Bad things happen. That is why it is so important to have a plan in place for various potential disasters that may occur. If a disaster occurs, then the plan just needs to be implemented to overcome the emergency. A Hospital, for example, may have a water main break and multiple floors could flood with water. A Flood Response Team needs to spring into action and implement the plan for recovery. The Team allows for many things to happen at once to minimize the time the area is out of service.
Bad things happen. That is why it is so important to have a plan in place for various potential disasters that may occur. If a disaster occurs, then the plan just needs to be implemented to overcome the emergency. A Hospital, for example, may have a water main break and multiple floors could flood with water. A Flood Response Team needs to spring into action and implement the plan for recovery. The Team allows for many things to happen at once to minimize the time the area is out of service. One team would work on how to operate the day to day operations without the particular area. Another team can then focus on stopping the water leak and repairing the damaged water main. A third team could then work on clean up and reconstruction of any affected areas to ensure the health and safety of an area is restored.
The planning phase calls for a team to be standing by for when, not if, disaster happens. Disaster Response can mean the difference in a minor setback, and the closing of a hospital for an unnecessary extended period of time.
Another example is if the sprinkler system has a malfunction and starts dumping water in a hospital wing. The type of water in a sprinkler system is not the cleanest, therefore making the situation a category three flood. The Disaster and Flood Response calls for testing to be done to determine the damaged areas and what needs to be replaced. Depending on the age of the hospital and determination of the Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) in the Disaster Response Team, the testing may include: mold, asbestos, lead, and other for hazards. The Certified Industrial Hygienist will review the damage, inspect the affected areas, test, and evaluate what is needed to return the site to its original condition. The entire process will be documented thoroughly in each phase of the restoration. Remediation and building reconstruction will begin to address any areas of concern. Prior to the re-occupancy of the building, indoor air quality testing must be done to ensure a healthy work environment. The Infections Disease Nurse would work closely with the team to restore the environment to sterile conditions.
The examples above show the importance of having a Disaster and Flood Response Team ready to go to immediately start addressing the need, rather than waiting to assemble the team after the incident occurs. The valuable time saved with a ready to go solution is invaluable in the time of crisis. Click here to learn more about establishing a Disaster and Flood Response Team in your area.
Occupational Health Overcomes Everyday Hazards
Many workers face different types of hazards on a daily basis. Each company has a responsibility to proactively protect their employees from hazards encountered in the workplace. Accidents or injuries can bring production to a halt, reduce the workforce while the employee is recovering and lead to costly worker compensation claims. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can help your company improve the Occupational Health present at your facility.
The Risk from Asbestos
Asbestos poses a major health risk in many office buildings and homes due to the wide adoption and usage of asbestos as an insulator in the construction process. Asbestos can be found in the glue beneath vinyl flooring or in material applied to concrete to regulate the temperature between floors in an office building. These buildings and homes are being remodeled and modernized as an update to the space, but the demolition process can be hazardous if asbestos is present. Test for asbestos prior to starting your next remodeling project to ensure workers are safe.
Communicating the Dangers with HazCom
Hazard Communication focuses on explaining the dangers present at the workplace. The employees have a right to understand the hazards present and how to remain safe on the jobsite. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can work with your company to fulfill the HazCom requirement set forth by OSHA.
