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Live Safely in Your Manufactured Home: A Factsheet on Manufactured Home Safety
Fires in manufactured homes claim the lives of 345 Americans each year and injure 765 more. Many of these fires are caused by heating and electrical system malfunctions and improper storage of combustibles.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) would like consumers to know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property in home fires.
The Problem
During a typical year, manufactured homes account for 17,700 fires, hundreds of deaths and $155 million in property losses. Manufactured homes have a fire death rate per 100,000 housing units 32-50 percent higher than the rate for other dwellings.
The Facts
Young children account for more than one-fifth of all fire deaths in manufactured homes. A recent study of rural fires showed that smoke alarms were less likely to be present or operating in manufactured homes.
The Cause
Electrical system malfunctions and heating fires are the leading causes of fire in manufactured homes. Together, they account for one-third of manufactured housing fires. Electrical distribution fires occur nearly twice as often in manufactured homes as in one- and two-family dwellings.
Safety Precautions
Have a minimum of two smoke alarms installed in your home regardless of sleeping space arrangements.
Install smoke alarms in accordance with smoke alarm manufacturer guidelines. Test your smoke alarms once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year.
Maintain your home heating system by having it serviced at least once a year by a professional.
Do not store combustibles or flammables near heat sources.
Never overload outlets, extension cords or electrical circuits. If the circuit breaker trips or fuses blow, immediately call a licensed electrician to check your system.
Have an escape plan and practice escape routes with your family.
Space heaters need their space. Do not place portable space heaters close to drapes, clothing or other combustible materials.
Install skirting material to keep leaves and other debris and combustible items from blowing under your manufactured home.
When considering a new home, ask if residential sprinklers are available as an option.
If there is a fire - get out immediately, go to a neighbor's and notify the fire department using the 911 system or the proper local emergency number in your area.
วันพุธที่ 30 พฤษภาคม พ.ศ. 2550
Fire safety for the deaf or hard-of-hearing
Smoke alarms save lives. But those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing cannot depend on the sound of the regular alarm to alert them to a fire.
People who are deaf or hard-of-hearing should use alarms with strobe (flashing) lights that have been tested by an independent testing laboratory. The alarms for sleeping areas with strobe lights are required to be of a special high intensity that can wake a sleeping person. Most major smoke alarm companies offer alarms with strobe lights. For information on availability and pricing, go to the manufacturers' Web sites. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of smoke alarms that meet U.L. standard 1971 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing include: Ace Hardware Corporation, BRK Electronics, Gentex Corporation, Kidde Fire Safety, and Menards, Inc.
NFPA's comprehensive guide on Smoke Alarms for People Who Are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing (PDF, 208 KB). Also available in Spanish (PDF, 239 KB).
NFPA's directory of national organizations serving people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (PDF, 158 KB). Also available in Spanish (PDF, 241 KB).
Also see: NFPA's smoke alarm fact sheet.
Safety tips
Consider installing a smoke alarm that uses a flashing light, vibration and/or sound to alert people to a fire emergency. The majority of fatal fires occur when people are sleeping, and because smoke can put people into a deeper sleep, it is important to have the necessary early warning of a fire to ensure that they wake up.
Be sure that the smoke alarm you buy carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.
Keep a communications device nearby. If you use a TTY/TTD device, place it close to the bed so that communication with emergency personnel is possible should fire or smoke trap you in your room.
Alarms with a 10-year lithium batteries eliminate the problem of having to change batteries. The batteries are designed to last the life of an alarm. Ten-year battery alarms still need to be tested in accordance with manufacturers' instructions at least once a month.
Alarms that go off because of burnt toast, steam, or other non-threatening sources can be a nuisance and can discourage people from using smoke alarms. Use alarms with a silencing feature that can be pressed to delay the alarm for a short period time. If the smoke does not clear in a certain amount of time, the alarm will sound again.
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside each separate sleeping area. If you sleep with bedroom doors closed, have a qualified electrician install interconnected smoke alarms in each room so when one sounds, they all sound. Install a new battery in all conventional alarms at least once a year. Test your alarm at least once a month, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Include everyone in your home and make a home escape plan, making provisions for anyone who has a disability. Practice your plan at least twice a year .
Note: NFPA does not test, label or approve any products or services.
People who are deaf or hard-of-hearing should use alarms with strobe (flashing) lights that have been tested by an independent testing laboratory. The alarms for sleeping areas with strobe lights are required to be of a special high intensity that can wake a sleeping person. Most major smoke alarm companies offer alarms with strobe lights. For information on availability and pricing, go to the manufacturers' Web sites. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of smoke alarms that meet U.L. standard 1971 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing include: Ace Hardware Corporation, BRK Electronics, Gentex Corporation, Kidde Fire Safety, and Menards, Inc.
NFPA's comprehensive guide on Smoke Alarms for People Who Are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing (PDF, 208 KB). Also available in Spanish (PDF, 239 KB).
NFPA's directory of national organizations serving people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (PDF, 158 KB). Also available in Spanish (PDF, 241 KB).
Also see: NFPA's smoke alarm fact sheet.
Safety tips
Consider installing a smoke alarm that uses a flashing light, vibration and/or sound to alert people to a fire emergency. The majority of fatal fires occur when people are sleeping, and because smoke can put people into a deeper sleep, it is important to have the necessary early warning of a fire to ensure that they wake up.
Be sure that the smoke alarm you buy carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.
Keep a communications device nearby. If you use a TTY/TTD device, place it close to the bed so that communication with emergency personnel is possible should fire or smoke trap you in your room.
Alarms with a 10-year lithium batteries eliminate the problem of having to change batteries. The batteries are designed to last the life of an alarm. Ten-year battery alarms still need to be tested in accordance with manufacturers' instructions at least once a month.
Alarms that go off because of burnt toast, steam, or other non-threatening sources can be a nuisance and can discourage people from using smoke alarms. Use alarms with a silencing feature that can be pressed to delay the alarm for a short period time. If the smoke does not clear in a certain amount of time, the alarm will sound again.
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside each separate sleeping area. If you sleep with bedroom doors closed, have a qualified electrician install interconnected smoke alarms in each room so when one sounds, they all sound. Install a new battery in all conventional alarms at least once a year. Test your alarm at least once a month, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Include everyone in your home and make a home escape plan, making provisions for anyone who has a disability. Practice your plan at least twice a year .
Note: NFPA does not test, label or approve any products or services.
FIRE SAFETY
Would you know what to do if a fire started in your home? Would your child? Take the time now to review fire safety facts and tips so your family will be prepared in the event of a fire emergency in your home.
Fire Prevention
Of course, the best way to practice fire safety is to make sure a fire doesn't break out in the first place. That means you should always be aware of potential hazards in your home. Start by keeping these tips in mind.
Check all electrical appliances, cords, and outlets
Are your electrical appliances in good condition, without loose or frayed cords or plugs?
Are your outlets overloaded with plugs from the TV, computer, printer, video game system, and stereo?
Are you overusing an extension cord?
Do the light fixtures in your home contain bulbs that are the correct wattage?
Does your home contain GFCIs (ground-fault circuit interrupters) and/or AFCIs (arc-fault circuit interrupters), which prevent electrical shock and fire by shutting off faulty circuits?
Look around your house for potential problems. And unless you're a trained electrician, be careful about do-it-yourself electrical projects. Studies have shown that many home fires are caused by improper installation of electrical devices.
Other tips:
Replace or professionally repair any appliances that spark, smell unusual, or overheat.
Don't run electrical wires under rugs.
Make sure lamps and night-lights are not touching bedspreads, drapes, or other fabrics.
Use caution when using electric blankets.
Don't let kids use kitchen appliances by themselves and supervise any art or science projects that involve electrical devices.
Cover any outlets that are not in use with plastic safety covers if you have toddlers or young children in your home.
Be especially vigilant about portable heaters
The number of residential fires always goes up during colder months, peaking between December and February. Portable space heaters substantially contribute to this increase. Before plugging in your space heater, make sure you know how to use it safely:
Carefully read the directions for its use.
Never place a space heater where a child or pet could accidentally knock it over.
Never place a space heater too close to a bed, especially a child's bed.
Keep newspapers, magazines, and fabrics from curtains, clothes, or bedding away from space heaters, radiators, and fireplaces.
Heaters should be at least 3 feet from anything flammable.
Be careful in the kitchen
Did you know that cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States? The kitchen is rife with ways for a fire to start: food left unsupervised on a stove or in an oven or microwave; grease spills; a dish towel too close to the burner; a toaster or toaster oven flare-up; a coffee pot accidentally left on. Always supervise your child while cooking, and make sure to practice safe cooking habits — like turning all pot handles in so they can't be accidentally knocked over and not wearing loose-fitting clothing that could catch fire around the stove.
Check out the fireplace
Fireplaces should be kept clean and covered with a screen to keep sparks from jumping out. Only wood should be burned in the fireplace — paper and other materials can escape while burning and ignite nearby items. Never leave a fire burning unattended, and make sure a fire is completely extinguished before leaving the house or going to bed. Have the chimney professionally cleaned once a year.
Beware of cigarettes
According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), cigarettes are the No. 1 cause of fire deaths in the United States and Canada, killing about 1,000 people per year. Most are started when ashes or butts fall into couches and chairs. If you smoke, be especially careful around upholstered furniture, never smoke in bed, and be sure cigarettes are completely out before you toss them into the trash.
Never let your child play with matches and lighters
You've heard it again and again, but children playing with matches are still the leading cause of fire-related deaths and injuries for kids younger than 5. Always keep matches and lighters out of children's reach. Store flammable materials such as gasoline, kerosene, and flammable cleaning supplies outside of your home and away from children.
Use candles safely
As decorative candles become more popular, candle fires are on the rise. If you light candles, keep them out of reach of kids and pets, away from curtains and furniture, and extinguish them before you go to bed. Make sure candles are in sturdy holders made of non-flammable material that won't tip over. Don't let older kids and teens use candles unsupervised in their rooms.
Be aware of holiday dangers
Around the holidays, there are even more potential fire hazards to think about. If you use a real Christmas tree in your home, make sure to water it daily — electric lights strung on a dried-out tree are a recipe for disaster. All lights and lighted window ornaments should be inspected every year to make sure that cords are not worn or frayed, and all candles should be used with care. According to the NFPA, the number of fires started by candles nearly doubles during the month of December.
Household Tips
Make sure all smoke alarms are in working order
It's a fact — having a smoke alarm in the house cuts your risk of dying in a fire in half. If your home doesn't have smoke alarms, now is the time to install them on every level of your home and in each bedroom. If possible, choose one with a 10-year lithium battery. If your smoke alarm uses regular batteries, remember to replace them every year (hint: change your batteries when you change your clock back from Daylight Saving Time in the fall). Test your smoke alarms monthly, and be sure your kids are familiar with the sound of the alarm. Almost 60% of all fatal residential fires occur in homes that don't have smoke alarms, so this may be the single most important thing you can do to keep your family safe from fires.
Because smoke rises, smoke detectors should always be placed on ceilings or high on walls. If a smoke detector near the kitchen goes off while you're cooking, do not take the battery out of it — you may forget to replace it. Open the doors and windows instead. Or you might consider installing a rate-of-rise heat detector for places like the kitchen, where smoke or steam from cooking are likely to cause false alarms. These alarms can sense when the temperature reaches a set critical point or when it rises by more than a certain number of degrees a minute.
If you're having a new home built or remodeling an older home, you may also want to consider adding a home sprinkler system. These are already found in many apartment buildings and dormitories.
Keep fire extinguishers handy
Be prepared for any accidents by having fire extinguishers strategically placed around your house — at least one on each floor and in the kitchen (this one should be an all-purpose extinguisher, meaning it can be used on grease and electrical fires), the basement, the garage, or workshop area. Keep them out of reach of children.
Fire extinguishers are best used when a fire is contained in a small area, like a wastebasket, and when the fire department has already been called. The NFPA says to remember the word PASS when operating an extinguisher:
Pull the pin. Release the lock with the nozzle pointing away from you.
Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
The best time to learn how to use the fire extinguisher is now, before you ever need it (if you have any questions, the local fire department can help). Fire extinguishers have gauges on them indicating when they need to be replaced and should be checked regularly to make sure they are still functional.
If you're ever in doubt about whether to use an extinguisher on a fire, don't try it. Instead, leave the house immediately and call the fire department.
Plan escape routes
Planned escape routes are a necessity, especially if a fire were to occur during the night. Go through each room in your house and think about the possible exits. You should have in your mind two escape routes from each room, in case one is blocked by fire. Inspect the room to make sure that furniture and other objects are not blocking doorways or windows. Make sure that the windows in every room are easy to open and are not painted over or nailed shut — remember, these may be your only way out in a fire. If you live in an apartment building, make sure any safety bars on windows are removable in an emergency. Be sure to know the locations of the closest stairwells or fire escapes and where they lead.
If your house is more than one story tall or if you live above the ground floor of an apartment building, an escape ladder is an important safety feature. You should have one escape ladder made of fire-safe material (aluminum, not rope) in each upper-story bedroom that is occupied by a person who is capable of using it. Like fire extinguishers, escape ladders should be operated by adults only. The ladder must be approved by an independent testing laboratory; it's length must be appropriate for your home, and it must support the weight of the heaviest adult in the house.
Be sure any babysitters in your home know all escape routes and plans in case of a fire.
Teach children the facts about fire
Unfortunately, many kids will try to hide from a fire, often in a closet, under a bed, or in a corner. But if taught basic fire facts, they'd be better able to protect themselves. Teach your child that fires spread quickly, that most fire-related deaths are not from burns but from smoke inhalation, and that dangerous fumes can overcome a person in just a few minutes.
Kids should learn to:
cover their mouths and noses with a moist towel or an article of clothing to keep out dangerous fumes while evacuating
crawl under the smoke to safety, staying as low to the ground as possible (smoke always rises)
touch any door (not the doorknob) to see if it is hot, and if it is, not to open it — find another exit
locate the nearest stairway marked "Fire Exit" if they live in an apartment building, or a fire escape if the stairway isn't accessible — kids should know to always avoid elevators during a fire
never stop to take personal belongings or pets or to make a phone call (even to 911) while evacuating
never go back into a burning building once safely outside
stop, drop, and roll to extinguish flames if an article of clothing catches on fire
Kids should also always be dressed for bed in flame-retardant sleepwear.
Practice fire drills at home
Kids have fire drills at school and adults have them at work. Why shouldn't you have them at home, too? Fires are frightening and can cause panic. By rehearsing different scenarios, your family will be less likely to waste precious time trying to figure out what to do. Discuss and rehearse the escape routes you've planned for each room of your home. Designate a meeting place outside your house or apartment building that is a safe distance away (a mailbox, a fence, or even a distinctive-looking tree will do) where everyone can be accounted for after they escape.
Then, every so often, test your plan. Use your finger to set off the smoke detector and let everyone know it's time for a fire drill. See if everyone can evacuate your home and gather outside within 3 minutes — the time it can take for an entire house to go up in flames.
Being prepared is the best way to protect your family from a fire. So know the rules of fire prevention, stock your home with fire-safety items, and make sure your kids know what to do in a fire. A few minutes of planning now may save lives later on.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MDDate reviewed: May 2005
Printer-friendly versionEmail this article to a friendSend email to us
Fire Prevention
Of course, the best way to practice fire safety is to make sure a fire doesn't break out in the first place. That means you should always be aware of potential hazards in your home. Start by keeping these tips in mind.
Check all electrical appliances, cords, and outlets
Are your electrical appliances in good condition, without loose or frayed cords or plugs?
Are your outlets overloaded with plugs from the TV, computer, printer, video game system, and stereo?
Are you overusing an extension cord?
Do the light fixtures in your home contain bulbs that are the correct wattage?
Does your home contain GFCIs (ground-fault circuit interrupters) and/or AFCIs (arc-fault circuit interrupters), which prevent electrical shock and fire by shutting off faulty circuits?
Look around your house for potential problems. And unless you're a trained electrician, be careful about do-it-yourself electrical projects. Studies have shown that many home fires are caused by improper installation of electrical devices.
Other tips:
Replace or professionally repair any appliances that spark, smell unusual, or overheat.
Don't run electrical wires under rugs.
Make sure lamps and night-lights are not touching bedspreads, drapes, or other fabrics.
Use caution when using electric blankets.
Don't let kids use kitchen appliances by themselves and supervise any art or science projects that involve electrical devices.
Cover any outlets that are not in use with plastic safety covers if you have toddlers or young children in your home.
Be especially vigilant about portable heaters
The number of residential fires always goes up during colder months, peaking between December and February. Portable space heaters substantially contribute to this increase. Before plugging in your space heater, make sure you know how to use it safely:
Carefully read the directions for its use.
Never place a space heater where a child or pet could accidentally knock it over.
Never place a space heater too close to a bed, especially a child's bed.
Keep newspapers, magazines, and fabrics from curtains, clothes, or bedding away from space heaters, radiators, and fireplaces.
Heaters should be at least 3 feet from anything flammable.
Be careful in the kitchen
Did you know that cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States? The kitchen is rife with ways for a fire to start: food left unsupervised on a stove or in an oven or microwave; grease spills; a dish towel too close to the burner; a toaster or toaster oven flare-up; a coffee pot accidentally left on. Always supervise your child while cooking, and make sure to practice safe cooking habits — like turning all pot handles in so they can't be accidentally knocked over and not wearing loose-fitting clothing that could catch fire around the stove.
Check out the fireplace
Fireplaces should be kept clean and covered with a screen to keep sparks from jumping out. Only wood should be burned in the fireplace — paper and other materials can escape while burning and ignite nearby items. Never leave a fire burning unattended, and make sure a fire is completely extinguished before leaving the house or going to bed. Have the chimney professionally cleaned once a year.
Beware of cigarettes
According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), cigarettes are the No. 1 cause of fire deaths in the United States and Canada, killing about 1,000 people per year. Most are started when ashes or butts fall into couches and chairs. If you smoke, be especially careful around upholstered furniture, never smoke in bed, and be sure cigarettes are completely out before you toss them into the trash.
Never let your child play with matches and lighters
You've heard it again and again, but children playing with matches are still the leading cause of fire-related deaths and injuries for kids younger than 5. Always keep matches and lighters out of children's reach. Store flammable materials such as gasoline, kerosene, and flammable cleaning supplies outside of your home and away from children.
Use candles safely
As decorative candles become more popular, candle fires are on the rise. If you light candles, keep them out of reach of kids and pets, away from curtains and furniture, and extinguish them before you go to bed. Make sure candles are in sturdy holders made of non-flammable material that won't tip over. Don't let older kids and teens use candles unsupervised in their rooms.
Be aware of holiday dangers
Around the holidays, there are even more potential fire hazards to think about. If you use a real Christmas tree in your home, make sure to water it daily — electric lights strung on a dried-out tree are a recipe for disaster. All lights and lighted window ornaments should be inspected every year to make sure that cords are not worn or frayed, and all candles should be used with care. According to the NFPA, the number of fires started by candles nearly doubles during the month of December.
Household Tips
Make sure all smoke alarms are in working order
It's a fact — having a smoke alarm in the house cuts your risk of dying in a fire in half. If your home doesn't have smoke alarms, now is the time to install them on every level of your home and in each bedroom. If possible, choose one with a 10-year lithium battery. If your smoke alarm uses regular batteries, remember to replace them every year (hint: change your batteries when you change your clock back from Daylight Saving Time in the fall). Test your smoke alarms monthly, and be sure your kids are familiar with the sound of the alarm. Almost 60% of all fatal residential fires occur in homes that don't have smoke alarms, so this may be the single most important thing you can do to keep your family safe from fires.
Because smoke rises, smoke detectors should always be placed on ceilings or high on walls. If a smoke detector near the kitchen goes off while you're cooking, do not take the battery out of it — you may forget to replace it. Open the doors and windows instead. Or you might consider installing a rate-of-rise heat detector for places like the kitchen, where smoke or steam from cooking are likely to cause false alarms. These alarms can sense when the temperature reaches a set critical point or when it rises by more than a certain number of degrees a minute.
If you're having a new home built or remodeling an older home, you may also want to consider adding a home sprinkler system. These are already found in many apartment buildings and dormitories.
Keep fire extinguishers handy
Be prepared for any accidents by having fire extinguishers strategically placed around your house — at least one on each floor and in the kitchen (this one should be an all-purpose extinguisher, meaning it can be used on grease and electrical fires), the basement, the garage, or workshop area. Keep them out of reach of children.
Fire extinguishers are best used when a fire is contained in a small area, like a wastebasket, and when the fire department has already been called. The NFPA says to remember the word PASS when operating an extinguisher:
Pull the pin. Release the lock with the nozzle pointing away from you.
Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
The best time to learn how to use the fire extinguisher is now, before you ever need it (if you have any questions, the local fire department can help). Fire extinguishers have gauges on them indicating when they need to be replaced and should be checked regularly to make sure they are still functional.
If you're ever in doubt about whether to use an extinguisher on a fire, don't try it. Instead, leave the house immediately and call the fire department.
Plan escape routes
Planned escape routes are a necessity, especially if a fire were to occur during the night. Go through each room in your house and think about the possible exits. You should have in your mind two escape routes from each room, in case one is blocked by fire. Inspect the room to make sure that furniture and other objects are not blocking doorways or windows. Make sure that the windows in every room are easy to open and are not painted over or nailed shut — remember, these may be your only way out in a fire. If you live in an apartment building, make sure any safety bars on windows are removable in an emergency. Be sure to know the locations of the closest stairwells or fire escapes and where they lead.
If your house is more than one story tall or if you live above the ground floor of an apartment building, an escape ladder is an important safety feature. You should have one escape ladder made of fire-safe material (aluminum, not rope) in each upper-story bedroom that is occupied by a person who is capable of using it. Like fire extinguishers, escape ladders should be operated by adults only. The ladder must be approved by an independent testing laboratory; it's length must be appropriate for your home, and it must support the weight of the heaviest adult in the house.
Be sure any babysitters in your home know all escape routes and plans in case of a fire.
Teach children the facts about fire
Unfortunately, many kids will try to hide from a fire, often in a closet, under a bed, or in a corner. But if taught basic fire facts, they'd be better able to protect themselves. Teach your child that fires spread quickly, that most fire-related deaths are not from burns but from smoke inhalation, and that dangerous fumes can overcome a person in just a few minutes.
Kids should learn to:
cover their mouths and noses with a moist towel or an article of clothing to keep out dangerous fumes while evacuating
crawl under the smoke to safety, staying as low to the ground as possible (smoke always rises)
touch any door (not the doorknob) to see if it is hot, and if it is, not to open it — find another exit
locate the nearest stairway marked "Fire Exit" if they live in an apartment building, or a fire escape if the stairway isn't accessible — kids should know to always avoid elevators during a fire
never stop to take personal belongings or pets or to make a phone call (even to 911) while evacuating
never go back into a burning building once safely outside
stop, drop, and roll to extinguish flames if an article of clothing catches on fire
Kids should also always be dressed for bed in flame-retardant sleepwear.
Practice fire drills at home
Kids have fire drills at school and adults have them at work. Why shouldn't you have them at home, too? Fires are frightening and can cause panic. By rehearsing different scenarios, your family will be less likely to waste precious time trying to figure out what to do. Discuss and rehearse the escape routes you've planned for each room of your home. Designate a meeting place outside your house or apartment building that is a safe distance away (a mailbox, a fence, or even a distinctive-looking tree will do) where everyone can be accounted for after they escape.
Then, every so often, test your plan. Use your finger to set off the smoke detector and let everyone know it's time for a fire drill. See if everyone can evacuate your home and gather outside within 3 minutes — the time it can take for an entire house to go up in flames.
Being prepared is the best way to protect your family from a fire. So know the rules of fire prevention, stock your home with fire-safety items, and make sure your kids know what to do in a fire. A few minutes of planning now may save lives later on.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MDDate reviewed: May 2005
Printer-friendly versionEmail this article to a friendSend email to us
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For what type of location are you looking for a fire alarm system? [required]
Retail Commercial office space Industrial/manufacturing Education Health Care Government Home (by selecting this answer you will be redirected to a Home Security quoting page) Other (please specify):
Please note: If you're looking for an intrusion detection alarm system, please go to our Monitored Alarm Systems Request for Quote page
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Please note: You will receive quotes directly from our fire alarm system providers via phone and/or email. Please respect the efforts of these providers by keeping them informed of your purchasing intent and timeframe.
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Information Regarding Severe
NOTICE
OSHA has developed this Information Regarding Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) to provide relevant and timely information regarding this illness to employers, employees, and other interested parties. OSHA may update this information as additional information concerning SARS becomes available. While the information references enforceable OSHA standards, the information itself is not a new standard or regulation, and it creates no new or independent legal obligations. The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to comply with hazard-specific safety and health standards. In addition, pursuant to Section 5(a)(1) of the OSHAct (the "General Duty Clause"), employers must provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Employers can be cited for violating the General Duty Clause if they do not take reasonable steps to abate or address such a recognized hazard. However, the failure to implement the information is not, in itself, a violation of the General Duty Clause. OSHA citations can only be based on standards, regulations, and the General Duty Clause.
Table of Contents
Background on SARS
Information for OSHA Staff for Public Inquiries
Information on Precautions in Healthcare Facilities
Information for Laboratory Workers
Information for Airline Flight Crew and Airport Personnel
Information for Crew Cleaning Planes that Carried Suspected SARS Cases
Information for Workers Involved in Air Medical Transport of SARS Patients
Safety & Health During Handling of Human Remains of SARS Patients
Employee Training
If a Worker Experiences Symptoms
Updated Information from CDC
Background on SARS
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is an emerging, sometimes fatal, respiratory illness. The first identified cases occurred in China in late 2002, and the disease has now spread throughout the world. Although SARS is believed to be caused by a virus, the specific agent has not been identified, and there is not yet any laboratory or other test that can definitively identify cases. Suspected SARS cases in the United States have involved individuals returning from travel to Asia and health care workers and other contacts of those patients. SARS does not appear to be caused by casual contact; transmission appears to be primarily through close contact with a symptomatic patient.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has defined a suspect case of SARS as an illness of unknown cause that began in February 2003 or later and meets the following criteria:
Fever of at least 100.5 degrees F;
One or more clinical findings of respiratory illness, such as cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, hypoxia, or x-ray evidence of either pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome; and
The onset of symptoms occurs within 10 days of either (1) travel to an area with documented or suspected community transmission of SARS; or (2) close contact with either a person with a respiratory illness who traveled to a SARS area or a known suspect SARS case. Close contact means having cared for, lived with, or had direct contact with respiratory secretions and/or body fluids. A list of areas with documented or suspected community transmission of SARS can be found on the Updated Interim U.S. Case Definition of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) web site. Suspect cases with radiographic evidence of pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome, or evidence of unexplained respiratory distress syndrome by autopsy are designated "probable" cases by the World Health Organization (WHO) case definition.In addition to fever, reports indicated that the majority of SARS patients experienced chills, and about half had muscle aches and dry cough. Fewer than half have also shown other symptoms such as dizziness. The incubation period is typically 2 to 7 days, although some reports suggest an incubation period as long as 10 to 12 days. Signs of the illness include a decreased white blood cell count in most patients as well as below normal blood platelet counts, liver enzyme increase, and electrolyte disturbances in a number of patients.Most people with SARS are adults. Those age 40 and older and those with certain medical conditions appear to be at increased risk of more severe disease and of death. Treatment consists of antibiotics and steroids, with other options being explored. Between 10 and 20 percent of SARS patients have required ventilator support for a period of time. To date, about 4 percent of identified SARS cases have been fatal.
Information for OSHA Staff for Public Inquiries
The CDC has established several resources, including, the CDC SARS Domestic Team, available by phone at 770-488-7100 and online at the CDC SARS web site. The WHO has information on SARS online at the WHO SARS web site.Physicians, employers, and/or employees should contact their state or local health departments (CDC's List of State and Local Health Departments) to notify them of any symptomatic employees or suspected exposure incidents.
Information on Precautions in Healthcare Facilities
The CDC has reported very few cases of occupationally acquired SARS in the United States. The CDC is working in collaboration with state and local health departments to develop a systematic approach to survey SARS exposures and infection in healthcare workers. The CDC has issued a number of recommendations for healthcare workers who may have contact with a suspected SARS patient. The CDC provides the following documents:
CDC Interim Domestic Guidance for Management of Exposures to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) for Healthcare and Other Institutional Settings,
CDC Triage of Patients Who May Have Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome: Interim Guidance for Screening in Ambulatory Care Settings, and
CDC Updated Interim Domestic Infection Control Guidance in the Health-Care and Community Setting for Patients with Suspected SARS.The CDC also provides general information on infection control for healthcare workers in the Guidelines for Infection Control in Health Care Personnel (1998) document.
Standard Precautions and Personal Protective EquipmentSince the infectivity and route of transmission of SARS are unknown, healthcare workers treating patients known to be infected with SARS should use standard precautions, including good work and hygiene practices and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for bloodborne and airborne exposures. Appropriate PPE includes protective gowns, gloves, N95 respirators, in addition to and eye protection.If workers providing care to a SARS patient have potential exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, they must use PPE in accordance with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030. Refer to the Bloodborne Pathogens Technical Links page for information on the standard.
Engineering ControlsAcute care facilities already should have appropriate ventilation systems (including appropriate exhaust and filtration) to eliminate the potential for exposure to airborne infectious diseases. If appropriate ventilation systems are in place, any airborne SARS exposures should also be controlled. Individuals with suspected SARS should be placed in an isolation room with negative pressure. If air recirculation is unavoidable, infected individuals should be placed in an area that exhausts room air directly to the outdoors or through HEPA filters if recirculation is unavoidable. The CDC's Guidelines for Isolation Precautions in Hospitals provides additional information on isolation rooms.
HousekeepingThere are no disinfectant products currently registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the newly identified viruses associated with SARS. The CDC recommends the use of EPA-registered chemical germicides that provide low- or intermediate-level disinfection during general use because these products are known to inactivate related viruses with physical and biochemical properties similar to the suspected SARS agents.
Information for Laboratory Workers
Laboratory personnel in facilities performing diagnostic tests on patients suspected to be infected with SARS should follow biosafety preventive measures established by the CDC, Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). As appropriate, they should also follow OSHA's bloodborne pathogens and respiratory protection standards.
Biosafety Precautions and PPELaboratory workers must wear appropriate PPE, including disposable gloves, gowns, eye protection, and respiratory protection. N95, N100 air-purifying respirators, or powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are recommended. If there is potential exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, laboratory workers must use PPE in accordance with OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030. Information on the standard is found on the Bloodborne Pathogens Technical Links page.
Engineering ControlsActivities involving the manipulation or testing of specimens from SARS patients should be done at the appropriate biosafety level (BSL) including the use of a certified biological safety cabinet.
HousekeepingThe CDC advises that there are no disinfectant products currently registered by EPA for the newly identified viruses associated with SARS. The CDC recommends the use of EPA-registered chemical germicides that provide low- or intermediate-level disinfection during general use against SARS agents because these products are known to inactivate related viruses with physical and biochemical properties similar to the suspected SARS agents.
Information for Airline Flight Crew and Airport Personnel
The CDC has issued recommendations for aircraft crew members to follow for notifying a United States quarantine station if a passenger on an international flight returning to the United States is suspected of having SARS. Refer to the CDC's web site for the Interim Guidelines about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) For Airline Flight Crew Members. Airline flight crews should notify ground and cleaning crews in the event that a passenger suspected of being infected with SARS has dis-embarked a commercial aircraft. This will allow cleaning crews that clean and disinfect the aircraft to protect themselves.The CDC's recommendations for other airport personnel are found at Basic Information on SARS for TSA, INS, and Airline Clean-Up Workers or Interim Guidelines about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Personnel.
Personal Protective EquipmentCDC does not recommend the use of any personal protective equipment for airline crew members at this time. CDC recommends that airport ground personnel, including airline cleaning crews, as well as Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transportation Security Agency workers, wear gloves, but not respirators. A passenger suspected of being infected with SARS should be separated from other passengers as much as possible and provided with a surgical mask, if available.
Hygiene PracticesAirline flight crews and airport ground personnel should be aware of the symptoms associated with SARS. All workers should use good hygiene practices including frequent hand washing with soap and water.
Cleaning Planes that Have Carried Suspected SARS Cases
If a passenger is suspected of having SARS, providing additional information for crews cleaning that airplane is necessary. OSHA advises following the recommendations published by the CDC for this situation, Interim Guidance for Cleaning of Commercial Passenger Aircraft Following a Flight with a Passenger with Suspected Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Personal Protective EquipmentThe CDC recommends that personnel who clean an airplane that a passenger suspected of having SARS has been on wear disposable gloves, but need not use gowns, masks, or respirators.
Hygiene and Housekeeping PracticesThe managers of airline cleaning crews should be aware of the symptoms of SARS. Any employee who cleans a plane that transported a possible SARS patient should notify the company's occupational health unit if he or she develops SARS-type symptoms, within 10 days of cleaning that aircraft. The CDC believes that the main source of infectious particles will have been removed once an infected SARS patient leaves the aircraft, but it does not know whether transmission of SARS may occur through contact with residual infectious materials on surfaces. OSHA advises airline clean-up crews to follow the CDC's recommendations for hygiene practices. Clean-up crews should continue to practice frequent hand washing with soap and water. The CDC has made the following additional recommendations:
Do NOT use compressed air to clean the airplane. (This may serve to re-aerosolize infectious material.)
Remove or throw away gloves if they become soiled or damaged while cleaning.
Discard gloves after you have finished cleaning (i.e., do not wash or reuse gloves that were worn during cleaning).
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand wash to clean hands.
Frequently-touched surfaces in the passenger cabin (e.g., arm-rests, seat-backs, tray tables, light and air controls, and adjacent walls and windows) and passenger bathrooms should be wiped down with an EPA-registered low- or intermediate-level chemical household germicide and allowed to air dry in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.The CDC advises that there are no disinfectant products currently registered by EPA for the newly identified viruses associated with SARS. The CDC recommends the use of EPA-registered chemical germicides that provide low- or intermediate-level disinfection during general use against SARS agents because these products are known to inactivate related viruses with physical and biochemical properties similar to the suspected SARS agents.
Information for Workers Involved in Air Medical Transport of SARS Patients
The CDC has published interim recommendations to protect employees who may be required to transport patients with SARS by air: Interim Guidance: Air Medical Transport for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Patients. There are several concerns that should be considered, including limiting the number of persons preparing, transporting, and receiving potential SARS-infected patients to limit potential occupational exposure.
Personal Protective EquipmentThe use of respiratory protection is recommended. OSHA requires that employers select and use respiratory protection in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134. In order for respirators to be effective in protecting employees, they must be properly fit-tested and employees must be appropriately trained. If workers providing care to a SARS patient have potential exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, they must wear other protective clothing and use PPE in accordance with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030. Information on that standard is available on the Bloodborne Pathogens Technical Links page.
Hygiene PracticesStandard hygiene practices are encouraged, especially frequent hand washing with soap and water.
Safety and Health During Handling of Human Remains of SARS Patients
The CDC provides recommendations for those handling human remains of SARS patients. Please refer to the following document from CDC: Safe Handling of Human Remains of SARS Patients: Safe Handling of Human Remains of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Patients: Interim Domestic Guidance.
Personal Protective EquipmentWorkers handling human remains of SARS patients should use respiratory protection (N95 or higher filter efficiency) and protective garments including surgical scrub suit, surgical cap, impervious gown or apron with full sleeve coverage, eye protection (e.g., goggles or face shield), shoe covers and double surgical gloves with an interposed layer of cut-proof synthetic mesh gloves.If there is potential exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, PPE use must comply with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030. Refer to the Bloodborne Pathogens Technical Links page for information on the standard.Use of respiratory protection must comply with 29 CFR 1910.134. Please refer to OSHA's Respiratory Protection e-Tool for assistance with respiratory selection.
Hygiene PracticesWhen appropriate, employers must ensure that workers handling the remains of SARS patients comply with the hygiene provisions of OSHA's bloodborne pathogen standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030. In all cases, these workers should use good housekeeping and hand-washing practices.
Employee Training
All employees with potential occupational exposure to SARS, as described in this document, should be trained on the hazards associated with that exposure and on the protocols in place in their facilities to isolate and report cases and to reduce exposures.Employers and employees may obtain further information on OSHA training regulations and policies including the revised bloodborne pathogen standard 29 CFR 1910.1030 and needlestick prevention information located on the Bloodborne Pathogens Technical Links page. Additional information can also be obtained from the CDC's SARS web site.
If a Worker Experiences Symptoms
If an employee experiences a fever and respiratory symptoms after contact with a patient known to be infected with SARS, the CDC recommends that the employee be excluded from duty.
Updated Information from CDC
As more information becomes available, updates may be added to information on the CDC SARS web site.
Revised: 30 May 2003
OSHA has developed this Information Regarding Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) to provide relevant and timely information regarding this illness to employers, employees, and other interested parties. OSHA may update this information as additional information concerning SARS becomes available. While the information references enforceable OSHA standards, the information itself is not a new standard or regulation, and it creates no new or independent legal obligations. The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to comply with hazard-specific safety and health standards. In addition, pursuant to Section 5(a)(1) of the OSHAct (the "General Duty Clause"), employers must provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Employers can be cited for violating the General Duty Clause if they do not take reasonable steps to abate or address such a recognized hazard. However, the failure to implement the information is not, in itself, a violation of the General Duty Clause. OSHA citations can only be based on standards, regulations, and the General Duty Clause.
Table of Contents
Background on SARS
Information for OSHA Staff for Public Inquiries
Information on Precautions in Healthcare Facilities
Information for Laboratory Workers
Information for Airline Flight Crew and Airport Personnel
Information for Crew Cleaning Planes that Carried Suspected SARS Cases
Information for Workers Involved in Air Medical Transport of SARS Patients
Safety & Health During Handling of Human Remains of SARS Patients
Employee Training
If a Worker Experiences Symptoms
Updated Information from CDC
Background on SARS
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is an emerging, sometimes fatal, respiratory illness. The first identified cases occurred in China in late 2002, and the disease has now spread throughout the world. Although SARS is believed to be caused by a virus, the specific agent has not been identified, and there is not yet any laboratory or other test that can definitively identify cases. Suspected SARS cases in the United States have involved individuals returning from travel to Asia and health care workers and other contacts of those patients. SARS does not appear to be caused by casual contact; transmission appears to be primarily through close contact with a symptomatic patient.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has defined a suspect case of SARS as an illness of unknown cause that began in February 2003 or later and meets the following criteria:
Fever of at least 100.5 degrees F;
One or more clinical findings of respiratory illness, such as cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, hypoxia, or x-ray evidence of either pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome; and
The onset of symptoms occurs within 10 days of either (1) travel to an area with documented or suspected community transmission of SARS; or (2) close contact with either a person with a respiratory illness who traveled to a SARS area or a known suspect SARS case. Close contact means having cared for, lived with, or had direct contact with respiratory secretions and/or body fluids. A list of areas with documented or suspected community transmission of SARS can be found on the Updated Interim U.S. Case Definition of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) web site. Suspect cases with radiographic evidence of pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome, or evidence of unexplained respiratory distress syndrome by autopsy are designated "probable" cases by the World Health Organization (WHO) case definition.In addition to fever, reports indicated that the majority of SARS patients experienced chills, and about half had muscle aches and dry cough. Fewer than half have also shown other symptoms such as dizziness. The incubation period is typically 2 to 7 days, although some reports suggest an incubation period as long as 10 to 12 days. Signs of the illness include a decreased white blood cell count in most patients as well as below normal blood platelet counts, liver enzyme increase, and electrolyte disturbances in a number of patients.Most people with SARS are adults. Those age 40 and older and those with certain medical conditions appear to be at increased risk of more severe disease and of death. Treatment consists of antibiotics and steroids, with other options being explored. Between 10 and 20 percent of SARS patients have required ventilator support for a period of time. To date, about 4 percent of identified SARS cases have been fatal.
Information for OSHA Staff for Public Inquiries
The CDC has established several resources, including, the CDC SARS Domestic Team, available by phone at 770-488-7100 and online at the CDC SARS web site. The WHO has information on SARS online at the WHO SARS web site.Physicians, employers, and/or employees should contact their state or local health departments (CDC's List of State and Local Health Departments) to notify them of any symptomatic employees or suspected exposure incidents.
Information on Precautions in Healthcare Facilities
The CDC has reported very few cases of occupationally acquired SARS in the United States. The CDC is working in collaboration with state and local health departments to develop a systematic approach to survey SARS exposures and infection in healthcare workers. The CDC has issued a number of recommendations for healthcare workers who may have contact with a suspected SARS patient. The CDC provides the following documents:
CDC Interim Domestic Guidance for Management of Exposures to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) for Healthcare and Other Institutional Settings,
CDC Triage of Patients Who May Have Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome: Interim Guidance for Screening in Ambulatory Care Settings, and
CDC Updated Interim Domestic Infection Control Guidance in the Health-Care and Community Setting for Patients with Suspected SARS.The CDC also provides general information on infection control for healthcare workers in the Guidelines for Infection Control in Health Care Personnel (1998) document.
Standard Precautions and Personal Protective EquipmentSince the infectivity and route of transmission of SARS are unknown, healthcare workers treating patients known to be infected with SARS should use standard precautions, including good work and hygiene practices and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for bloodborne and airborne exposures. Appropriate PPE includes protective gowns, gloves, N95 respirators, in addition to and eye protection.If workers providing care to a SARS patient have potential exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, they must use PPE in accordance with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030. Refer to the Bloodborne Pathogens Technical Links page for information on the standard.
Engineering ControlsAcute care facilities already should have appropriate ventilation systems (including appropriate exhaust and filtration) to eliminate the potential for exposure to airborne infectious diseases. If appropriate ventilation systems are in place, any airborne SARS exposures should also be controlled. Individuals with suspected SARS should be placed in an isolation room with negative pressure. If air recirculation is unavoidable, infected individuals should be placed in an area that exhausts room air directly to the outdoors or through HEPA filters if recirculation is unavoidable. The CDC's Guidelines for Isolation Precautions in Hospitals provides additional information on isolation rooms.
HousekeepingThere are no disinfectant products currently registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the newly identified viruses associated with SARS. The CDC recommends the use of EPA-registered chemical germicides that provide low- or intermediate-level disinfection during general use because these products are known to inactivate related viruses with physical and biochemical properties similar to the suspected SARS agents.
Information for Laboratory Workers
Laboratory personnel in facilities performing diagnostic tests on patients suspected to be infected with SARS should follow biosafety preventive measures established by the CDC, Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). As appropriate, they should also follow OSHA's bloodborne pathogens and respiratory protection standards.
Biosafety Precautions and PPELaboratory workers must wear appropriate PPE, including disposable gloves, gowns, eye protection, and respiratory protection. N95, N100 air-purifying respirators, or powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are recommended. If there is potential exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, laboratory workers must use PPE in accordance with OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030. Information on the standard is found on the Bloodborne Pathogens Technical Links page.
Engineering ControlsActivities involving the manipulation or testing of specimens from SARS patients should be done at the appropriate biosafety level (BSL) including the use of a certified biological safety cabinet.
HousekeepingThe CDC advises that there are no disinfectant products currently registered by EPA for the newly identified viruses associated with SARS. The CDC recommends the use of EPA-registered chemical germicides that provide low- or intermediate-level disinfection during general use against SARS agents because these products are known to inactivate related viruses with physical and biochemical properties similar to the suspected SARS agents.
Information for Airline Flight Crew and Airport Personnel
The CDC has issued recommendations for aircraft crew members to follow for notifying a United States quarantine station if a passenger on an international flight returning to the United States is suspected of having SARS. Refer to the CDC's web site for the Interim Guidelines about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) For Airline Flight Crew Members. Airline flight crews should notify ground and cleaning crews in the event that a passenger suspected of being infected with SARS has dis-embarked a commercial aircraft. This will allow cleaning crews that clean and disinfect the aircraft to protect themselves.The CDC's recommendations for other airport personnel are found at Basic Information on SARS for TSA, INS, and Airline Clean-Up Workers or Interim Guidelines about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Personnel.
Personal Protective EquipmentCDC does not recommend the use of any personal protective equipment for airline crew members at this time. CDC recommends that airport ground personnel, including airline cleaning crews, as well as Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transportation Security Agency workers, wear gloves, but not respirators. A passenger suspected of being infected with SARS should be separated from other passengers as much as possible and provided with a surgical mask, if available.
Hygiene PracticesAirline flight crews and airport ground personnel should be aware of the symptoms associated with SARS. All workers should use good hygiene practices including frequent hand washing with soap and water.
Cleaning Planes that Have Carried Suspected SARS Cases
If a passenger is suspected of having SARS, providing additional information for crews cleaning that airplane is necessary. OSHA advises following the recommendations published by the CDC for this situation, Interim Guidance for Cleaning of Commercial Passenger Aircraft Following a Flight with a Passenger with Suspected Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Personal Protective EquipmentThe CDC recommends that personnel who clean an airplane that a passenger suspected of having SARS has been on wear disposable gloves, but need not use gowns, masks, or respirators.
Hygiene and Housekeeping PracticesThe managers of airline cleaning crews should be aware of the symptoms of SARS. Any employee who cleans a plane that transported a possible SARS patient should notify the company's occupational health unit if he or she develops SARS-type symptoms, within 10 days of cleaning that aircraft. The CDC believes that the main source of infectious particles will have been removed once an infected SARS patient leaves the aircraft, but it does not know whether transmission of SARS may occur through contact with residual infectious materials on surfaces. OSHA advises airline clean-up crews to follow the CDC's recommendations for hygiene practices. Clean-up crews should continue to practice frequent hand washing with soap and water. The CDC has made the following additional recommendations:
Do NOT use compressed air to clean the airplane. (This may serve to re-aerosolize infectious material.)
Remove or throw away gloves if they become soiled or damaged while cleaning.
Discard gloves after you have finished cleaning (i.e., do not wash or reuse gloves that were worn during cleaning).
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand wash to clean hands.
Frequently-touched surfaces in the passenger cabin (e.g., arm-rests, seat-backs, tray tables, light and air controls, and adjacent walls and windows) and passenger bathrooms should be wiped down with an EPA-registered low- or intermediate-level chemical household germicide and allowed to air dry in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.The CDC advises that there are no disinfectant products currently registered by EPA for the newly identified viruses associated with SARS. The CDC recommends the use of EPA-registered chemical germicides that provide low- or intermediate-level disinfection during general use against SARS agents because these products are known to inactivate related viruses with physical and biochemical properties similar to the suspected SARS agents.
Information for Workers Involved in Air Medical Transport of SARS Patients
The CDC has published interim recommendations to protect employees who may be required to transport patients with SARS by air: Interim Guidance: Air Medical Transport for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Patients. There are several concerns that should be considered, including limiting the number of persons preparing, transporting, and receiving potential SARS-infected patients to limit potential occupational exposure.
Personal Protective EquipmentThe use of respiratory protection is recommended. OSHA requires that employers select and use respiratory protection in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134. In order for respirators to be effective in protecting employees, they must be properly fit-tested and employees must be appropriately trained. If workers providing care to a SARS patient have potential exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, they must wear other protective clothing and use PPE in accordance with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030. Information on that standard is available on the Bloodborne Pathogens Technical Links page.
Hygiene PracticesStandard hygiene practices are encouraged, especially frequent hand washing with soap and water.
Safety and Health During Handling of Human Remains of SARS Patients
The CDC provides recommendations for those handling human remains of SARS patients. Please refer to the following document from CDC: Safe Handling of Human Remains of SARS Patients: Safe Handling of Human Remains of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Patients: Interim Domestic Guidance.
Personal Protective EquipmentWorkers handling human remains of SARS patients should use respiratory protection (N95 or higher filter efficiency) and protective garments including surgical scrub suit, surgical cap, impervious gown or apron with full sleeve coverage, eye protection (e.g., goggles or face shield), shoe covers and double surgical gloves with an interposed layer of cut-proof synthetic mesh gloves.If there is potential exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, PPE use must comply with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030. Refer to the Bloodborne Pathogens Technical Links page for information on the standard.Use of respiratory protection must comply with 29 CFR 1910.134. Please refer to OSHA's Respiratory Protection e-Tool for assistance with respiratory selection.
Hygiene PracticesWhen appropriate, employers must ensure that workers handling the remains of SARS patients comply with the hygiene provisions of OSHA's bloodborne pathogen standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030. In all cases, these workers should use good housekeeping and hand-washing practices.
Employee Training
All employees with potential occupational exposure to SARS, as described in this document, should be trained on the hazards associated with that exposure and on the protocols in place in their facilities to isolate and report cases and to reduce exposures.Employers and employees may obtain further information on OSHA training regulations and policies including the revised bloodborne pathogen standard 29 CFR 1910.1030 and needlestick prevention information located on the Bloodborne Pathogens Technical Links page. Additional information can also be obtained from the CDC's SARS web site.
If a Worker Experiences Symptoms
If an employee experiences a fever and respiratory symptoms after contact with a patient known to be infected with SARS, the CDC recommends that the employee be excluded from duty.
Updated Information from CDC
As more information becomes available, updates may be added to information on the CDC SARS web site.
Revised: 30 May 2003
Safety and Health Topics
Safety and Health Topics
Biological Agents
In Focus
Hot Topics
Alliances
eTools Biological agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi, other microorganisms and their associated toxins. They have the ability to adversely affect human health in a variety of ways, ranging from relatively mild, allergic reactions to serious medical conditions, even death. These organisms are widespread in the natural environment; they are found in water, soil, plants, and animals. Because many microbes reproduce rapidly and require minimal resources for survival, they are a potential danger in a wide variety of occupational settings.This page provides a starting point for technical and regulatory information about some of the most virulent and prevalent biological agents.
Anthrax. Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. It is generally acquired following contact with anthrax-infected animals or anthrax-contaminated animal products.
Avian Flu. Avian influenza is a highly contagious disease of birds which is currently epidemic amongst poultry in Asia. Despite the uncertainties, poultry experts agree that immediate culling of infected and exposed birds is the first line of defense for both the protection of human health and the reduction of further losses in the agricultural sector.
Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention. OSHA estimates that 5.6 million workers in the health care industry and related occupations are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and others.
Botulism. Cases of botulism are usually associated with consumption of preserved foods. However, botulinum toxins are currently among the most common compounds explored by terrorists for use as biological weapons.
Foodborne Disease. Foodborne illnesses are caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins, metals, and prions (microscopic protein particles). Symptoms range from mild gastroenteritis to life-threatening neurologic, hepatic, and renal syndromes.
Hantavirus. Hantaviruses are transmitted to humans from the dried droppings, urine, or saliva of mice and rats. Animal laboratory workers and persons working in infested buildings are at increased risk to this disease.
Legionnaires' Disease. Legionnaires' disease is a bacterial disease commonly associated with water-based aerosols. It is often the result of poorly maintained air conditioning cooling towers and potable water systems.
Molds and Fungi. Molds and fungi produce and release millions of spores small enough to be air-, water-, or insect-borne which may have negative effects on human health including allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory problems.
Plague. The World Health Organization reports 1,000 to 3,000 cases of plague every year. A bioterrorist release of plague could result in a rapid spread of the pneumonic form of the disease, which could have devastating consequences.
Ricin. Ricin is one of the most toxic and easily produced plant toxins. It has been used in the past as a bioterrorist weapon and remains a serious threat.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is an emerging, sometimes fatal, respiratory illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most recent human cases of SARS were reported in China in April 2004 and there is currently no known transmission anywhere in the world.
Smallpox. Smallpox is a highly contagious disease unique to humans. It is estimated that no more than 20 percent of the population has any immunity from previous vaccination.
Tularemia. Tularemia is also known as "rabbit fever" or "deer fly fever" and is extremely infectious. Relatively few bacteria are required to cause the disease, which is why it is an attractive weapon for use in bioterrorism.
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs). Along with smallpox, anthrax, plague, botulism, and tularemia, hemorrhagic fever viruses are among the six agents identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the most likely to be used as biological weapons. Many VHFs can cause severe, life-threatening disease with high fatality rates.
In Focus
Hot Topics
Avian Influenza Protecting Poultry Workers at Risk. OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB), (2004, December 13). Also available as a 47 KB PDF, 8 pages.
U.S. Postal Service: Better Guidance Is Needed to Ensure an Appropriate Response to Anthrax Contamination. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Report GAO-04-239, (2004, September), 1.0 MB PDF, 83 pages.
Report Highlights, 75 KB PDF, 1 page. Alliances
American Biological Safety Association (ABSA). OSHA Alliance Page. eTools
Anthrax. OSHA. Discusses anthrax topics, such as who is at risk for anthrax exposure and what to do in case of an anthrax threat.
Legionnaires' Disease. OSHA. Assists industrial hygienists in the assessment of worksites for potential Legionnaires' disease. It provides information on disease recognition, investigation procedures to identify probable water sources, and control strategies.
Safety and Health Topics
Biological Agents
Anthrax
Avian Flu
Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention
Botulism
Foodborne Disease
Hantavirus
Legionnaires' Disease
Molds and Fungi
Plague
Ricin
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Smallpox
Tularemia
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs)
Credits
Content Reviewed 00/00/0000
Accessibility Assistance
Contact the OSHA Directorate of Science, Technology and Medicine at 202-693-2300 for assistance accessing the PDF materials on this page.
Biological Agents
In Focus
Hot Topics
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eTools Biological agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi, other microorganisms and their associated toxins. They have the ability to adversely affect human health in a variety of ways, ranging from relatively mild, allergic reactions to serious medical conditions, even death. These organisms are widespread in the natural environment; they are found in water, soil, plants, and animals. Because many microbes reproduce rapidly and require minimal resources for survival, they are a potential danger in a wide variety of occupational settings.This page provides a starting point for technical and regulatory information about some of the most virulent and prevalent biological agents.
Anthrax. Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. It is generally acquired following contact with anthrax-infected animals or anthrax-contaminated animal products.
Avian Flu. Avian influenza is a highly contagious disease of birds which is currently epidemic amongst poultry in Asia. Despite the uncertainties, poultry experts agree that immediate culling of infected and exposed birds is the first line of defense for both the protection of human health and the reduction of further losses in the agricultural sector.
Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention. OSHA estimates that 5.6 million workers in the health care industry and related occupations are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and others.
Botulism. Cases of botulism are usually associated with consumption of preserved foods. However, botulinum toxins are currently among the most common compounds explored by terrorists for use as biological weapons.
Foodborne Disease. Foodborne illnesses are caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins, metals, and prions (microscopic protein particles). Symptoms range from mild gastroenteritis to life-threatening neurologic, hepatic, and renal syndromes.
Hantavirus. Hantaviruses are transmitted to humans from the dried droppings, urine, or saliva of mice and rats. Animal laboratory workers and persons working in infested buildings are at increased risk to this disease.
Legionnaires' Disease. Legionnaires' disease is a bacterial disease commonly associated with water-based aerosols. It is often the result of poorly maintained air conditioning cooling towers and potable water systems.
Molds and Fungi. Molds and fungi produce and release millions of spores small enough to be air-, water-, or insect-borne which may have negative effects on human health including allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory problems.
Plague. The World Health Organization reports 1,000 to 3,000 cases of plague every year. A bioterrorist release of plague could result in a rapid spread of the pneumonic form of the disease, which could have devastating consequences.
Ricin. Ricin is one of the most toxic and easily produced plant toxins. It has been used in the past as a bioterrorist weapon and remains a serious threat.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is an emerging, sometimes fatal, respiratory illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most recent human cases of SARS were reported in China in April 2004 and there is currently no known transmission anywhere in the world.
Smallpox. Smallpox is a highly contagious disease unique to humans. It is estimated that no more than 20 percent of the population has any immunity from previous vaccination.
Tularemia. Tularemia is also known as "rabbit fever" or "deer fly fever" and is extremely infectious. Relatively few bacteria are required to cause the disease, which is why it is an attractive weapon for use in bioterrorism.
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs). Along with smallpox, anthrax, plague, botulism, and tularemia, hemorrhagic fever viruses are among the six agents identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the most likely to be used as biological weapons. Many VHFs can cause severe, life-threatening disease with high fatality rates.
In Focus
Hot Topics
Avian Influenza Protecting Poultry Workers at Risk. OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB), (2004, December 13). Also available as a 47 KB PDF, 8 pages.
U.S. Postal Service: Better Guidance Is Needed to Ensure an Appropriate Response to Anthrax Contamination. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Report GAO-04-239, (2004, September), 1.0 MB PDF, 83 pages.
Report Highlights, 75 KB PDF, 1 page. Alliances
American Biological Safety Association (ABSA). OSHA Alliance Page. eTools
Anthrax. OSHA. Discusses anthrax topics, such as who is at risk for anthrax exposure and what to do in case of an anthrax threat.
Legionnaires' Disease. OSHA. Assists industrial hygienists in the assessment of worksites for potential Legionnaires' disease. It provides information on disease recognition, investigation procedures to identify probable water sources, and control strategies.
Safety and Health Topics
Biological Agents
Anthrax
Avian Flu
Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention
Botulism
Foodborne Disease
Hantavirus
Legionnaires' Disease
Molds and Fungi
Plague
Ricin
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Smallpox
Tularemia
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs)
Credits
Content Reviewed 00/00/0000
Accessibility Assistance
Contact the OSHA Directorate of Science, Technology and Medicine at 202-693-2300 for assistance accessing the PDF materials on this page.
วันเสาร์ที่ 26 พฤษภาคม พ.ศ. 2550
Safety First: How To Create A Safe Office Environment
By: George Finnerin , Posted On: 2007-05-22
While the issue of workplace safety is often associated with risky environments or those who perform manual labor tasks like heavy-lifting or factory work, providing a safe, comfortable place for office employees is just as essential. Because an office is a contained, highly-controllable environment, unlike a factory or outdoor work, most worker's comp accidents that happen in an office could be avoided. Here are some easily correctable hazards to watch out for:1. Trip hazards. Cables and wires are components of almost every piece of office machinery, from computers to printers to photocopiers to fax machines. Allowing cables to lie on the floor, jumbled up is only inviting trouble. Simple, inexpensive cable management systems can minimize the potential for employees to trip over these cables and damage expensive equipment or themselves. We found a variety of cable management options at www.versatables.com, starting as low as $2 each if you buy in quantity. A small price to prevent what could be a costly worker's comp claim.2. Watch your eyes. Anti-glare filters for computer monitors are an effective way to reduce eye strain associated with prolonged computer use. We found an assortment of different styles, all of which reduce glare by up to 95%, starting at less than $40 each. Reduced eye strain not only means healthier employees, but is likely to increase productivity as well.3. Clean restrooms prevent the spread of illness. Most illness-causing bacteria and viruses are spread through person-to-person contact and contact with surfaces that other people have touched. Keeping a restroom clean, and encouraging employees to wash their hands will inevitably cut down on the spread of communicable diseases and decrease the amount of time lost to sickness. Have restrooms cleaned at least once per day and make sure there is always a supply of antibacterial soap and paper towels available. Keep a large trash bin in the restroom to prevent a pile up or overflowing of paper towels.4. Chill out and buy a 'fridge. A refrigerator, even a small one, can prevent food-borne bacteria from manifesting in foods that employees bring for lunch, particularly in high-risk foods that contain mayonnaise or dairy products. Encourage employees to utilize the refrigerator and keep it clean. The cost in lost work time due to one bout of food poisoning for a single employee can easily exceed the price of a single, efficient mini-fridge.
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
For the best prices on Computer Lab Furniture and inexpensive Computer Tables please visit our site www.versatables.com
While the issue of workplace safety is often associated with risky environments or those who perform manual labor tasks like heavy-lifting or factory work, providing a safe, comfortable place for office employees is just as essential. Because an office is a contained, highly-controllable environment, unlike a factory or outdoor work, most worker's comp accidents that happen in an office could be avoided. Here are some easily correctable hazards to watch out for:1. Trip hazards. Cables and wires are components of almost every piece of office machinery, from computers to printers to photocopiers to fax machines. Allowing cables to lie on the floor, jumbled up is only inviting trouble. Simple, inexpensive cable management systems can minimize the potential for employees to trip over these cables and damage expensive equipment or themselves. We found a variety of cable management options at www.versatables.com, starting as low as $2 each if you buy in quantity. A small price to prevent what could be a costly worker's comp claim.2. Watch your eyes. Anti-glare filters for computer monitors are an effective way to reduce eye strain associated with prolonged computer use. We found an assortment of different styles, all of which reduce glare by up to 95%, starting at less than $40 each. Reduced eye strain not only means healthier employees, but is likely to increase productivity as well.3. Clean restrooms prevent the spread of illness. Most illness-causing bacteria and viruses are spread through person-to-person contact and contact with surfaces that other people have touched. Keeping a restroom clean, and encouraging employees to wash their hands will inevitably cut down on the spread of communicable diseases and decrease the amount of time lost to sickness. Have restrooms cleaned at least once per day and make sure there is always a supply of antibacterial soap and paper towels available. Keep a large trash bin in the restroom to prevent a pile up or overflowing of paper towels.4. Chill out and buy a 'fridge. A refrigerator, even a small one, can prevent food-borne bacteria from manifesting in foods that employees bring for lunch, particularly in high-risk foods that contain mayonnaise or dairy products. Encourage employees to utilize the refrigerator and keep it clean. The cost in lost work time due to one bout of food poisoning for a single employee can easily exceed the price of a single, efficient mini-fridge.
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
For the best prices on Computer Lab Furniture and inexpensive Computer Tables please visit our site www.versatables.com
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