Policy

All staff, volunteers, students, and clients are to refrain from wearing scented products.

For the purpose of this policy, a fragrance will be defined as a substance that emits a distinctly noticeable scent which includes but is not limited to perfume, cologne, after shave, body spray, air fresheners and cleaning products.

Purpose

The main objective of this policy is to develop a broad awareness of the potential hazards of wearing scented products around individuals who may be sensitive.

Negative reactions to scented products may be severe and even life-threatening. Medical evidence shows that scented products are harmful to the health of sensitive individuals.

Background

Many consumer products now on the market include fragrances, which were intended to provide a pleasant aroma, or scent, to the product. These fragrances, which were generated either by natural ingredients or simulated by chemical additives are now creating medical conditions known as Fragrance Sensitivity.

Fragrance sensitivity is a hypersensitivity to common chemical and environmental stimuli. Common triggers or products that induce symptoms in people reporting scent sensitivity include, but are not limited to: cologne, scented body sprays, perfumes, lotions, hairspray, aftershave, air fresheners and deodorizers, candles, fabric softeners, laundry soap, etc.

Exposures to these fragrances and scents may trigger symptoms in some individuals. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to: fatigue, migraine headaches, rashes, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and nausea.

Procedure

  1. Staff/Students shall endeavour not wear scented products.
  2. Staff/Students who experience discomfort, an adverse allergic or medical reaction to a fragrance will bring this issue to the attention of their Supervisor. The Supervisor will then be responsible for initiating an investigation.
  3. Staff/Students who notice fragrance on another person have a responsibility to inform the person of this breach in policy and potential impact on others and request that they refrain from wearing the fragrance again.
  4. If the staff/student again wears fragrance to the workplace the individual's Supervisor is to be contacted and an investigation initiated.
  5. The Supervisor will, as soon as possible, contact the individual and address the issue with him/her. The Scent-Free Policy will be reviewed with the staff/student. The staff/student will be asked to attempt to remove the fragrance by washing and a change of clothes can be suggested if the scented product has transferred to the clothing.
  6. If the situation is unresolvable on that shift and a change in work location cannot be supported, the exposed worker shall complete an Incident Report.
  7. If a staff/student chooses to wear fragrance to the workplace again, progressive disciplinary action will be applied.

Clients/External Agencies

  1. Clients will be asked to not wear scented products while in RCHS
  2. Clients who are wearing scented products will be reminded of the policy and requested to return when they are in compliance.
  3. Signage will be posted in work areas and entrances.
  4. External agencies will be informed of our Scent Free policy
  5. If the fragrance issue continues, staff are to advise their immediate Supervisor for follow-up.