Page 37 - OHS, September 2020

high-touch surfaces such as handles, levers, switches, doorknobs, faucets and equipment should be disinfected with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectants approved for the type of surfaces. EPA provides a list of registered products for disinfection along with contact time and targeted pathogens.5 Employee training for using these powerful disinfectants is of utmost importance.
Train Employees
While emergency shower training is always important, it is even more crucial since some employees may have been out of the workplace and could use a refresher. While training sessions may look different these days—with remote learning and social distancing—facilities should find opportunities to reinforce safety protocol and proper emergency safety equipment usage.
Safety training expert, Julie LaRose, MS, CSP, ARM, CHMM, explains that it is often difficult for individuals to think clearly and logically in a crisis. “If someone is exposed to a caustic material, for example, it is very easy for the primitive parts of the brain to take over,” LaRose said. LaRose offers these tips for successful use of plumbed safety fixtures:
■ If exposure occurs, train employees to protect themselves first before helping others
■ Remove barriers between the injured and the safety fixture
■ If clothing is in the way, use safety shears to remove it—do not pull a shirt over the face, which may spread the contaminant
■ Maneuver the person to the source of water and immediately deploy the fixture
■ Alert others for help by yelling or using an emergency signaling system to notify co-workers and first responders
Facility and safety managers are not alone in their quest to provide a safe and compliant worksite for employees. As mentioned previously, some manufacturers offer safety shower and eyewash system site surveys to ensure a facility’s safety showers and eyewash equipment are in proper locations, workable condition and compliant with ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 guidelines and/or designated corporate goals or best safety practices. Involving third party resources will help to optimize your safety program and safeguard employees from avoidable hazards and contamination.
Ryan Pfund is Senior Product Manager, Emergency Fixtures, for Bradley Corporation, a USGBC & ISEA member.
REFERENCES
1. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/building-water-system.html
2. https://www.cdc.gov/mold/default.htm
3. https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/index.html
4. https://store.assp.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Store/Product-Details/produc- tId/13594147
5. https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use- against-sars-cov-2-covid-19
wwwU.notihtlesdo-5nli1ne.com
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