How can you effectively reduce infection risk in your facility?

Although control of different infections might require implementation of different measures, “ good microbiological practices” should apply to all. However, if we are aiming to prevent winter respiratory infections, then in addition to suggestions made I would suggest a couple of measures 1- If vaccines are available, encourage employees to get their vaccines per recommendations by local health authorities 2- Implement policies that allow employees to work from home as soon as they develop symptoms so that they do not spread the pathogen in the community and at work place

The first step is at the entry point, COVID-19 taught us to check every person who enters your facility, examine them medically, and check if he is not visibly affected.

1. Establish and Communicate a Comprehensive Access Control Policy and SOP 3. Execute with Full Commitment 4. Continuous Monitoring and Adjustment 5. Regular Training and Awareness Programs 6. Utilize Technology for Surveillance 7. Establish Emergency Response Protocols 8. Encourage Reporting and Feedback

Continued: A couple of people have rightly (in my view) said that it depends on what infections we are planning for. There are many types each with a different set of mitigations and risk factors. If it’s just the winter colds and flus then shouldn’t we just use good sense with asking people to stay at home and work remotely if they have a temperature and this probably still infectious? This partly depends on whether a person is office based and can thus probably work remotely. Different for manufacturing.

La base de la calidad de aire interior es la VENTILACION (sea natural o mecánica), es la unica medida que puede a la vez mejorar la contaminación física, química y microbiológica. Por lo general el nivel de riesgo de una infraestructura en cuanto a contaminación microbiológica es resultante de factores propios a la estructura y factores coyunturales (COVID, Gripe...). Lo primordial es establecer medidas que permiten evitar al máximo contaminaciones cruzadas mediante medidas de distanciamiento, ventilación, tratamiento de aire activo/permanente y monitoreo de CO2. ¡El Aire Limpio es un Derecho!

1.Follow recommended cleaning schedules and methods. 2.Ensure staff uses appropriate PPE and is trained on its safe use. 3.Regularly monitor and document cleaning outcomes. 4.Periodically review and update protocols based on the latest guidelines and evidence.

Precisamos buscar as melhores formas e produtos para realizar uma limpeza eficaz, além de seguir todo o processo do início ao fim. Também precisamos nos atentar as periodicidades das limpezas, este item é inegociável, ainda mais se tratando de ambientes com elevada movimentação, onde temos bastante trocas de vírus e bactérias.

Different industries have different SOPs related to cleaning and maintaining hygiene. Some of the products used for cleaning in Petrochemical business may not be usable at Pharma. Hence choosing the right cleaning agent, using the same in a specified manner and process is a must.

To ensure effective infection prevention and control, follow recommended guidelines, provide proper training and education, monitor and audit cleaning and disinfection practices, use technology like UV light therapy, practice and emphasize proper hand hygiene, clean and disinfect surfaces regularly, and collaborate with stakeholders.

To reduce infection of any diseases, we are encouraging staff to follow up on the WHO and Health advisories which were implemented since CRONA virus infections started. Still, we have provided hand washing facilitation in the offices with liquid soap, and tissue paper, using hand sanitizer, reducing handshaking and embracing each other, and using disposable glasses for drinking water in the office open areas. also, we have cleaners to check them from time to time the toilets to keep them clean and sanitize them two times a day or if required after using them.

It all starts with policies and procedures in place that are applied from day one and monitored on daily basis. Having an HSE Manual in place is useless unless it is absorbed and explained to every staff from top of the helm through all departments.

Monitoring the air quality index is very important. Today, this can be done in a continuous mode. A display unit that shows the AQI parameters to all occupants can help bolster confidence. Guidelines, like ISHRAE, need to be followed meticulously. Adequate care needs to be taken while implementing disinfection measures like UV, ioniser, etc. Use of biophilia has gained popularity, especially in a post COVID environment but adequate care needs to be taken in selecting the right type of indoor plants.

Improving air quality is vital for reducing infection risk. Optimize HVAC performance, increase fresh air intake, use HEPA filters, and monitor temperature and humidity levels to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

In my experience standard maintenance procedures does not meet the minimum requirements of maintaining these systems. You need thorough system inspection and bacterial counts and clean in line with results. Mechanical maintenance does not account for additional bacterial/pathogen reduction.

This is one other strong point which many used to the boxy artificial ventilation in aome facilities lose sight of. Studies have shown facilities that receive occasional natural ventilation (cross) have a reduced chance of retaining contaminated particles in the air in enclosed spaces for longer periods.

Promote healthy practices: provide adequate hand hygiene facilities, use signage for reminders, educate about infections and preventive measures, and implement screening, testing, tracing, and isolation protocols. Cultivate a culture of awareness and engagement, emphasizing the importance of handwashing, cough etiquette, social distancing, and mask usage. Encourage open dialogue, early reporting of symptoms, and adherence to protocols. Create a safe environment through collective effort.

Placing sanitizers and sanitization kiosks (wipes, masks, etc) in the common area is one way to encourage the employees to adopt healthy practices. In the same way frequently cleaning & sanitising the common areas (reception, medical & wellness rooms, cafe , lobby area, biometric points, lift buttons etc) will help you to prevent the risk of infection for your employees. Educating them at various intervals through self paced training & mails communication and adopting prevention methods like temperature screening will also help to identify and prevent the risk of infection

Absolutely, fostering healthy behaviors is a crucial aspect of infection prevention. Ensure accessible hand hygiene facilities with soap, water, sanitizer, and paper towels. Use signage to promote hand washing, cough etiquette, social distancing, and mask wearing. Educate occupants and staff on infection signs, symptoms, and prevention. Implement robust protocols for screening, testing, tracing, and isolating suspected or confirmed cases, contributing to a comprehensive approach in minimizing infection risks.

Regular training sessions on infection control reinforce the importance of these practices. Display visual reminders, distribute informative materials, and establish a reporting system for potential concerns. Periodically review and update protocols to align with current health recommendations. Emphasizing a shared commitment to health not only safeguards individuals but also strengthens the overall resilience of the facility against infectious threats.

Continous and intensive sensitization (both for Facility is Staffs and Vendors) one major way to reduce risk of infection. Also prioritisation of necessary endorsed vaccines for the Facility staffs and Vendors.

Collecting and analysing data on infection rates, incidents, and feedback, you gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of your current strategies. This information empowers you to make informed decisions and implement targeted interventions to mitigate risks.

Should keep the area under control by having less quantum of person and only allow that person who is having the clearance from medical certificate of good health only from the certified organization.

Checks and balances are vital to evaluate effectiveness of your strategies. Audits, surprise checks and 360 degree feedback from all parties involved are important to improve and pluck the loopholes. It’s a continuous process of evaluating-learning- building- improving.

Prioritizing a safe facility involves key measures: deploy touch-free sensor soap dispensers and pedal bins for hygiene, install sanitizer stands for easy access. Upgrade security with biometric systems, replacing traditional locks. Enhance air quality by incorporating plants and using air purifiers. Address sick staff promptly, urging them to stay home, fostering a workplace that values well-being. This holistic approach fortifies infection control and establishes a healthy, productive environment.

Installing tried and tested Air Treatment into buildings is simple and cost-effective. We use the Panasonic Nanoe-X in our buildings and try to promote these on projects but unless you are engaging with a decision maker it is an impossible task. Maintaining air quality goes beyond fresh air plant in new buildings. It should also be mandatory to have systems like these to help maintain a healthy environment. https://www.logicool-ac.com/products/panasonic-ceiling-mounted-nanoe-x-generator/

Facilities have become new five star hotels and differentiator. Employees have started looking at the place and facilities available where they need to spend 8-10 hours . Gym , canteen, interior of the office has become USP .

Re-design the facility by placing sensor sanitizer at the entrance, motion sensor to the entrance of the hospital to see the reception, sensor taps to clean hands in the handwashing basin, use of hand dryers in the laboratory, and ionizing the air.

The leaflet talks about a small amount of ozone being produced.It says it a similar amount of the amount of ozone in a forest what does that actually mean? How small is small when it talks about a small amount of ozone is produced?