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Influenza pandemic preparedness planning

Introduction

Flu pandemics occur with predictable regularity, generally about three per century. The last major pandemic was in 1918 when approximately 50 million people died. There were two more of less serious magnitude in 1957 and 1968.

Today there is a new, extremely virulent strain of virus emerging in Southeast Asia, which is already responsible for killing dozens of people. So far those infected have contracted the illness directly from birds. However, health officials are concerned that if and when the virus mutates so that it can be passed from human to human, it will lead to a worldwide pandemic far more severe than that of 1918.

Consequence of an influenza pandemic

During the 20th century, influenza pandemics caused millions of deaths, social disruption and profound economic losses worldwide. Influenza experts agree that another pandemic is likely to happen but are unable to say when. Nobody knows how pathogenic a new virus would be, and which age groups it would affect. The impact of improved nutrition and health care needs to be weighed against the effect of increased international travel or simultaneous health threats that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS.

Why prepare?

The objective of pandemic planning is to enable a company to be prepared to recognize and manage an influenza pandemic from the Phase 1 (interpandemic period we currently find ourselves in through to the Phase 6 (full pandemic period). Planning may help to reduce transmission of the pandemic virus strain, maintain essential services and reduce the economic and social impact of a pandemic.

In addition, blueprints for an influenza pandemic preparedness plan can easily be used for broader contingency plans encompassing other disasters caused by the emergence of new, highly transmissible and/or communicable diseases.

Pandemic preparedness is not easy. Human resources are needed to write a plan and some preventative measures may require considerable investments. Decisions must be taken that affect the whole company. To ensure decision makers are willing and able to make difficult choices before and during a pandemic, economic and bureaucratic commitments are essential. In order to render the plan and its implementation acceptable to the occupants of the buildings, employee involvement should be ensured as well.

Influenza pandemic preparedness plan

The capacity of companies for influenza pandemic planning varies and their requirements differ in relation to a number of factors. Aquacair Ltd can supply a written pandemic preparedness plan suited to your company. The plan takes into account all relevant guidance relating to any potential pandemic and provides the following specific objectives for each “pandemic alert” period.

Certain objectives and actions will be specific to influenza, whereas others address preparedness for and response to many health emergencies. The plan will also contain background information explaining why certain activities are thought to be important.

Asbestos Legislation

This year sees yet further planned changes in legislation, which will eventually result in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. This legislation, however adopted, will result in the current control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002, being combined with the 1983 Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations and the 1992 (Amended) Prohibition Regulations.

CURRENT LEGISLATION AND THE PROPOSED CHANGES

The asbestos industry in the UK is currently working to the control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 and Asbestos Licensing Regulations 1983 (amended). These two pieces of legislation are accompanied by three separate Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP) as follows:

It is proposed that, together with the Asbestos Prohibition Regulations 1992(Amended), the current legislation is incorporated into the new Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, which will implement the EU's Asbestos Worker Protection Directive. This will be accompanied with its own Code of Practice, replacing the current three ACOP's mentioned above. Only one current ACOP will remain; L127, The Management of Asbestos in Non-Domestic Premises. According to the HSE, this ACOP, introduced under the Duty to Manage Regulations contained within the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002, is targeted at a separate readership as it applies to the duty holders identified under this legislation.

The HSE is currently consulting on the impact of the proposed changes with the consultation period due to end on 31 January 2006. The consultative document, which is 283 pages in length, is available via the HSE website www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd205.htm or by contacting HSE Books on 01787 881165.

Kitchen extract systems - How often should I clean my system?

The deposition of fats, grease and cooking oils occur in the body of the ductwork as the vapourised cooking oil condenses in the cooler parts of the system. The accumulation of grease and cooking oils can develop presenting a significant fire risk as well as odour, hygiene and vermin problems. In severe cases oils can leak from the ducting and deposits may result in fans being out of balance reducing the efficiency of the system.

In line with the “Loss Prevention Council (16A and 16B) advice on fish and chip frying ranges and cooking equipment”, it is recommended that kitchen extract ductwork should be cleaned annually as a minimum. The exact frequency for the specialist cleaning of the ductwork will depend on the level of usage of the cooking equipment. The HVCA 'guide to good practice for the cleanliness of ventilation systems' suggests the following as typical cleaning intervals:

Heavy Use 12 - 16 hrs per day  3 monthly 
Moderate use 6 - 12 hrs per day  6 monthly 
Light use 2 - 6 hrs per day  annually