Rank: Guest 
|
Posted By Eddie Wall
The company I am working for is involved in animal by-product rendering. The raw materials for this process are the by-products from abattoir operations(including CNS tissues and entrails)and Knackery (Animals which have died on farms). Very little manual handling occurs, however cleaning and maintenance may result in contact. Also the washing of the incoming containers and the intake hall itself with high pressure hoses may cause aerosols. PPE is supplied in the form of overalls and gloves (Daily) and masks have been provided on request, usually because of adverse reaction to smell.
I am trying to assess the biohazard risk of working in this area and any precautions that may be taken to reduce this risk, however information is not readily at hand.
Any information or guidance would be gratefully received.
Eddie.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Richard Webber
Eddie,
I think you need to obtain some guidance by employing the services of a biohazard assessment company for one day (for starters). Organisations such as Sypol and many others can help with this aspect of risk assessment. They can provide you with authoritative advice concerning the necessary control measures required to counter any effects from potential biohazards.
And it seems from your description of the workplace that there may be many potential routes for the possible contamination of the people working there.
Have a chat with your local HSE/EHO and trade associations. Since foot and mouth, and in the present biosensitive climate, I think that you need all the help that you can get.
Richard
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Ken Taylor
I don't think there is much need for the '?' in the title of your 'thread'. A number of diseases of animals can be transmitted to humans - in addition to the risks associated with subsequent tissue decay. Your local EHO dealing with meat inspections should have some information for you. I still have memories of rotten carcases and the lingering smell from the vehicle used to transport them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Chris Huckle
Hi Eddie
I think that you really need to think about the biohazards from the COSHH point of view. In that the risks associated with contracting infection from a micro-organism which could be hazardous to health are I think fairly high. A good starting point for a biological risk assessment would be to obtain a copy of the HSE publication “The Occupational Zoonoses” there is a lot of information in this publication but even in this publication there are some important area missing such as BSE, chlamydiosis found in cattle etc.
If you are pressure washing/steam cleaning containers you will definitely get aerosols formed and need to look at respiratory protection that will protect the staff from these aerosols, what you need to be aware of in your selection of respiratory protection is what you are trying to protect against (spore size or particle size). The other area that you will need to think about is transmission through mucous membranes (eyes), and ingestion through splashes though hopefully if they are wearing masks this should not be to much of a problem.
I really think that you need to carry out a COSHH biological agent assessment to identify the type of micro-organisms that your staff are likely to be exposed to. Then at least you will know what your hazards are and what you are trying to protect against.
Regards
Chris Huckle
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.