MARCO MUIA BSc (Hons) MSc MCIWM, Managing Director
at Oaktree Environmental Limited. Marco specialises in all aspects of waste planning and regulation consultancy. He also holds the level 4 COTCs for Hazardous Waste Treatment and Transfer.
01606 558833 |
marco@oaktree-environmental.co.uk Twitter @wastechat.
Business Clinic
ENVIRONMENTAL
Fighting the myths on COVID-19
I AM writing as the Prime Minister has just announced restrictions on all but essential movement. With workers in our industry having been classified as essential they need to be protected so, here goes. This article is meant to be thought provoking rather than authoritative; please make use of the mass of guidance that is available online to dispel the myths and keep safe.
When assessing candidates (remotely) for the Health and Safety unit (OCS01) of their WAMITAB qualification, the discussion lately comes around to COVID-19. In summary, it is not like the flu or common cold and should not be treated as such given that it is new and advice is constantly changing and the proportion of infected people with severe symptoms is greater than the flu.
With the mass of information both good, bad and utterly ridiculous it is stating the obvious that those involved in dealing with waste during this crisis need to be well informed to enable them and their
colleagues to stay safe. Given the wide range of hygiene standards in welfare facilities on waste sites now is the time to review and improve those arrangements where possible.
Maintain a plentiful supply of soap, hand sanitiser (if you can get it) and hot water so that employees can wash their hands frequently and clean exposed surfaces. Ensure sufficient waste bins are provided in the mess facilities. Don’t rely on staff following the rules, put posters relating to the risk of transmission and the importance of hand washing in the mess facilities – the poster and other guidance is available at:
www.gov.uk
What also needs to be said is dust masks are not virus-proof and should not be used as though they are magical PPE; they are not fluid-resistant surgical masks. Face masks are typically rated FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 with other masks having higher rating for protection against fumes (e.g. P3 filter masks). Many dust masks on sale do not even fall in the FFP1 category and provide
inadequate protection. The better masks provide some protection from dust, mists, aerosols, fibres, etc, but when we compare those substance against a live virus which is in the region of 100 nanometres in diameter, the situation is wholly different.
The relevant guidance on Respiratory Protective Equipment at Work is published by HSE and is free to view online HERE.
Before determining which PPE is required risk assess the activity to determine whether the risk can be reduced as PPE is always a last resort. Take into account the manufacturers’ guidance in relation to fitting, use, removal, cleaning and storage or disposal of PPE.
I would like to go into more detail but 500 words is not enough – go onto HSE’s website and make use of the wealth of guidance that is provided free of charge.
Take care and stay safe. 53
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