discomfort for those affected, and in many cases absence from work because of their condition. IOM has been pioneering the development of a monitoring device to evaluate the duration and frequency of wetness on the hands of workers in cleaning, hairdressing and other occupations. Dr Cherrie demonstrated this monitor to the participants and discuss ways of reducing the incidence of dermatitis in these jobs.

The monitoring course was linked to the new book "Monitoring Health Hazards at Work" by Cherrie, Howie and Semple (published by Wiley-Blackwell) and the skin course to a book published by Dr Bob Rajan from the Health and Safety Executive, entitled "Controlling Skin Exposure to Chemicals and Wet Work". All participants received copies of these books.

The courses were organized by the Malaysian Industrial Hygiene Association (MIHS) and the copies of the book on controlling dermal exposure were provided by the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS).