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Posted By Stephen Mitchell
As like many other businesses we have recently been affected by the flooding; we have almost completed the clean up process. I have ensured that all staff were warned about the risks albeit low from contaminated floodwater (E. coli etc) and ensured that suitable PPE was worn during the clean up operation. All affected soft furnishings have been disposed of and all wooden cupboards that were in standing water are also going to be replaced; and everything that could be bleached/disinfected has been thoroughly cleaned. However i have a query with regards to paperwork, in our office building the lower drawers of some filing were affected by the flood water, the paperwork needs to be kept for legal reasons and consists of several thousand pages of documentation, we also do not possess electronic copies of this documentation. The paperwork in question became wet but is now drying out and is still legible and what I am wondering is if I should ensure that this paperwork is photo-copied then disposed of or if once thoroughly dried out it will constitute no risk. I had thought that as contact with the affected paperwork would be minimal (archive purposes only) then perhaps ensuring that it was stored separately to non-affected paperwork and the folders labelled wear gloves then this control measure may be sufficient, but would appreciate a more expert opinion.
Cheers
Steve
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Posted By Chris Packham
Steve
Firstly, you say the documentation must be kept for legal reasons. Would a photocopied version be a legally binding document? However, photocopying would provide you with working documents, so that the originals could be stored separately and only handled were this to become necessary for legal reasons.
When handling them I would suggest that single-use, unpowdered, low free protein natural rubber gloves are worn as these provide the optimum protection against biological hazards and will also provide the dexterity needed to handle what will by now be fairly fragile documents.
Chris
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Posted By Mike
Try the Health & Safety Laboratory Buxton (hslinfo@hsl.gov.uk). They have already advised businesses on microbiological risks fron handling archived paper records arising from the June floods.
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Posted By Merv Newman
Wearing light plastic gloves seal every page into plastic and make photocopies. This is a two-people job ; one to hold the plastic sleeve open, the other to handle and insert the documents. Record the traceability then dispose of them.
I doubt that any county court clerk would insist on handling original Escherichia coli contaminated docs.
Get the traceability right. And burn the photocopier.
Or just chuck it in the river and claim off your insurance.
Merv
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Posted By Merv Newman
Further to the above. I'm not sure but E.coli may be a sporulator. Which means that 50 or 100 years later anyone contacting the documents could be subject to infection. If you do decide to keeep the orignals then they should be labelled as a biohazard with appropriate training of concerned personnel. Even 100 years down the line.
Burn 'em. And the photocopier.
Merv
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Posted By GARRY WIZZ
Eliminate the hazard, burn the lot.
Insurance, lawyers, job sorted.
garry
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Posted By Stephen Mitchell
Thanks for you help guys; I have now also found of two companies who can sanitise the affected paperwork and will look into this option. The costs can then be met by our insurers.
Thanks again
Steve
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Posted By Ian Blenkharn
What a palaver!
E coli (it's not the only bug to be concerned about, but is a useful marker) does not last forever, or indeed for very long, in dry conditions.
1 Salvage the essential items taking obvious and simple hygiene precautions that should include gloves and thorough handwashing at the end of the precedure.
2 If already saturated, rinse items gently in clean water (if not, don't bother - I doubt that essential contract will be of any value if the signature has been washed off it)
3 Leave everything to dry thoroughly, preferable in daylight
4 Keep warm and dry to avoid further deterioration, and check periodically for deterioration and evidence of fungal growth (be careful with respiratory allergens but remember that the rule is prevention of growth rather than any downstream control measure)
5 Forget about them - just how often are these archived documents handled?
There are document recovery services available though I bet they are costly. Documents can be fumigated, or dried professionally to stop further and long term deterioration. It's all a bit over the top though.
Those who suggest encapsulation of documents, copying and destruction of the copier must have more money and time to waste.
Take the example of your friendly local plumber, who manages to keep themselves safe, have used the same set of tools for years, and rarely bothers to wash their hands usually 'cos there is nowhere to put down their cuppa!
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