Emergency First Responder Respirator Thermal Characteristics: Workshop Proceedings

The purpose of this workshop was to identify performance needs and establish research priorities to address the thermal characteristics of respiratory equipment used by emergency first responders. The workshop provided a forum for representatives from the first responder community, self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and component manufacturers, and research and testing experts to discuss issues, technologies, and research associated with SCBA high temperature performance. The goals of the workshop were defined in two parts: 1) Clarify baseline information, including the current state-of-the-art, applicable fire service events, and current related research, and 2) Research planning, including identification of performance needs and short and long term research priorities. Presentations were given to explain the current SCBA and certification process, understand experience from actual fire service incidents, and review the current state of respirator research. After the presentations, the workshop divided into three working group sessions to discuss performance needs and research priorities in smaller groups. Suggested topics for discussion included: a) Current Equipment, b) Current Practice and Usage, c) Future Trends, d) Short Term Research Needs, e) Long Term Research Needs, and f) other issues. The results of the three smaller groups’ deliberations were discussed when the full workshop reconvened. The responses from each group were merged into a combination of issues that related to the use and performance of the lens of the SCBA. The primary concerns and research priorities were the characterization of the fire fighter environment, performance of current and new technology, development of representative and realistic testing, and improvements to fire fighter training on the limitations of protective equipment. A significant amount of discussion concentrated on the testing for NFPA certification, which currently contains limited thermal testing.
REFERENCE
NIOSH Emergency First Responder Respirator  Thermal Characteristics: Workshop Proceedings
National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 1123
Natl. Inst. Stand. Technol. Spec. Publ. 1123, 52 pages (June 2011)

CLP Regulation and the transport of dangerous goods.

Abstract
Regulations concerning different modes of transport of dangerous goods are well harmonized at global level: they were then looked at as a model for developing Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), (on which CLP Regulations is based). Transport regulations do not cover some hazard classes, such as germ cell mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, having been evaluated that such hazards are not relevant in transport because in general, in case of accident, no repeated and prolonged exposure takes place. Other differences with CLP Regulation are related to the use of "building block approach". Transport labels, which were used as a basis for GHS, can be used, instead of CLP pictograms, on packages during transport.

REFERENCE:

Benassai S. CLP Regulation and the transport of dangerous goods. Ann Ist Super
Sanita. 2011;47(2):153-6. doi: 10.4415/ANN_11_02_06. PubMed PMID: 21709384.

Manual de esterilización para centros de salud

Organización Panamericana de la Salud

“Manual de esterilización para centros de salud”

Washington, D.C.: OPS, © 2008

ISBN 978-92-75-32926-9

La Central de Esterilización juega un papel muy importante en la prevención de las infecciones adquiridas en el hospital, porque tales infecciones han sido asociadas con una desinfección inapropiada de objetos reusables incluyendo el equipo endoscópico, el equipo de cuidado respiratorio, transductores y equipos de hemodiálisis reusables. Recientemente, ha habido una controversia con respecto al reprocesamiento de dispositivos médicos caros (por ej. sondas sin lumen para electrofisiología cardíaca) etiquetados por el fabricante como de “uso único”. Si uno elige reusar un dispositivo descartable, la institución responsable debe demostrar que la Seguridad, efectividad e integridad del producto no ha sido comprometido en el proceso. 
El Servicio de Central de Esterilización tiene, además, la responsabilidad de recoger y recibir los objetos y equipos usados durante la atención del paciente, procesarlo, almacenarlo, y distribuirlo en todo el hospital.
Este manual ha sido elaborado con el propósito de informar al personal de salud acerca de los protocolos y procedimientos simples desarrollados para prevenir las infecciones nosocomiales dentro y desde la Central de Esterilización. Su publicación ha sido realizada por la Oficina Central de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud.
Las normas escritas en este manual orientan sobre los pasos a seguir en la limpieza, acondicionamiento, esterilización, almacenamiento y transporte del equipamiento hospitalario a fin de obtener un material estéril. Es muy importante estar consciente de esta información para proveer al paciente una práctica segura de atención de la salud.

Pueden descargarlo LINK1 o en LINK2

Evaluation of full-facepiece respirator fit on fire fighters in the municipality of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Types of respiratos usen in the study
left: Drager; right: MSA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of personal variables on the fit of the respirators used by firefighters and workers in highly polluted environments. However, resistance from many plants managers was met to conduct the study on their workers. Therefore, we were forced to limit the study on firefighters who were found very cooperative. Forty volunteer firefighters from different departments participated in the study. They were subjected to a daily leak rate measurement using a Control Negative Pressure (CNP) fit tester for five consecutive days. Two types of respirators were used for each volunteer: the Drager type and the MSA. At the end of the study, the association between face shape and presence of beard with the respirator leak rates was investigated. A significant difference in the leak rate was detected between the two types of respirators used, with the Drager respirator having higher leak rates. The presence of a beard increased dramatically the leak rate whatever the face shape was. The oval shape was the best fitting to the respirators, followed by the rounded and finally the rectangular face. The study recommends that personal variables like face shape must be taken into consideration and fit testing must be carried out periodically, to specify the respirator that best fits each firefighter. Having beard must be absolutely prohibited, since it can be life threatening in environmental dangerous conditions such those encountered during extinguishing fires and overhaul situations.

REFERENCE

Balkhyour MA. Evaluation of full-facepiece respirator fit on fire fighters in the municipality of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2013
Jan 14;10(1):347-60. doi: 10.3390/ijerph10010347. PubMed PMID: 23343987; PubMed
Central PMCID: PMC3564146.

StarTalkRadio: Viruses, Outbreaks and Pandemics

Normalmente, el famoso astrofísico Neil deGrasse Tyson habla acerca de estrellas, galaxias, hoyos negros, big bang, y hasta la posibilidad de vida en otros planetas. En este capítulo, Neil entrevista a Laurie Garrett, autora del libro "The coming plague" acerca de virus, epidemias y zombies! No se lo pierdan.

 

Languaje: English

45 min

¿Su hospital es seguro?

ISBN: 978-9978-45-930-0

Según estudios realizados, "aproximadamente el 50% de los 15,000 hospitales en America Latina y el Caribe, están ubicados en zonas de alto riesg"; diversos eventos adversos lo han confirmado, lo que ha ocasionado la interrupción en la prestación de servicios de salud y ha dejado a la población sin posibilidad de acceder a estos.
Los países del mundo se reunieron en la segunda conferencia mundial en Kobe, Japón, para proponer un plan de acción. Este plan subraya la necesidad de integrar la planificación de la reducción de riesgos de desastre en el sector salud y promover la meta de hospitales seguros frente a desastres, asegurar que todos los hospitales nuevos se construyan con un nivel de confiabilidad e implementar medidas de mitigación para reforzar los establecimientos de salud existentes.
Se entiende por hospital seguro a un establecimiento de salud cuyos servicios permanecen accesibles y funcionan a su máxima capacidad instalada y en su misma infraestructura, inmediatemente después de un fenómeno destructivo de gran intensidad; esto implica la estabilidad de la estructura, la disponibilidad permanente de servicios básicos y la organización al interior de la unidad de salud.
REFERENCIA:
¿Su hospital es seguro? Preguntas y respuestas para el personal de salud. WHO/PAHO 2007

Assessment of biosafety precautions in Khartoum state diagnostic laboratories, Sudan

Biosafety precautions

Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the biosafety precautions that applied by diagnostic laboratories in Khartoum state, 2009.
METHODS: A total number of 190 laboratories were surveyed about their compliance with standard biosafety precautions. These laboratories included 51 (27%) laboratories from government, 75 (39%) from private sectors and 64 (34%) laboratories belong to organization providing health care services.
RESULTS: The study found that 32 (16.8%) of laboratories appointed biosafety officers. Only, ten (5.2%) participated in training about response to fire emergency, and 28 (14.7%) reported the laboratory accident occurred during work. 45 (23.7%) laboratories had a written standard operation procedures (SOPs), and 35 (18.4%) had written procedures for the lean-up of spills. Moreover, biosafety cabinet was found in 11 (5.8%) laboratories, autoclave in 28 (14.7%) and incinerator in only two (1.1%) laboratories. Sharp disposable containers were found in 84 (44.2%). Fire alarm system was found in 2 (1.1%) laboratories, fire extinguisher in 39 (20.5%) laboratories, and fire emergency exit found in 14 (7.4%) laboratories. Furthermore, 19 (10%) laboratories had a hepatitis B virus vaccination programme, 5 (6.2%) applied BCG vaccine, and 2 (1.1%0) vaccinated the staff against influenza.
CONCLUSION: The study concluded that the standards biosafety precautions adopted by the diagnostic laboratories in Khartoum state was very low. Further, the laboratory personnel awareness towards biosafety principles implementation was very low too.

REFERENCE

Elduma AH. Assessment of biosafety precautions in Khartoum state diagnostic laboratories, Sudan. Pan Afr Med J. 2012;11:19. Epub 2012 Feb 3. PubMed PMID:
22514753; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3325057.

Effectiveness of shoe covers for bioexclusion within an animal facility

Black-light examination of the floor
after the completion of study 1.

Abstract
The personal protective equipment (PPE) required for entry into rodent barrier rooms often includes a hair bonnet, face mask, disposable gown, gloves, and shoe covers. Traditionally, shoe covers have been considered essential PPE for maintaining a 'clean' animal room. The introduction of microisolation caging and ventilated rack housing prompted us to reevaluate the contribution of shoe covers to bioexclusion. Contamination powder that fluoresces under black light was to track particle dispersal on the floor and personnel. The test mouse room contained a ventilated microisolation rack and biosafety cabinet. Powder was applied directly inside or outside the animal room doorway. PPE with or without shoe covers was donned outside of the animal room doorway and discarded on exiting. Participants either were scanned on entry into the room for the presence of florescence or asked to complete a simulated standard animal room activity while wearing full PPE. Animal rooms were scanned for florescence after exit of participants. All participants donning shoe covers fluoresced in multiple areas, primarily on gloves and gowns. Shoe covers had no effect on the spread of powder in normal traffic patterns, with no powder detected within caging. Powder also was used to determine the distance substances could be carried on the floor from building entry points. Results indicate that shoe covers do not improve (and actually may compromise) bioexclusion. Donning of shoe covers offers a potential for contamination of personnel from contact with shoe bottoms.

REFERENCE

Hickman-Davis JM, Nicolaus ML, Petty JM, Harrison DM, Bergdall VK.
Effectiveness of shoe covers for bioexclusion within an animal facility. J Am
Assoc Lab Anim Sci. 2012 Mar;51(2):181-8. PubMed PMID: 22776118; PubMed Central
PMCID: PMC3314521.

Efficacy of hand rubs with a low alcohol concentration

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Some national hospital hygiene societies in Europe such as the French society for hospital hygiene (SFHH) have positive lists of disinfectants. Few hand disinfectants with a rather low concentration of ethanol are listed by one society as effective for hygienic hand disinfection with 3 mL in 30 s including a virucidal activity in 30 s or 60 s, but published data allow having doubts. We have therefore evaluated the efficacy of three commonly used hand disinfectants according to EN 1500 and EN 14476.
METHODS: Products 1 (Aniosgel 85 NPC) and 2 (Aniosrub 85 NPC) were based on 70% ethanol, product 3 (ClinoGel derma+) on 60% ethanol and 15% isopropanol (all w/w). They were tested in 3 laboratories according to EN 1500. Three mL were applied for 30 s and compared to the reference treatment of 2 x 3 mL applications of isopropanol 60% (v/v), on hands artificially contaminated with Escherichia coli. Each laboratory used a cross-over design against the reference alcohol with 15 or 20 volunteers. The virucidal activity of the products was evaluated (EN 14476) in one laboratory against adenovirus and poliovirus in different concentrations (80%, 90%, 97%), with different organic loads (none; clean conditions; phosphate-buffered saline) for up to 3 min.
RESULTS: Product 1 revealed a mean log10-reduction of 3.87 +/- 0.79 (laboratory 1) and 4.38 +/- 0.87 (laboratory 2) which was significantly lower compared to the reference procedure (4.62 +/- 0.89 and 5.00 +/- 0.87). In laboratory 3 product 1 was inferior to the reference disinfection (4.06 +/- 0.86 versus 4.99 +/- 0.90). Product 2 revealed similar results. Product 3 fulfilled the requirements in one laboratory but failed in the two other. None of the three products was able to reduce viral infectivity of both adenovirus and poliovirus by 4 log10 steps in 3 min according to EN 14476.
CONCLUSIONS: Efficacy data mentioned in a positive list published by a society for hospital hygiene should still be regarded with caution if they quite obviously contradict published data on the same or similar products.

REFERENCE:

Kampf G, Ostermeyer C, Werner HP, Suchomel M. Efficacy of hand rubs with a lowalcohol concentration listed as effective by a national hospital hygiene society in Europe. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control. 2013 Jun 12;2(1):19. [Epub ahead of 
print] PubMed PMID: 23759059; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3689097.

WHO: Flip Chart Safe Hospital

How could we call on a community, a school, or a rural health center to be partners and participants in the promotion of Hospitals Safe from Disasters? This flip chart gives us that opportunity. It has an entertaining format and design, and it teaches by using simple and direct language. Each illustrated sheet presents only the most important ideas; pictures are accompanied by short, simple text written in a font that is easy to read.
It was conceived and developed as an informational, motivational, and educational tool that could communicate the strategic importance of safe health facilities, whether large hospitals in urban areas or small health posts serving urban and rural populations. The flip chart can be used to work with a variety of audiences, including children and teenagers, persons associated with health services, users of health services, media and education sectors, authorities from different levels and sectors, including regional and local authorities, and the community at large.
The three objectives–to inform, motivate, and educate–are achieved by inviting reflection on the “stories” that are presented. A story is presented on each page of the flip chart. Through individual or collective reflection about the images, new stories, behavior, lessons, and conclusions will emerge that will enhance the potential and scope of the material.
The flip chart can be “guided use” teaching, where the person leading the session suggests that the audience perform certain activities such as: discuss these stories as a group and compare different versions from the discussion process and propose conclusions and lessons learned from each of the stories. For “open use” teaching, sheets from the flip chart can be placed in locations throughout the community, such as waiting rooms and clinics of health facilities, shops and supermarkets, places where people stand in line (city hall and other public institutions, banks, utility payment windows, etc.), and educational facilities. With open use, there is the potential for collective reaction to messages on each sheet, as well as individual reflection. Having the media use the sheets as newspaper inserts is a good use of the material.
WHO, UNICEF, OPS, RED CROSS, EUROPEAN COMISSION
PDF:
http://new.paho.org/disasters/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=1886&Itemid=
IMAGE: FACEBOOK

Comparative efficacy evaluation of disinfectants routinely used in hospital practice: India

Abstract
AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare practically achieved disinfection efficacy of some locally available disinfectants on surfaces and infectious microbiological hospital waste.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven disinfectants were tested at concentrations recommended by manufacturers on rough and smooth surfaces that were contaminated experimentally by locally circulating isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, standard isolate of Salmonella typhi and Candida albicans. Reduction in microbial counts before and after surface disinfection was expressed as log reduction. A very heavy microbial waste load was simulated by immersing culture plates with heavy microbial growth in disinfectants. Daily, a sample of disinfectant was taken and subjected to in-use test.
RESULTS: The highest average log reduction of test microbes on the rough surface was given by DesNet (5.05) and Bacillocid special (5.02). A comparable average log reduction of test microbes on a smooth steel surface was noted (5.68, 5.67, 5.50) for Lysol, Bacillocid sp. and DesNet, respectively. In the discard jars, Bacillocid special worked satisfactorily for 4 days, DesNet for 3 days and Hi-giene Germitol for 1 day. The remainder of the disinfectants failed in the in-use test on Day 1. Phenolics, although widely used in our settings, may not be as good surface disinfectants as newer formulations like DesNet and Bacillocid special.
CONCLUSIONS: Newer quaternary ammonium compounds and aldehyde formulations were found to be the best disinfectants for disinfection of heavy contamination.
KEYWORDS: Disinfectant, evaluation, hospital practice

REFERENCE

Singh M, Sharma R, Gupta PK, Rana JK, Sharma M, Taneja N. Comparative efficacyevaluation of disinfectants routinely used in hospital practice: India. Indian J 
Crit Care Med. 2012 Jul;16(3):123-9. doi: 10.4103/0972-5229.102067. PubMed PMID: 
23188950; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3506067

Biorisk assessment of medical diagnostic laboratories in Nigeria

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess public and private medical diagnostic laboratories in Nigeria for the presence of biosafety equipment, devices, and measures.
METHODS: A total of 80 diagnostic laboratories in biosafety level 3 were assessed for the presence of biosafety equipment, devices, and compliance rate with biosafety practices. A detailed questionnaire and checklist was used to obtain the relevant information from enlisted laboratories.
RESULTS: The results showed the presence of an isolated unit for microbiological work, leak-proof working benches, self-closing doors, emergency exits, fire extinguisher(s), autoclaves, and hand washing sinks in 21.3%, 71.3%, 15.0%, 1.3%, 11.3%, 82.5%, and 67.5%, respectively, of all laboratories surveyed. It was observed that public diagnostic laboratories were significantly more likely to have an isolated unit for microbiological work (p = 0.001), hand washing sink (p = 0.003), and an autoclave (p ≤ 0.001) than private ones. Routine use of hand gloves, biosafety cabinet, and a first aid box was observed in 35.0%, 20.0%, and 2.5%, respectively, of all laboratories examined. Written standard operating procedures, biosafety manuals, and biohazard signs on door entrances were observed in 6.3%, 1.3%, and 3.8%, respectively, of all audited laboratories. No biosafety officer(s) or records of previous spills, or injuries and accidents, were observed in all diagnostic laboratories studied.
CONCLUSION: In all laboratories (public and private) surveyed, marked deficiencies were observed in the area of administrative control responsible for implementing biosafety. Increased emphasis on provision of biosafety devices and compliance with standard codes of practices issued by relevant authorities is strongly advocated.
KEYWORDS: Nigeria, biosafety, diagnostic laboratories, occupational infection, risk

REFERENCIA:

Oladeinde BH, Omoregie R, Odia I, Osakue EO, Imade OS. Biorisk assessment ofmedical diagnostic laboratories in Nigeria. Saf Health Work. 2013 Jun;4(2):100-4.
doi: 10.1016/j.shaw.2013.04.006. Epub 2013 Apr 25. PubMed PMID: 23961333.

A Literature Review of Laboratory-Acquired Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease which has been associated with laboratory-acquired infections. No recent reviews have addressed the characteristics of laboratory-acquired brucellosis (LAB). English-language literature was reviewed to identify reports of laboratory exposures to Brucella spp. and LAB cases between 1982 and 2007. Evaluation of twenty-eight case reports identified 167 potentially exposed laboratory workers of which 71 had LAB. Nine reports were identified that summarized an additional 186 cases of LAB. Only 18 (11%) exposures were due to laboratory accidents, 147 (88%) exposures were due to aerosolization of organisms during routine identification activities and 2 (1%) exposures were unknown. Brucella melitensis was the causative agent for 80% (135/167) of the exposures. Workers with high risk exposures were 9.3 times more likely to develop LAB than workers with low risk exposures (95% CI, 3.0-38.6; P<0.0001); they were also 0.009 times as likely to develop LAB if they took antimicrobial PEP than those who did not take PEP (95% CI, 0-0.042; P<0.0001). Median incubation period in case and summary reports was eight weeks (range 1-40 weeks). Antimicrobial PEP is effective in preventing LAB. The incubation period may be used to identify appropriate serological and symptom surveillance timeframes for exposed laboratory workers.
REFERENCIA:
Traxler RM, Lehman MW, Bosserman EA, Guerra MA, Smith TL. A Literature Review of Laboratory-Acquired Brucellosis. J Clin Microbiol. 2013 Jul 3. Pay-per-view

Biosafety Guidelines for Handling Microorganisms in the Teaching Laboratory: Development and Rationale

Teaching microbiology laboratory
www.mmg.msu.edu

The safe handling of microorganisms in the teaching laboratory is a top priority. However, in the absence of a standard set of biosafety guidelines tailored to the teaching laboratory, individual educators and institutions have been left to develop their own plans. This has resulted in a lack of consistency, and differing levels of biosafety practices across institutions. Influenced by the lack of clear guidelines and a recent outbreak of Salmonella infections that was traced back to teaching laboratory exposures, the Education Board of the American Society for Microbiology charged a task force to develop a uniform set of biosafety guidelines for working with microorganisms in the teaching laboratory. These guidelines represent best practices for safely handling microbes, based on the safety requirements found in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL). Guidelines for safely handling microbes at both biosafety level 1 (BSL1) and biosafety level 2 (BSL2) were developed. The guidelines are brief by design for ease of use and are accompanied by an extensive appendix containing explanatory notes, sample documents, and additional resources. These guidelines provide educators with a clear and consistent way to safely work with microorganisms in the teaching laboratory.
REFERENCE:
Emmert EA; ASM Task Committee on Laboratory Biosafety. Biosafety guidelines for handling microorganisms in the teaching laboratory: development and rationale. J Microbiol Biol Educ. 2013 May 6;14(1):78-83.
DESCARGAR ARCHIVOS

Antibiotic resistance: The last resort

Vea imagen AQUI

Oficiales de salud observan con horror como las bacterias llegan a ser resistente al poderoso antibiótico carbapenema, uno de los más recientes medicamentos en los estantes.

Como regla, los oficiales de salud de alto rango evitan utilizar adjetivos apocalípticos. Por lo que fué preocupante escuchar a Thomas Frieden y Sally Davies advertir de la "pesadilla" que se acerca y de la "amenaza catastrófica" con pocos días de diferencia en Marzo.
Los oficiales estaban hablando de el incremento en una clase de bacteria poco conocida, resistente a antibióticos: Enterobacterias resistentes al cabapenema (CREs). Davies, Oficial Médico en Jefe del Reino Unido, describe a los CREs como un riesgo tan serio como el terrorismo. "Tenemos un problema muy serio, y necesitamos sonar la alarma", mencionó Frieden, director del CDC en Atlanta Georgia.
Estas baceries ocasionan infecciones en vejiga, pulmones y sangre, causando shock séptico y amanazar la vida.
Continúa en inglés:

• Maryn McKenna. Antibiotic resistance: The last resort. 
  Nature
   
  499,
   
  394–396
   
  (25 July 2013)
• Gracias a Candela I. por avisarnos de este artículo. 

Bioaerosols in the Workplace: Evaluation, Control and Prevention Guide

Microorganisms are ubiquitous in any environment and are called bioaerosols when they are present in the air. While no inhalation exposure standard has yet been established, the international scientific community nevertheless acknowledges that some bioaerosols have an adverse effect on air quality and workers’ health. This well-illustrated practical guide describes the approach recommended by the IRSST for the evaluation, control and prevention of bioaerosol exposure. It contains a synthesis of the most recent information on bioaerosols in the workplace and their effects on health, a discussion of concentrations measured in different contexts, and proposed exposure values. The guide describes evaluation strategies as well as methods for the interpretation and application of results. Finally, it presents strategies and methods for the control and prevention of bioaerosol exposure, and discusses certain specific cases. This guide, which explains the possibilities and limitations of such an approach, is aimed at stakeholders in all sectors in which bioaerosols can be present in high concentrations.
REFERENCIA:
Bioaerosols in the Workplace: Evaluation, Control and Prevention Guide. Goyer, N; Lavoie, J; Lazure, L; Marchand, G. Studies and Research Projects / Technical Guide  T-24, Montréal, IRSST, 2001, 72 pages

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning - Validation of System Cleaning Initiation Criteria under Real Conditions

The cleanliness of a ventilation system invariably affects the quality of the air that it distributes. However, it is difficult for building managers to assess the relevance of having their systems cleaned and to choose from among all the proposals from cleaning specialists because no objective method exists for evaluating the dustiness of systems. In the context of a previous project, the researchers developed a method for collecting surface dusts in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts and identified criteria for initiating cleaning. The method was validated in the laboratory and compared to those methods mentioned in the scientific literature [Association pour la prévention et l’étude de la contamination (ASPEC), of France, and the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), of the United States]. They all proved feasible by using their corresponding cleaning initiation criterion.
In a new study, which this report describes, the same team validated the criteria for these methods in the ventilation systems of occupied non-industrial buildings. Once again, the results were conclusive. Building managers can now rely on the objective criteria of the offered methods, rather than basing themselves solely on visual inspection, which is subjective.

REFERENCIA
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning - Validation of System Cleaning Initiation Criteria under Real Conditions.

Development of a Procedure to Measure the Effectiveness of N95 Respirator Filters against Nanoparticles

There is an increasing concern about the potential health hazards posed to workers exposed to inhalation of nanoparticles (NPs). Common sources of nanoparticles in working environments include fumes and exhausts from different processes like laser ablation and milling. Nanoparticles have potential toxic properties: a high particle surface area, number concentration, and surface reactivity. Inhalation, the most common route of nanoparticle exposure, has been shown to cause adverse effects on pulmonary functions, and the deposited particles in the lung can be translocated to the blood system by passing through the pulmonary protection barriers. Filtration is the simplest and most common method of aerosol control. It is widely used in mechanical ventilation and respiratory protection. However, concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of filters for capturing nanoparticles.
In this study, the performance of one model of N95 NIOSH approved filtering face-piece respirator (FFR) was characterized against poly-dispersed and mono-dispersed NPs using two different experimental set-ups. With poly-dispersed NPs, a methodology was developed to measure the performance of the N95 respirators against NaCl aerosols in the size range of 15 to 200 nm in three scenarios. First, the initial particle penetration through N95 respirator was examined at four constant airflow rates: 85, 135, 270 and 360 liters/min. Second, the effect of time on the particle loading was investigated for duration of five hours. Third, the effect of the relative humidity (RH) (10, 30 and 70%) on the particle penetration was assessed at 85 liters/min.
REFERENCIA
Development of a Procedure to Measure the Effectiveness of N95 Respirator Filters against Nanoparticles

Characterization and Control of Occupational Exposure to Nanoparticles and Ultrafine Particles

Many workers are exposed to a range of particles present on a nanometric scale. In occupational hygiene, it is common to differentiate manufactured nanoparticles (NP) from ultrafine particles (UFP) coming from natural, human or industrial sources.
The main objective of this research was to assess occupational UFP and NP exposures. The secondary objective was comprehensive testing of the assessment capabilities regarding occupational NP and UFP exposures in an industrial and laboratory context.
REFERENCIA:
Characterization and Control of Occupational Exposure to Nanoparticles and Ultrafine Particles

Needlestick Resistance of Protective Gloves: Development of a Test Method

Hand injuries, which represent approximately 21% of CSST-compensated injuries, affect several professions, including blue collar workers, prison guards, and police officers, who run a high risk of being pricked by contaminated needles. Current standardized test methods do not correctly evaluate the resistance of protective gloves to these punctures and do not take into account the effect of the presence of a hand inside the glove. The aim of this study is to develop a method for characterizing the actual resistance of gloves to puncture by very pointed objects such as needles, with this method later becoming the subject of a standard. It will also determine the degree of dexterity and sensitivity that this protective equipment offers to workers. The data collected will help users choose the puncture-resistant gloves most appropriate for their task, thus promoting their wear and helping to reduce the number of injuries to workers’ hands. These results will be exportable to other activity sectors, including the hospital environment, and will be useful to manufacturers for improving their products.
REFERENCIA
Needlestick Resistance of Protective Gloves: Development of a Test Method. Dolez, P; Soulati, K; Gauvin, C; Lara, J; Vu-Khanh, T. Studies and Research Projects / Technical Guide  RG-738, Montréal, IRSST, 2012, 62 pages.

Efecto de los desinfectantes sobre la funcionalidad de los monitores de glucosa

El monitoreo de los niveles de glucosa es parte integran del manejo rutinario de la diabetes. Para minimizar el riesgo de transmisión de patógenos transmisibles por la sangre, el CDC recomienta que los medidores de glucosa sean desinfectados después de cada uso, especialmente cuando es utilizado para pruebas en diferentes pacientes. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la compatibilidad de algunos desinfectantes comunes con ciertos sistemas de medición de glucosa en sangre.

Monitoring blood glucose levels is an integral part of routine diabetes management. To minimize the risk of  transmission of bloodborne pathogens during monitoring, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that glucose meters be disinfected after each use whenever they are used to test multiple patients. The objective of this study is to assess the compatibility of some common disinfectants with certain blood glucose meter systems.
REFERENCIA:
Mahoney JJ and Lim CG, Effect of Disinfectants on Glucose Monitors. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2012 January; 6(1): 81–85.

Transporte de sustancias infecciosas

Transportation fo Dangerous
Goods  Bulletin

El gobierno de Canadá acaba de publicar una guía (en inglés) para el empaque y envío de sustancias peligrosas que pueden descargar aqui. 

This Bulletin explains the requirements of the Transportation Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations when shipping infectious substances. It does not change, create, amend or allow deviations from the Transportation Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations. For specific details, consult the TDG Regulations.

 Las regulaciones para 2013-2014 de la Organización Mundial de la salud, fueron publicadas desde enero de este año, y pueden verlas aquí.

This publication provides information for identifying, classifying, marking, labelling, packaging, documenting and refrigerating infectious substances for transportation and ensuring their safe delivery. The document provides practical guidance to facilitate compliance with applicable international regulations for the transport of infectious substances by all modes of transport, both nationally and internationally.

ABSA Conference Kansas City 2013

The 56th Annual Biological Safety Conference program will be online soon at http://www.absaconference.org. 

The Conference will be October 17-23, 2013 at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Conference will highlight 4 full days and over 30 Preconference Courses and 3 full days of the Scientific Program. Please note: Due to a marathon in Kansas City during the time of our conference, it is suggested you make your hotel reservations soon to ensure a room in the conference hotel. Hotel deadline is September 30, 2013

La #bioseguridad es muy divertida! #FF @who

No me había imaginado que la seguridad de laboratorio es tan divertida!!

De laborpraxis.de

5to. Simposio de Bioseguridad y Biocustodia

• El programa detallado de cursos presimposio, reuniones, conferencias, mesas de discusión y todo lo referente al programa académico y comercial está en la página www.sibb.info. 
• Los costos puede consultarlos en la página de "Inscripción". 
• El registro a cada uno de estos eventos debe realizarse en la página www.amexbio.wildapricot.org
• El programa preeliminas de cursos y simposio se puede DESCARGAR AQUI.
• Los trabajos aceptados ya se encuentran publicados aquí.
• Información sobre la sede aquí.