Mriehel, Malta - 01.06.2009.
Cases of swine influenza virus have been confirmed in Italy, Spain, UK and it is expected that other countries around the globe will be running the risk to be affected. Considering that Malta has a strong influx of tourists coming from the mentioned countries, it is important that Airports, Seaports, Public Transport Authorities and other institutions take the necessary measures to prevent this virus from out breaking within the local scene.
In their efforts to identify infected people and stop the spread of this infectious disease, public officials are turning to a popular industrial technology, infrared (IR) non-contact temperature measurement. Using portable infrared thermal imagers from Fluke Corporation and fixed IR scanners from Fluke subsidiaries Raytek and IRCON, airport transit, public health officials and others can quickly scan and measure the skin temperature of large numbers of people. When the thermal imager reads a higher-than-normal temperature on a person, it can trigger an alarm or light. Those people can be further tested to determine whether they actually have a fever or communicable illness. As screening tools, Fluke infrared thermal imagers are fast, completely safe and non-invasive.
The infrared scanners and thermal imagers can also be very beneficial to public health if used in hospitals and schools, factories and office buildings, stadium events and other public gathering areas. One of the most important practices aimed at reducing the transmission of infectious disease for the general public is effective and strict hand hygiene. It is suggested to always carry clean tissues, to use them to cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, to bin tissues after use and to wash your hands with soap and hot water. To minimise transmission in the workplace, surfaces such as door handles should be cleaned regularly and thoroughly with cleaning products.
Biological hazards are considered as a hazardous substance, and as such it is the employer's duty to conduct a risk assessment. This should consider a series of control measures which include, hand washing, restricted contact with infected persons and personal protective equipment. The highest efficiency filters (P3) for respiratory protection against viruses are recommended for use. In the event of pandemic influenza, the use of highest efficiency particle filters (P3) for aerosol generating procedures, plus close fitting eye protection would then be recommended.
RS offers several apparatus which can aid to the outbreak of this pandemic. Some examples are valved disposable respirators (287-2706), cleaning wipes (193-4314), fit goggles (285-3143), disposable gloves (508-1571) and disposable coverall wear (405-503).
For further details and advice, please contact rssales@tccmalta.com or fluke@tccmalta.com.