Arm yourself and your organisation during the stages of a pandemic

The H1N1 outbreak taught the world how quickly a pandemic situation can arise. On the 17th March 2009 the first case was discovered, although it was later that it was diagnosed as H1N1. By the 11th June the World Health Organization had declared a pandemic situation.

In today's changing environment businesses must be prepared today to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. The guidance below advices organisations on the hygiene precautions they should be prepared to take if a pandemic situation arises in future.

In Phases 4 – 5 (Pandemic Alert Period)

• Train staff in personal protection (hand washing, hand disinfection, wearing gloves, masks etc.) and behaviour. 
• Send any workers who you suspect of being infected for medical attendance. 
• Inform colleagues of general recommendations and remind them to look out for indications of infection. 
• Washing plans for hand cleaning and disinfection should be placed at each wash basin and sink. 
• Distribute clear rules of conduct in case of infections during work. 
• Provide enough waste bins for facial tissues. 
• Disinfect working places of infected people immediately. 
• Toilet seats, restroom fixtures, desks, door knobs, light switches, desk tops, telephones, door push plates, lift buttons, tables and working places in canteens etc must be disinfected after thorough cleaning.

In Phase 6 (Pandemic Period) 

• Clear rules of conduct in case of infections during work must be followed and monitored. 
• All washing sinks must have a dispenser for hand disinfection.
• Supervisors must inform each other (according rules of conduct) about the latest developments. 
• All surfaces touched by humans must be frequently disinfected in addition to cleaning.