Control measures

To manage the risks of biological agents, your umc takes measures in a specific order, known as the bio-occupational hygiene strategy. First, eliminate the source of the problem and, if this is not possible, take other measures.

This is elaborated as follows in the Arboportaal (Health and Safety Portal). Additional measures apply specifically to healthcare. These can be found in the SRI guidelines, the Health Council, LCI, and your own umc policy.

1.Source measures

Bacteria, viruses, and fungi are everywhere. They are on our skin, in feces, in saliva, etc. That is why it is impossible to completely prevent exposure to biological agents and infectious diseases. The normal occupational hygiene strategy is based on replacement, which is rarely possible with biological agents.

• Prevent the agent from entering the source.
• Address the growth factors of the agent.
• Remove the source.
• Disinfection, ultraviolet light, chemical (sometimes additional hazard).

2. Technical measures

• Shielding.
• Eliminate the need for contact: automate taps and doors ('no touch').
• Use paper towels instead of cotton towels.
• HEPA filters, airlocks, positive pressure, negative pressure, etc.
• Biohazard cabinets.
• Only use non-porous materials.

3. Organizational measures

• Allow as few people as possible to access the sources.
• Set up clean/dirty zones.
• Limit the number of employees in a specific area.
• Keep high-risk groups (e.g., pregnant women) away from the source. See also: infectious diseases at a glance.
• Ensure optimal and continuous information provision.
• Keep everything clean according to protocol (see SRI guidelines).
• If you have cold symptoms, work from home if possible.
• If you have cold symptoms, keep a distance of 1.5 meters.

4.Hygiene measures

• Behavior: avoid shaking hands, picking your nose, or rubbing your eyes.
• Wash your hands and shower.
• Avoid contact if possible.

5. Personal protective equipment

• Skin protection: gloves, clothing, apron, hairnet, shoes.
• Eye protection: goggles, shields.
• Respiratory protection: masks, face masks (mouth/nose).
• Use the right tools, such as safe needle systems.
• If you have cold symptoms, wear a surgical mask within 1.5 meters.

6. Vaccination

• Where possible, vaccination shall be offered to every employee who is not yet immune to the biological agents to which he/she is or may be exposed.
• Please note that some vaccinations can only be given before pregnancy due to their possible impact on the unborn child and other reactions to the vaccine in pregnant women.
• This applies to people working in healthcare, but also to informal caregivers, in order to prevent patients and clients from becoming infected.

7. Special treatment after exposure; the so-called post-exposure protocol

• Administering preventive medication without the disease having been detected (HIV, hepatitis B). For example, after a needle stick injury. Simply put, the aim of PEP is to eliminate the biological agent (e.g., hepatitis B or HIV) from the body before it can take hold, with all the harmful consequences that entails.

8. Therapy for disease

• Get a quick diagnosis: if employees learn to recognize warning signs, they can quickly put the treating physician on the right track.
• Offer medical treatment as soon as possible.

If the Risk Inventory and Evaluation shows that there is a real risk, your umc will offer employees an occupational health examination. You can check with your occupational health and safety service to see if you are eligible. More information about PAGO can be found on the Arboportaal website.