Eliminate Hazardous Biological Agents Now
According to the Regulations for Hazardous Biological Agents, OHS Act (85 of 1993), these harmful items are “any micro-organism, cell culture or human endoparasite, including any which have been genetically modified, which may cause any infection, allergy or toxicity, or otherwise create a hazard to human health”.
Humans do not live or work in 100% sterile conditions 100% of the time, otherwise bodies would be unable to build up immunity against commonly occurring bacteria, particularly those that are airborne or left on surfaces by human hands.
Unfortunately, not everyone blocks the flow of air sprayed by their coughs and sneezes or washes their hands after visiting the bathroom or before preparing food. However, these are commonplace occurrences.
Employees who work in certain industries and environments are exposed to far more potentially serious risks, especially from so-called “super bugs”, which are extremely resistant to medicinal treatment.
Hospitals and particularly operating theatres and veterinary clinics are prime examples of potentially hazardous locations, where acquired infections could be life threatening. Employees working in food processing companies or food preparation facilities and abattoirs face relatively similar risks.
Other industries where potential biological hazards could easily exist include farming, sewerage treatment plants, garbage and refuse collection, laboratories, medical research facilities and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies.
Even offices are not immune to contamination, even if not by human deposits or excretions, certainly from other sources, such as damp, mould, inadequately maintained ventilation systems, and carpets and floors which are not cleaned often and thoroughly.
Industrial facilities and other types of workplaces need to be monitored to ensure the health and safety or workers from hazardous agents. In order to establish the presence of perilous substances, scientific sample collection is the first step, followed by analysis, communication of findings and guidance or instructions for corrective measures.
Dealing with these vitally important investigations and procedures effectively requires the skills of experienced, qualified professional experts, such as those from IOH Solutions, a company which specialises in all aspects of occupational hygiene.
The consequences of failing to implement biological hazardous agent elimination and control systems are too awful to contemplate. Contact proficient people who have a reputation for their skills and a passion for the work which they perform, for safety’s sake.
Contact us if we can help Eliminate Hazardous Biological Agents