Biological Hazards - OSHC

1 A Practical Guide Specifically for Frontline WorkersBiological Hazards Prevention and Personal Protection2 Contents1. What is Biological hazard? and workplaces where peoplemay come into contact with Biological hazards3. Preventive and control measures4. Respiratory protection5. protective clothing6. Goggles / Face shields7. Gloves8. Shoe covers9. Sterilization10. Personal hygiene11. Conclusion234491012141516163As corona virus, the cause of Atypical Pneumonia,rampages over Hong Kong, it has broughtunprecedented challenge to the safety and health of thefrontline workers in the medical profession, healthcareservices, cleaning service and property frontline workers remain steadfastly at their postsduring this very difficult time are under the constant threatof the killer virus. The Occupational Safety and HealthCouncil has prepared this Practical Guide to provideguidance on the proper use of personal protectiveequipment and the sterilizing agents, so that thesededicated workers can protect themselves adequatelyin the fight against this Biological What is Biological hazard?

2 Biological Hazards refer to organisms or organic mattersproduced by these organisms that are harmful to humanhealth. These include parasites, viruses, bacteria, fungiand protein. In general, there are three major of routesof entry for these micro-organisms into our body, the respiratory system, transmission throughcontact with body fluids of the infected or contact withcontaminated objects. The harmful effects posed tohuman health by these Biological Hazards are mainly ofthree types - infections, allergy and Occupations and workplaces where peoplemay come into contact with Biological Hazards Medical staff, cleaning staffand laboratory technicians inthe medical profession; Healthcare services; Cleaning services andproperty management; Employees in environmental hygiene services such asliquid waste and rubbish collection and disposal; Agriculture, fishery, veterinaryservices, and manufacturingindustries that use plant- or animal-based raw materials, such as paperand paper products, textile, leatherand furs and related products.

3 Indoor workplaces like entertainment premises,restaurants and hotels, where employees generallywork in enclosed areas with central air-conditioning: Any microorganismbreeding inside theair-conditioning systemor cooling towersmay spread in theworkplace through theair-conditioning the office building,the furnishing materialslike carpets and wall-papers, the potted plantsand places that are wetand damp or utensils thathold water are likely to bethe breeding ground Preventive and control measuresElimination of the source of contamination is fundamentalto the prevention and control of Biological controls such as improvement of ventilation,partial isolation of the contamination source, installationof negative pressure and separate ventilation and air-conditioning system ( in medical wards for infectiousdiseases) and the use of ultravioletlamps can help contain the spreadof contaminants. If the contact withbiological Hazards cannot beprevented, the employees must usepersonal protective equipment andadhere strictly to the practice ofpersonal hygiene.

4 The personalprotective equipment includesmasks, gloves, protectiveclothing, eye shields, faceshields and shoe Respiratory protection1. Using the appropriate respiratory protective equipmentis important for the securing an adequate protection frombiological Hazards . Common protective equipment includes: Surgical masks Surgical maskgenerally consists of three layers ofnon-woven fabrics. It provides abarrier protection against largerespiratory droplets; N95 or higher level respirators Thistype of respirator filters outparticulates and liquid droplets insmall particle size, therefore providingprotection from inhaling aerosols andmicroorganisms that are selection of particulate respirators should alsoconsider whether the work environment contains oil mists6 Particulate respirators withreplaceable filtersAir-supplying respiratorPowered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)or fumes and the required filtration efficiency necessaryfor the protection level.

5 In general, where there are nooil mists or fumes as in a hospital setting, respirators ofthe N-series with filter efficiency of 95% (Type N-95), 99%(Type N-99) or (Type N-100) are suitable. In anenvironment where there are significant amounts of oilmists, then the R-series, R95, R99 or R100 respirators(where R stands for oilresistance), or the P-series, P95, P99 orP100 respirators(where P stands for oilproof) should be used. Powered Air Purifying Respirator,PAPR. This type of respirator usesan electric blower to bring the airthrough the filter to the user, makingit more comfortable to wear. Air-supplyingrespirators. Cleanair is supplied byair compressor orhigh-pressurecylinder through The type of Biological hazard, the nature of work andthe work environment will determine the choice ofrespiratory protective equipment. Adequate training is7required for using the PAPR and the air-supplyingrespirators to ensure their correct and safe use.

6 It is alsonecessary to follow the manufacturer's recommendationsin the use of these respirators. It is extremely importantthat the respirator should fit the wearer for a good faceseal and the user must perform the seal check to ensurethat the respirator is worn correctly for the How to use disposable masksSurgical mask offers a barrier protection from respiratorydroplets. In the use of the masks, it is important to wearthem correctly. When the mask is damp, damaged orsoiled, replace it. A surgical mask in general can be usedfor several hours. If the surface of the mask is touched orthe wearer has coughs, the mask needs to be changedmore often. After use, the mask should be put in a bagor wrapped with paper before disposal. Wash the handsthoroughly Points to note about wearing a surgical mask: The mask fits snugly over the face; The coloured side of the mask faces outwards, withthe metallic strip uppermost ; The strings or elastic bands are positioned properlyto keep the mask firmly in place; The mask covers the nose, mouth and chin; Press the metallic strip on both sides of the bridge ofthe nose to keep the mask snugly over the face; Try not to touch the mask once it is worn over theface.

7 If it is necessary to handle the mask, hands mustbe washed before and after touching the to wear a surgical maskThe mask should cover fromthe nose to the chin and fitssnugly over the Under normal circumstances, a surgical mask shouldbe changed daily. Replace the mask immediately if itis damaged or the mask over the face,with the metallic strip atthe the strings behind thehead and press the metallicstrip over the bridge of Points to note about wearing a N95 mask:N95 masks are for use in high-risk medical departmentssuch as casualty department, intensive care units, radiologydepartments (Chest X-Ray examination units) andphysiotherapy departments (chest physiotherapy treatmentunits). Medical personnel that have to take care of high-risk patients or handle high-risk treatment procedures maychoose N95 or higher protection level respirators. If required to wear N-95 mask, the face-piece must beof proper fit. Compare the size of different brands tofind a suitable one.

8 Follow the instructions of the manufacturer in wearingthe mask; To reuse a N95 mask, it should be kept in a paper bagproperly before using it to wear a N95 maskPut on the mask. The headbands should be around thehead and : for the masks with valves, check them according to the instructionof the manufactures. If the N95 mask is soiled or damaged, replace itimmediately. N95 mask should never be shared with anybody orbrought outside the : Improper use of the mask may cause discomfort or reduce itslevel of masks should not be used by persons: suffering from respiratory diseases, such as asthma andemphysema having difficulty in breathing or feeling dizzy afterwearing itNOPQC hoose a small or medium-sized face-piece that fits theface. Pull the head bandsloose. The metallic strip shouldbe uppermost. Pass the handthrough the head Check:Positive pressure checking cover the mask lightly with bothhands. Breathe with should not leak out from theside of the pressure checking cover the mask lightly with bothhands.

9 Suck in air with mask should depress the metallic strip onboth sides with the forefingersand middle fingers of hazardrubbish bag5. protective clothing protective clothing includesprotective coverall (withattached hood), gown, apron,head and shoe covers; protective clothing should bewaterproof or impervious toliquids to protect the bodyfrom contamination by blood,droplets or other body fluidsand prevent thesecontaminants from gettinginto the body through openwounds or contaminating theworker's own clothing, thusreducing the chance ofspreading of pathogen andcross-infection; protective clothing is disposable in most cases thoughsome can be reused after sterilization; Standard protective clothing should be chosen (forexample, EU EN 340); protective clothing should fit the wearer and shouldnot hamper movement; protective clothing should be checked before use andreplaced if damaged; Biologically contaminatedprotective clothing shouldbe disposed of in speciallydesigned rubbish bagmarked with "biologicalhazard" warning and the bag and place itin designated location forspecial disposal;11 How to put on protective clothing:Take up the gown with the back facing the the arms through the sleeves first and tie the collarstring behind the neck.

10 Then tie the string around thewaist; How to take off protective clothing:Loosen the collar string. Slip off the sleeves on bothsides and the upper part of the gown. Turn the gowninside out. Roll it outward and Goggles/Face shields Safety goggles/glasses and face shields can protectthe eyes from contacting pathogen-carrying blood,droplets or other body fluids which may then enterthe body through the mucosa;12 Standard goggles should be chosen (for example, EUEN 166; ANSI ); Glasses without side shields can onlyprotect the front from liquid splash ; Goggles fit the face snugly andtherefore are better than glasses ineye protection; If necessary, face shield should beused to protect the whole face; Both face shields and goggles/glasses should becleaned with liquid soap regularly. If contaminatedby blood, they should be soaked in 1:49 diluted liquidbleach and then rinsed with clean water. Place themin plastic bags after wiping dry and store them in acabinet; Check them regularly.