Prevention and Control of Influenza A (H1N1) in the Workplace Engr. Nelia G. Granadillos Chief, Environment Control Division Occupational Safety and Health Center

Occupational Safety and Health Standards DOLE Rule Abatement of Imminent Danger Imminent Danger – a condition or practice that could reasonably be expected to cause death or serious harm before abatement under enforcement procedures can be accomplished Hazardous workplaces

Occupational Safety and Health Standards DOLE Rule Occupational Health and Environmental Control General Ventilation – suitable atmospheric condition shall be maintained through adequate supply of clean fresh air, air movement and suitable temperature Rule Occupational Health Services Employer shall establish an occupational health services in his place of employment

Airborne Precaution Airborne pathogens are transmitted through inhalation of droplet nuclei that remain infectious over a long distance (e.g. > 1m), and require special air handling Provide appropriate ventilation in the workplace especially in rooms where there is likelihood of surface and air contamination from/to the outside surroundings

Hierarchy of Operational Controls Engineering Control Adequate ventilation using natural ventilation and/or exhaust fan assisted ventilation Administrative Controls early detection isolation reporting establishment of infection control infrastructure Personal Protective Equipment

Definition of Terms Environmental mechanical ventilation Use of mechanical fans to introduce and distribute outdoor and/or properly treated recycled air into a building or a room. Environmental natural ventilation Natural ventilation uses natural forces to introduce and distribute outdoor air into a building. These natural forces can be wind pressure or pressure generated by the density difference between indoor and outdoor air.

Illustration of different natural and mixed mode ventilation systems

Proper Ventilation 1.Maintain negative room air pressure in the affected workplace in relation to the adjacent rooms. Negative pressure room A room in which the air pressure differential between the room and the adjacent indoor airspace directs the air flowing into the room (i.e. room air is prevented from leaking out of the room and into adjacent areas such as the corridor

Proper Ventilation 2.Provide adequate ventilation of 6 to 12 air changes per hour (ACH) as per CDC recommended ventilation practices for room air exchange, especially in health care facilities. Air changes per hour (ACH) Volume of air moved in one hour. One air change per hour in a room, home, or building means that all the air in that environment will be replaced in one hour. 3.Air removed (or exhaust air) from the room to the outside (of the affected room) should pass through air cleaning devices such as filters (HEPA filters).

Proper Ventilation 4.Always keep door closed to prevent air contaminants of other areas to enter or infiltrate the affected room (as a result of negative room pressure 5.Replacement air (or air supply) should come from fresh and clean air sources 6.Ensure that the ventilation system is functioning properly through regular monitoring. 7.Air and surface disinfection should be conducted regularly by using disinfectants, sanitizers, etc.

Particulate Respirator Also known as a filtering face piece respirator, a particulate respirator is a type of mask that uses a filter as an integral part of the face piece or with the entire face piece composed of the filtering medium and a means of sealing to the face.

Sequence of a particulate respirator seal check 1.Cup the respirator in your hand with the nosepiece at your fingertips allowing the headbands to hang freely below your hand

Sequence of a particulate respirator seal check 2.Position the respirator under your chin with the nosepiece up

Sequence of a particulate respirator seal check 3.Pull the top strap over your head resting it high at the back of your head. Pull the bottom strap over your head and position it around the neck below the ears

Sequence of a particulate respirator seal check 4.Place fingertips of both hands at the top of the metal nosepiece. Mould the nosepiece (USING TWO FINGERS OF EACH HAND) to the shape of your nose. Pinching the nosepiece using one hand may result in less effective respirator performance

Sequence of a particulate respirator seal check 5.Cover the front of the respirator with both hands, being careful not to disturb the position of respirator

THANK YOU!