Swine Flu- H1N1 Support

Risk Tech International H1N1 / Service offerings overview

Risk Tech provides a number of support services to the healthcare organizations that may have to cope with a surge in H1N1 patients.

1)We can provide assistance with PPE selection and use for the health care workers.
2)We can provide for the specifications for the decontamination of the facilities and equipment.
3)We can provide direction regarding the establishment of additional negative pressure isolation rooms and modification of building ventilation systems so as to segregate certain areas of the facility.
4)We have an instrument called a BioTrace detector that allows us to collect a surface swab sample and determine the level of cleanliness of a surface by measuring surface ATP (Adenosine tri phosphate) levels. This method has been used for over 15yrs by the food industry and we have adapted it to be used in health care facilities. It is an onsite analytical device so we can determine the efficacy of the decontamination of an area in real time with no delay.

Internal Memo to describe proposed scope of work for cleaning H1N1 affected structures.

TO: Risk Tech
RE: Swine Flu Cleaning Protocol
DATE: August 28, 2009

BACKGROUND:

Swine Influenza A (H1N1) also referred to as the swine flu refers to influenza caused by any virus of the family Orthomyxoviridae, that is endemic to pig (swine) populations. The known strains of the swine influenza virus are Influenzavirus A which is common, Influenzavirus C which is rare and Influenzavirus B which has not been reported in swine. All are endemic in humans (Heinen, 2003). People who work with poultry and swine are at constant risk of infection from these animals. This 2009 outbreak appears to be different because swine Influenza A (H1N1) appears to have mutated into a form that allows it to pass from human to human. The mechanism by which this virus best transfers from one individual to another is via fomites. Fomites are a defined as any inanimate object that is capable of carrying infectious organisms. Fomites can range from aspirable mucus that is projected from a sneeze to a cloth or mophead. Therefore, cleaning a facility and its contents must be done with great care in order to prove effective while also protecting the workers involved.

Researchers discovered that smooth (non-porous) surfaces transmit bacteria and viruses better than porous materials; so one is more likely to pick-up a disease from a door knob than from paper or cloth. The reason is that porous, especially fibrous, materials absorb and trap the contagion, making it harder to contract through simple touch. Therefore, the focus of our procedure will be on hard surfaces, however ALL porous surfaces should be cleaned at least by HEPA vacuuming.

Over View

Swine Influenza A (H1N1) also referred to as the swine flu refers to influenza caused by any virus of the family Orthomyxoviridae, that is endemic to pig (swine) populations. The known strains of the swine influenza virus are Influenzavirus A which is common, Influenzavirus C which is rare and Influenzavirus B which has not been reported in swine. All are endemic in humans (Heinen, 2003) People who work with poultry and swine are at constant risk of infection from these animals.
The 2009 outbreak appears to be different because swine Influenza A (H1N1) appears to have mutated into a form that allows it to pass from human to human. The mechanism by which this virus best transfers from one individual to another is via fomites. Fomites are a defined as any inanimate object that is capable of carrying infectious organisms. As defined, fomites can range from aspirable mucus that is projected from a sneeze to a cloth or mophead. Therefore, cleaning a facility and its contents must be done with great care in order to prove effective while also protecting the workers involved.