Building Service Contractors
Introduction
This page provides general recommendations for a preventative increase in hygiene and decontamination for Building Service Contractors.
The re-emerging Swine Flu Virus in the Americas in April 2009 has caused World Health Organisation to issue a Phase 5 Pandemic Alert which is characterized as involving "human-to-human transmission with community level infection" on April 30th,2009. Unlike Avian Influenza, the new strain of the flu virus is able to transmit from human to human. Swine flu viruses had been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that cause regular flu outbreaks in pigs.
Given the new information on the spread, the virus (H1N1) causing the mishap is believed to be a mutated form. The new strain is a hybrid of swine, human and avian flu viruses and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it can spread from human to human. (28.04.2009)
The staff and customers of BSCs are under threat of this new virus with a need to ensure a working environment which is secure for everybody. Failing to create a risk reduction process may result in loss of business, risk to your brand value, reduced efficiency of your work force and even lives. Cleaning and hygiene constitute the first steps to a proper prevention and defence mechanism.
Diversey products have been tested and proven effective against enveloped viruses such as Swine Influenza Virus H1N1.
General Recommendations for sites like Offices and Public Areas
Follow the recommendations of the government and the authorities about cleaning and disinfection guidelines.
Recommendations for your sites
In Phases 4 – 5 (Pandemic Alert Period)
- Execute training in personal protection (hand washing, hand disinfection, wearing gloves, masks etc.) and behaviour.
- Workers with reasonable suspicion of swine flu have to be sent for medical attendance.
- Inform colleagues of general recommendations and remind them to observe indications of influenza.
- Washing plans for hand cleaning and disinfection are placed at each wash basin and sink.
- Clear rules of conduct in case of infections during work are distributed.
- Enough rubbish bins are available for facial tissues.
- Working places of infected people have to be disinfected immediately.
- Toilet seats, restroom fixtures, desks, door knobs, light switches, desk tops, telephones, door push plates, lift buttons, tables and working places in canteens etc. have to be disinfected after thorough cleaning.
Phase 6 (Pandemic Period)
- Clear rules of conduct in case of infections during work have to be followed and have to be monitored.
- All washing sinks must have a dispenser for hand disinfection.
- The supervisors inform each other (according rules of conduct) about the latest developments.
- All surfaced touched by humans have to be disinfected after thorough cleaning.
Recommendations for your customers
Hand washing recommendations
- Increased hand washing frequency is essential in preventing transmission of disease.
- Always wash hands thoroughly after touching potentially contaminated surfaces, removing gloves, if in contact with secretions from the mouth, nose or eyes (e.g after sneezing or coughing), after a break or visit to the toilet, and when moving to another activity.
- Use a mild hand disinfectant soap such as Soft Care Sensisept H34. Some people have very sensitive skin and may wish to additionally use products like Dermasoft and Aquaguard to avoid irritation.
- Where water availability or work conditions do not allow for increased, frequent hand wash, use Soft Care MED H5 (pour-spread-air dry alcohol based) for regular hand disinfection.
Recommendations for specific sites like Airports, Hospitals etc.
Please liaise with your customers and adjust your pandemic concept to the requests of your customers.
NB: Products listed may not be available everywhere. The recommendations should also be viewed as complementary to local regulations or requirements issued by local health authorities and are liable to change. Please contact your local Diversey representative.
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