Pandemics aren’t new in this world. In fact, there have been 31 recorded pandemics since 1580; three in the last 110 years, with the Spanish Flu of 1918 being the most famous for its horrific effects. It’s been estimated that this particular virus was responsible for over 500,000 deaths in the United States alone, a staggering number given that the population of the US was approximately one-third today’s level.

What Makes H1N1 So Special?

The current virus (H1N1) is a form of influenza A, which are classified according to proteins found on the surface of the virus. The “H” stands for hemagglutinin and the “N” stands for neuraminidase. Although influenza A is fairly common, it’s the genetic variation (due to mutation) of the current H1N1 that makes it unique.

In June 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the H1N1 virus (also known as the Swine Flu) had reached the pandemic level. This declaration meant the disease was an epidemic of world-wide proportions. Pandemic viruses generally have three important characteristics:

1. They are easily spread from person to person,
2. There appears to be no immunity within the general population, and
3. There is no or very limited vaccine available.

The H1N1 flu is now well entrenched in this country. Thankfully, the cases have generally been mild with most people recovering within a week. We all hope that this trend continues. Of course, there are those segments of the population who are at risk, including people with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, children, immuno-compromised individuals and women who are pregnant.

3 Controls Measures Safety Professionals Should Implement Now

What can WE do to prepare for the current virus, or for future pandemics? There are three controls measures that can be used to address the Pandemic Flu: engineering, administrative and personal protective equipment.

1. Engineering controls include use of air filtration devices, hand washing facilities and hand sanitizers.

• Air filtration devices are used in hospital waiting rooms and may have limited value. They don’t capture the agent at the source and the virus must be aerosolized before it can be captured.
• Proper hand washing can be very successful at controlling the spread of infectious diseases. The best hand washing facilities are designed to eliminate the need for touching contaminated controls. Examples of these “no touch” devices include sensor operated soap and paper towel dispensers, foot controlled water valves or sensor initiated water flow are examples.
• Hand sanitizers generally come in a gel or foam and are dispensed by pump action or from an aerosol container. Many of these sanitizers use an alcohol-based agent that is highly effective. It is important to note that the alcohol is flammable and care should be taken when sources of ignition are present.

2. Administrative controls are also available for infection control to manage the virus. However, it should be noted that a major drawback to administrative controls is the need for employees to actually use the procedure, perform it correctly and consistently. Education and awareness training are the common threads that tie administrative controls together. A few examples include:

• Social distancing: Maintain at least six feet from anyone during a pandemic
• Sneeze etiquette: Use a tissue to cover a sneeze, cough or for nasal secretions if you are sick. If a tissue is not handy, sneeze or cough into you upper arm.
• Hand washing: Especially if have handled materials that may contain the virus or if you have touched high-contact surfaces. High contact surfaces include handrails, door handles, desk surfaces and alike. If a sink and soap are not available, see hand sanitizers.
• Biocides: Decontaminate high contact surfaces with an effective biocide frequently. Check to make sure the product being cleaned won’t be degraded by use of the biocide. Also verify that the biocide is effective and a cleaning schedule established. More than 500 products are approved by EPA for decontamination of hard surfaces against the flu virus. A list of products can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/influenza-a-product-list.pdf.
• Medical monitoring: Check for employees who have overt symptoms of the virus, including a fever. Encourage staff to stay home if they have the flu. If an employee must work, see if the company will permit telecommuting. Employees should not be penalized for taking leave.
• Crowds: Avoid crowds if possible.
• Planning: Every business should develop a plan to address disruptions, whether it’s lack of supplies, a labor disputes, fires or the pandemic flu.
• Hand-to-face contact: Avoid hand-to-fact contact, especially to the nose, mouth or eyes. This procedure can’t be emphasized enough. This is a significant source of infection with respect to viruses.
• Vaccination: Get vaccinated for the seasonal flu, as well as the H1N1 virus as soon as it is available in your area.
• Stay Healthy: Keep your immune system strong by eating right, getting adequate rest, and avoid stress.

3. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the last line of control, and includes disposable gloves and respiratory protection.

• Disposable gloves should be used when handling material likely to be contaminated with the virus or while decontaminating surfaces. Disposable nitrile gloves are inexpensive and don’t have the allergy concerns associated with latex. Check to make sure the biocide being used does not degrade the glove materials. Also, disposable gloves may degrade with time, if stored at elevated temperatures or if exposed to the air for prolonged periods of time.
• Respirator protection typically fall into two main categories; surgical masks and N-95 face piece filtering masks.
  • Surgical masks provide a lower level of protection and capture airborne droplets that may contain the virus. They are relatively inexpensive and are reasonably comfortable, but are not recognized as protection.
  • N-95 respirators (face piece filtering masks) have been used in health care for years. They are relatively inexpensive, but protective if worn correctly. The OSHA respiratory protection standards (29 CFR 1910.134) has requirements for a written program, training, medical screening, and fit testing for employees who use a respirator for a recognized hazard. OSHA has developed guidance documents for stockpiling N-95 respirators (face piece filtering masks).

As most safety and health professionals know, PPE is the least desirable approach of addressing a hazard. It places a burden on the employee to use it correctly and under appropriate circumstances. PPE may also be uncomfortable or interfere with speech, as is the case with respirators.

Conclusion

To successfully manage the spread of virus, numerous controls must be considered and implemented. No single control method will be successful, with the exception of complete isolation, such as being a hermit.

Story Tools:  Email This Post  Print This Post Top