January 1, 1991
20.4.146
The grievor sought issue of sun barrier cream under TBS 3-14, Protective Equipment.
The grievor was required to perform duties in open fields and has extensive exposure to the sun.
The Administrative Committee considered and agreed with the report of the Occupational Safety and Health Committee in that the reference to barrier cream in the Standard was intended to mean a skin cream to prevent contaminants from penetrating the skin and causing problems such as dermatitis, and it would be possible for some material, unforeseen at the time, to qualify for use. In this case, however, recent evidence suggests the use of sunscreen cream could constitute a hazard and its use cannot be recommended or advocated.
The Administrative Committee further agreed with the report in that clothing is the best protection available at this time, and the JOSH Committee should address this matter to ensure employees are clothed in an appropriate fashion to avoid harmful exposure to the sun.
The grievance was denied.