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/Volunteers shall endeavour not wear scented products.
  2. Staff/Students/Volunteers 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/Volunteers 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/volunteer 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/volunteer. The staff/student/volunteer 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 and a change in work location cannot be supported, the exposed worker shall complete an Incident Report.
  7. If a staff/student/volunteer chooses to wear fragrance to the workplace again, appropriate action will be applied up to and including ending a volunteer/student placement or termination for staff. 

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.
  6. The client will be contacted by the supervisor or designate to explain the policy. If there is no agreement to avoid scented products when in the centre, the client will be advised they are at risk of no longer being able to access services.