It seems there is still confusion in some members’ minds about skin testing.

• With skin testing you have to satisfy your insurance policy not the manufacturers.
• The confusion comes when you are asked to do an annual skin test according to ‘manufacturer’s instructions.’ This should read according to ‘manufacturer’s way of skin testing.’
• All brands have different ways they want their skin test done. Some with developer, some not, some behind the ear, some on the arm etc.etc. As soon as you read manufacturers instruction you get caught up in their ‘every time, every product’ instruction. Those instructions are to cover the brand, the FHA covers you!
• To fulfil your ‘duty of care’ for FHA insurance you have to do an annual skin test and keep a record of this for 6 years.
• However, it appears that if clients have had COVID 19 it can affect their sensitivity therefore the FHA recommendation is to test more frequently. For your clients safety and your peace of mind.
• The FHA Insurance policy is written especially for the FHA members to give a more practical way of working. If you do not have FHA insurance please check your policy for skin testing as all policies differ and you may not have this specific protocol to protect you.
• I hope this helps your understanding of the FHA Insurance Skin Test Protocol. You will find full details on the website: https://thefha.org.uk/insurance/skin-test-protocol/