"Are we prepared for a pandemic?"—With the recent media exposure of the H1N1 "swine flu" virus, this question is finding its way to the lips of building owners and managers who are proactively bracing for what could be the most tumultuous flu season in recent history. The fact is, a responsible infectious disease emergency preparedness plan may be the difference between "business as usual" this fall, and utter panic...or worse yet, potential losses. But what does such a plan consist of? Who do you turn to for help? Chances are if you're asking this question for the first time, or don't have an answer fast at hand, you may quickly find that the answer could come too late.
An effective infectious disease emergency preparedness plan and response contingency protocol is a comprehensive written document that outlines the actions an entity will take in response to, and in an effort to prevent the outbreak and spread of any number of infectious diseases including the flu. A good plan should contain:
*An outline of the various components of the plan.
*A stated policy on the duration of each component.
*Integrated strata of response protocols to minimize risk to occupants.
*Definitions of the specific actions to be taken.
*A listing of specific areas and surfaces to be treated.
*Information and documentation on the products and materials to be used.
*A building occupation policy for those who may become infected.
*A listing of the entities responsible for the execution of each part of the plan.
*A plan for the replacement of essential personnel who may become ill.
And while the existence of this plan goes a long way to meeting the due diligence obligations incumbent upon a facility's management, effectively carrying out this plan requires far more than just the written document. It requires the participation of a professional qualified environmental services company who possesses the right equipment, proper chemicals, appropriate documentation and sound operational training and personnel all at the ready to respond at a moment's notice. So if you haven't done so already, it might be time for you to ask your janitorial services provider, "Are we ready for a pandemic?"
Performance Environmental Services, LLC is a full service janitorial services company that has been providing commercial cleaning solutions to a variety of facilities since 1990. Performance has a wealth of operational resources available to its customers such as 24/7 on call emergency response, services specification consultations, cost savings analysis, and a comprehensive written infectious disease emergency preparedness and contingency protocol plan. Performance's plan speaks to all levels of experience by outlining all the requirements mentioned above, along with the similarities and differences between the two major classes of infectious disease, a good hygiene handout for distribution to building occupants and an in depth description of the two levels of disinfection protocol for which it maintains an "on call" standby level of readiness to maximize response time in the face of heightened concern. Performance's customers can rest assured that they are fully prepared for a pandemic disinfection response without even having to lift a finger.
It is important for all individuals to note that despite the recent surge of media coverage for the H1N1 "swine flu," the virus itself was first isolated in 1930, and does not pose any higher risk for mortality than does the more common seasonal flu. While viruses mutate over time, and share different infectious properties from strain to strain, all infectious diseases including bacteria can be controlled via the use a common set disinfection protocols for hard surfaces and good personal hygiene practices. Prevention is always viewed as the best first line of defense, and in conjunction with being vigilant to the signs and symptoms of a particular pathogen, we can greatly mitigate the spread of disease in an enclosed building environment.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30333, U.S.A. www.cdc.gov
David Berthold is branch manager of Performance Environmental Services, LLC, South Windsor, Conn.