Latex Risk Assessment Template for England and Wales

A Latex Risk Assessment is a critical health and safety document that helps you identify, evaluate, and control latex-related hazards in your workplace. Under English and Welsh law, you have a legal duty to assess and manage risks that could affect the health and safety of your employees, visitors, or service users. This assessment ensures compliance with multiple pieces of legislation while protecting individuals from potentially serious latex-related health issues.

When do you need this document?

You need a Latex Risk Assessment whenever latex products are present in your workplace. This includes healthcare settings where latex gloves are used, laboratories handling latex materials, cleaning services using latex-containing products, or manufacturing facilities processing latex materials. The assessment is particularly crucial if you employ individuals with known latex allergies or if your workplace has experienced latex-related incidents. You must also conduct this assessment when introducing new latex products, changing suppliers, or following any reported adverse reactions to latex exposure.

Key legal considerations

Your Latex Risk Assessment must thoroughly document hazard identification, risk evaluation, and control measures. The document should identify all sources of latex exposure, assess the likelihood and severity of potential health effects, and detail existing and planned control measures. You must consider both immediate reactions like contact dermatitis and serious delayed responses such as latex-induced asthma or anaphylaxis. The assessment should address personal protective equipment requirements, substitute products where possible, and establish clear procedures for managing latex-allergic individuals. Regular monitoring and review procedures must be documented to ensure ongoing effectiveness of control measures.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, you have a general duty to ensure employee health, safety, and welfare. The COSHH Regulations 2002 specifically require you to assess and control exposure to hazardous substances, including latex proteins. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 mandate suitable and sufficient risk assessments, while the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992 govern the provision and use of protective equipment. You must also comply with RIDDOR 2013 for reporting serious latex-related incidents. Your assessment must be reviewed regularly, particularly when circumstances change or following any latex-related health incidents in your workplace.