infection control 2016

INFECTION CONTROL & SAFETY

MRS. STACEY WRIGHT, AAS, EMT-PDEPUTY CHIEF, SAFETY OFFICERPENDER EMS AND FIRE, INC.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Stacey Wright, AAS, EMT-P• 910-470-0982• 910-259-4612• [email protected]• 910-675-9198

mailto:[email protected]

ACCOUNTABILITY

• SOG CO-28• Purpose:

• The purpose of this guideline is to ensure the location and safety of all Emergency Personnel working on the Incident scene.

• To maximize the efficiency of operations used to stabilize the incident.

• Review the SOG CO-28 that goes in detail the Accountability.

SAFETY FORMS

• Purpose: To provide the employer and employee with the means to document injuries, exposures, and unsafe practices.

• Company Safety Forms are located on the Shared Drive in the 2016 Policy and Guidelines Company SOG’s --CO 26 Thru CO 26-K

SAFETY• The safety and health of employees is a priority.

Pender EMS and Fire makes every effort to comply with all federal and state workplace safety requirements. All members are required to have all departmental issued Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), with them while at work and/or a departmental function that may require the use of any or all of the PPE.

• Each employee is expected to obey safety rules and exercise caution and common sense in all work activities.

• Note: See Safety Manual for complete Safety Guidelines and Policies.

INFECTION / EXPOSURE CONTROL

• GOAL: It is intended to offer you the basic understanding to protect yourself against such pathogens as HIV, HBV, and other infectious diseases.

• PLEASE DO NOT let this replace your “COMMON SENSE”…..If you see a risk, take precautions.

REDUCING RISKS

1. Maintenance Controls * Equipment maintenance

2. Work Practice Controls * Proper hand washing (done frequently) (If water not available, use antiseptic wipe) * Proper Hygiene * Keep possible exposure areas free from food items

3. Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) * Gloves are to be used when handling any body fluid * Careful removal of gloves (not touching outside area) * Using appropriate equipment in all situations

ISOLATION PRECAUTIONS

Standard Precautions— used with every patient all the time that includes but not limited to gloves, goggles, and gowns.

Airborne Precautions- use standard precautions and n-95 or n-100 masks. Patient should have a Surgical mask on during transport.

Isolation Precautions

Contact Isolation Level 1- GOWN, GLOVES, and SURGICAL MASK MUST be worn when entering the room. Esp. MRSA AND SARS

Contact Isolation- GOWN and GLOVES This is used for any Contact Isolation cases esp. VRE, LICE SCABIES, AND WOUNDS.

Droplet Isolation- SURGICAL MASK

MRSA What is MRSA-Staphylococcus aureus, often

referred to simply as “staph”, is a bacteria commonly found on the skin of healthy people. Occasionally, staph can get into the body and cause an infection. This infection can be minor such as pimples, boils, and other skin conditions or serious such as blood infections or pneumonia. Some staph bacteria have developed resistance to Methicillin, and can no longer be killed by it. These resistant bacteria are called Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus or MRSA.

MRSA Who gets MRSA?

Usually develops in patients who are elderly, very sick, have an open wound, or have a tube going into their body. Healthy people rarely get MRSA infections but, they can spread MRSA by contact with others.

MRSA Can MRSA spread?

Yes, MRSA can spread among other patients, who are often very sick with weak immune systems that might not be able to fight off infections. MRSA is almost always spread by PHYSICAL CONTACT, and NOT THROUGH THE AIR. Hospitals usually take special steps to prevent the spread of MRSA from patient to patient. One of these steps may be to separate, or isolate, a patient with MRSA.

MRSA A germ that causes STAPH Infection Resistant to most antibiotics Found in hospitals and other health

care facilities BUT can be found anywhere.

MRSA

“COLONIZED” VS “INFECTED”People who carry MRSA are said to be colonized. Many kinds of bacteria can live in (colonize) your body without causing an infection. In fact, everyone is colonized by many kinds of bacteria all the time. Being infected means bacteria are multiplying and the body is trying to defend itself against them.

MRSA Because of that, workers comp. will not cover MRSA

exposure’s without direct documentation of exposure at work but even then it is very hard to get worker compensation coverage.

Is a contact spread disease WEARING of PPE is essential in the prevention of

MRSA. CONTACT ISOLATION LEVEL 1: Stands until off

antibiotics and 3 negative cultures have been obtained. If the negative cultures cannot be obtained YOU MUST follow CONTACT ISOLATION LEVEL 1 which is Gloves, gowns, and surgical mask.

Respirator ProgramPender EMS & Fire

RESPIRATOR PROGRAM

PURPOSE: This is a guideline to help ensure the protection of all employees from respiratory hazards through proper selection and use of respirators.

USAGE: Respirators will be used primarily for the exposure of Tuberculosis or in emergencies where there are suspected AIRBORNE health hazards.

Respirator Program Cont.

Assignment: 1 Respirator per employee Training: Once a year Selection: N-95/N-100 Sm., Med., Large,

Regular Inspection: Should be thoroughly inspected

prior wearing and when units are checked off for any deterioration.

Medical Evaluations: Done once a year with a baseline PFT done by Pender EMS and Fire, Inc.

Respirator use under Special Conditions Facial Hair: should not interfere

with the seal of the respirator All employees should come to

work clean shaven. Eye Glasses: Should NOT

interfere with the nose clip of the mask…..this could cause interference with the seal

Facial Deformities: scars, lack of teeth, dentures, severe acne, prominent cheek bones

Communications: Make sure seal is maintained during conversation with Patients and Fellow Co-workers.

FINAL ANALYSIS

To have a safe and effective program, the employees must use the equipment as they have been trained!

What is Airborne Pathogens

Is a disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air.

TUBERCULOSIS

Purpose: Is to provide guidelines and procedures that will minimize the risk and consequences associated with exposures to communicable diseases.

BACKGROUND

Communicable diseases can be transmitted several different ways:

Direct>>>Person to Person Indirect…..Person to Object Inhalation…..unprotected exposure to an airborne

pathogen such as TB Ingestion…Eating or drinking contaminated food or

water

Indentification of TB

Transmitted through the air Most dangerous indoors……especially

areas with poor air circulation Can survive for long periods of time Carried through the air in infectious

droplets (1-5 microns in size) Generated by infectious persons cough, speach,

sighs, or spits EMPLOYEES ARE IN DANGER OF EXPOSURE

WHENEVER THEY TRANSPORT TB – INFECTED PATIENTS

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Productive cough for 3 weeks or more

Coughing up blood Weight loss Loss of appetite Lethargic/weakness Night sweats fever

INFECTIONVS

ACTIVE TB

Patients that are infected with TB will have no symptoms

Will not be contagious Only detection is by TB skin test Takes months to years to develop TB May never develop TB at all Patients with active TB will have the S/S as listed in

previous slide

TREATMENTDone by Pender County Health DepartmentCan last 9-24 months

TRAINING

Review policy once a year TB Skin test every six months Medical screening as needed Pender County Health Department, Safety Officer,&

Medical Direction will assist with all questions and or concerns!

Handling of Suspected TB Patient

**Immediately apply HEPA Respirator issued to you

**Follow policy and procedures for proper donning of HEPA Mask

**If possible, place mask/face shield on patient**Gloves, Gowns, & Protective Eye Wear should

be worn**Outside vents should be turned on

Post Exposure Policy

Treated at PCHD during MONDAY –FRIDAY 8am to 4pm

Remember, Treatment will not start immediately……just PAPERWORK

Treated at Pender Memorial Hospital at other times, then sent to PCHD the following day

Shift supervisor should be notified ASAP Safety Officer notified ASAP

POST EXPOSURE POLICY CONT.

Incident report completed immediately which is located on the shared drive.

Copy of Suspected Patient Run Sheet or Face Sheet

WORK RESTRICTIONS

All workers will be out of work until Medically cleared by Pender County Health Department and or EMS Medical Direction.

Workers who are otherwise healthy and receiving preventive Tx for TB infection may be allowed to work but this is at the discretion of the Medical Director and EMS Director.


• Purpose: As stated by OSHA 1910.1030 Pender EMS and Fire shall have in place an infection/exposure control plan that applies to all occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

• This is includes the following:• Training….Once a year• Vaccinations….Hepatitis B, TB Skin Test, and Tetanus.


GENERAL MEASURES

• Remember, use common sense when it comes to EXPOSURE CONTROL

• Use gloves at all times when involved in patient care!• Use gowns and protective eyewear when potential fluid

splatter could take place.• Use good hand-washing techniques after all patient

contact.

GENERAL MEASURES CONTINUED…….

• All blood and or body fluids should be immediately cleaned with proper supplied infection control solution

• All contaminated linen should be placed in proper biohazard bag and placed in storage bins at stations and/or hospitals.

• Re-usable equipment should be cleaned before carrying back to the station. If not possible, it should be RED BAGGED then cleaned at the station.

GENERAL MEASURES CONTINUED…

• Things you should not do on the Ambulance!!!!!!!!

GENERAL MEASURES CONT…

Sharp Safety• DO NOT recap needles unless in the process of

Medication Therapy and only use the one handed technique

• ALL sharps MUST be disposed of in the established sharps containers, not in the stretchers, bench seats, floor of the unit, or the trash can.

GENERAL MEASURES

Follow manufacturer's directions when it comes to cleaning and washing assigned Turn Out Gear.

DO NOT DO THIS…..

• Please do not leave syringes laying around the units or stations like this ….NO matter what they are being used for..

CLEANING AND SANITIZING

• This should be done on each unit after every call using the proper disinfectant.

• Do Not leave gloves and/or trash on the units for the next crew to find.

• Units and equipment should be air dried when possible.

• All contaminated linen and waste should be properly disposed of at the station or hospital.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TOPICS….• Listed below is general knowledge topics with

further discussion in the Infection Control Manual located at each station.

• IV Cannulation Should be done with • Patent Airway/Suctioning All PPE in place to • Universal Isolation protect each crew • Bleedingmember involved with• Emesis, Defecation, Urination the call!!!!• Labor and Delivery

REGULATED WASTE

• DEFINITION PER OSHA 1910.1030

• Means liquid or semi-liquid or other potentially infectious materials;

contaminated items that would release blood or other potentially infectious

materials in a liquid or semi-liquid state if compressed; items that are caked with

dried blood or other potentially infectious materials and are capable of releasing

these materials during handling; contaminated sharps; and pathological and microbiological wastes containing blood or

other potentially infectious materials.

REGULATED WASTE DISPOSAL

• All sharps containers that are ¾ full must be sealed and replaced.

• SHARPS CONTAINERS must be placed in biohazard trash once sealed!

• All medical wasted produced as a result of a call must be collected and placed in a biohazard bag and removed from the scene.

• Simple Terms: IF YOU TAKE IT IN, YOU MUST TAKE IT OUT!

REGULATED WASTE DISPOSAL CONT.

• All waste must be disposed in the proper containers at each station.

• All regulated waste must be sent to St. 7 for Stericycle to pick up every 6 weeks.

• Please do not place regular trash in these containers………this cost Pender EMS and Fire unnecessary expenses.

• When containers are full Contact Calvin Wright to have it moved to Station 7.

REGULATED WASTE DISPOSAL CONT.

• All expired drugs must be put in separate a container.

• Expired drugs must be transferred to St. 7 to be placed in the supplied WHITE BOX by Stericycle for proper disposal.

REGULATED WASTE DISPOSAL..HOW NOT TO PROPERLY DISPOSE OF REGULATED WASTE……

DO NOT DO THIS…..

Not sealing the sharps container could mean a dirty unknown needle

stick for someone else!

Left behind Jump Seat!!

No Sharps Container!!!

Broke Ampule...

Missing Red Bag

# 1 RULE

IF ITS WET AND NOT YOURS

DON’T TOUCH IT

EXPOSURE MANAGEMANT

• Defined as if a parental (i.e. needle stick or cut), mucous-membrane exposure (i.e. splash to the eyes or mouth), or cutaneous exposure involving large amounts of blood or prolonged contact with blood especially when the exposed skin is chapped, abraded, or afflicted with dermatitis the provider is to ASAP………….

EXPOSURE MANAGEMANT CONT.• A. Wash hands/exposed area thoroughly• Notify Shift Supervisor ASAP• Notify Safety Officer• File an exposure/injury form located on the

shared drive.• Seek Medical attention at PMH or Facility

designated by supervisor.• File a workman’s compensation form

PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY

• All patient related information, whether medical or personal in nature, MUST be kept strictly confidential.

• This is very important to the patient, family members of the patient, but most of all to YOU and YOUR COWORKERS.

• Follow Pender EMS and Fire HIPPA Policy• Also Review Section 3.25 Confidential

Information and Disclosure of the Employee Manual.

SAFE WORK PRACTICES FOR THE STATION

• Keep medical equipment out of the kitchen area• Food must be dated and labeled• Do not wear/store protective clothing such as

bunker pants in living areas• Transport equipment in a sealed equipment bag

when transporting in personal vehicle.• Clean work areas properly each shift• Use liquid soap for showers and sink• Use paper or air drying for hands • Stations MUST be cleaned each shift

FOUND UNCLEAN SITUATIONS…THINGS LEFT AT STATIONS OR ON UNITS AT THE END OF SHIFTS FOR OTHERS…….REMEMBER THE STATIONS AND UNITS MUST BE KEPT CLEANED.

FOUND IN FRONT SEAT OF UNIT ON FLOOR…

DIRTY GLOVES LEFT ON UNIT………

Something is in the wrong place!

SUPPLIES SHOULD BE PUT UP AND NOT LEFT OUT FOR OTHERS TO PUT UP……

HAZARD COMMUNICATIONS

PENDER EMS & FIRE


• Mandated by OSHA 1910.1200• Once Called MSDS but changed to SDS• It is used to reduce chemical source illness and

injuries through the transmission of hazard information

• Knowing the risk of chemical involved i.e. physical or health

• ALL products MUST be LABELED.• Purchased products must, by law, have

warning labels attached.


• All new containers are labeled when it is transferred to another container.

• All portable containers will be labeled with name, date and initials of person placing chemical in container.

• SDS shall be provided on each hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

SDS

• MSDS Books

• Newer Books• SDS

SDS— SAFETY DATA SHEET

• What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)? • A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is designed to provide

both workers and emergency personnel with the proper procedures for handling or working with a particular substance. SDS's include information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point,flash point etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill/leak procedures. These are of particular use if a spill or other accident occurs. SDS's vary in length depending on their format, content, and font size. We have seen them from 1 to 10 pages, with most being 2 to 4 pages.

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/freezingpoint.html

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/boilingpoint.html

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/boilingpoint.html

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/flashpoint.html

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/flashpoint.html

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/toxic.html

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/ppe.html

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/faq/partc.html#formats

SDS— SAFETY DATA SHEET

• Who are SDS's for? • SDS's are meant for:

• Employees who may be occupationally exposed to a hazard at work.

• Employers who need to know the proper methods for storage etc.

• Emergency responders such as fire fighters, hazardous material crews, emergency medical technicians, and emergency room personnel.

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/hazardous.html


• SDS’s shall be in English and placed in an area that all employee’s can access.

• Employee’s should take the time to review SDS’s to make themselves familiar on how to navigate them in a time of need……

• Employee’s should have suppliers send them SDS’s with all chemical orders.

• Training on this is once a year• All new SDS sheets must be sent to every station

in Pender EMS and Fire System.

FIRE & EMERGENCY PLAN


• Mandated by OSHA 1910.35 – 1910.38• Purpose: Is to provide employees with

references to major workplace fire hazards, proper handling of such, storage, reference personnel/contacts, housekeeping, training, and maintaining equipment.


• As per PEMS policy NO excess linen is to be stored at any station this is to include but not limited to linen for general use, personnel linen such as sleeping gear, uniforms, and turnouts. All SOG’S concerning housekeeping issues should be followed. There should be no storage of excess materials in any stations that would contribute to combustible, fire, and or smoke hazards. OSHA 1910.38 Subpart E

LINEN COLLECTED FROM STATIONS


Fire Alarms will be placed at each station Carbon Monoxide detectors will be placed at each

station that has LP gas.Batteries need to be checked monthly

DO NOT REMOVE BATTERIES BECAUSE THEY GO OFF AND ANNOY YOU!!!


• Please do not take the light bulbs out of the EXIT lights because they are too bright at night. Tommy will Fine us if you do.

• These lights are in place to help individuals get out of a burning building.


• Exits routes must be free from all obstructions and not be blocked in a way that prevents the use as an exit.

• Properly Marked with signs designating exits from the building with proper lighting available.

• Evacuation maps at each station

• All doors must have functioning locks


• Fire Extinguishers• All buildings will be equipped

with proper type of fire extinguishers by order of the local Fire Marshall

• Must have annual training• Use the PASS Method • P-pull the pin out• A- aim the hose at the base of

the fire• S- squeeze the handle• S- sweep the hose or nozzle from

side to side


• Inspections will be done once a year by a certified company.

• Employee’s are responsible to know where all extinguishers are located at each station and on each unit.

• If a fire extinguisher is used please have it replaced ASAP. Also, notify the safety or logistics officer so it can be checked out.

Post Blood Borne Exposure

Pender EMS

Post Blood Borne Exposure To offer post exposure treatment to employees

of Pender EMS and Fire. Includes but not limited too……..iv sticks,

mucous membrane exposures, and fluid splatter….

ALL post blood borne exposure’s will be handled at Designated Facility by Safety Officer. This could be Pender Memorial Hospital, Medac, or a Urgent Care.

Post Blood Borne Exposure Purpose; all staff members of Pender EMS and

Fire know how to report exposure / injury and what takes place after the fact.

Shift supervisor must be notified ASAP Shift supervisor and Employee will notify the

Safety Officer Injury / Exposure form will be filled out by the

employee at the time of reporting the incident A written statement must be submitted ASAP.

Post Blood Borne Exposure These forms are located on the

Shared Drive. Located on each unit is a Post

Exposure Packet that the employee should get and follow the directions.

Do not waste any time when reporting exposures to proper personnel!

Post Blood Borne Exposure Flush or Wash the wound with soap and water and or

liquid sanitizer Pender Memorial Hospital will follow up with all testing

with PEMS Safety Officer. If transporting patients to another hospital besides

Pender …you must notify the receiving hospital of the exposure and request the patient get the necessary testing.

Safety Officer needs the patient demographics to be able to follow up on the situation.

Repeat Lab Work in 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months.

OSHA Required Paperwork Sharps Injury Log (located in post

exposure packet) Unsafe Practices Notification Form—

this is a log to show that PEMS & Fire is Following up on all incidence’s of sharps be left in un-proper locations.

Hepatitis B Declination Form

General Topics / Knowledge Reflective

Vest should be worn on all roadside scenes.

Remember to wear supplied EMS gear and or Turn out Gear when Required!!

General Topics / Knowledge

No Vest is required if you are wearing a company issued Blauer or 511 coat.

General Topics / Knowledge Please Put Oxygen in its proper place with

chains in place and secured. Each station has a place for empty and full cylinders.

At each station, know where the circuit breaker box is located.

If an OSHA inspector shows up, allow him to do his inspection, then contact Supervisor ASAP.

Same follows for Fire Inspections by the local Fire Marshall.

Be cooperative with the inspectors.

All units have proper place for portable oxygen tanks to be secured not on the jump seat.

Needs to be secured!!!

Improper way to store Oxygen………..

Wrong Way

Both Chains have to be secured around the Oxygen bottle……

Wrong Way

Proper Way to store Oxygen…….

The chains must be secured at the top and bottom of the oxygen tank to keep it in place.

The small oxygen bottles can be placed in the plastic drink holders.

Correct Way

Worker’s Compensation

Injury, Exposure, or Possibility of the 2, must be reported ASAP.

Notify Immediate Supervisor and Safety Officer.

Fill out INJURY/ EXPOSURE form located on “S” drive.

Safety Officer and/or Supervisor will direct you on the next steps.

Worker’s Compensation Cont. The First 7 calendar days of LOSS time is

the employee’s responsibility. The 7 calendar days begins on day of treatment.

Workers Comp. goes back and covers those 7 days if you miss 21 calendar days or more.

Also remember when you are out on workers comp. you must pay your part of insurance premiums for health care, colonial, and so-on. You MUST contact Audrea if this situation comes about.

Worker’s Compensation Cont. There will be several forms mailed to your

residence that must be completed by you in a timely matter. Some have to be returned with 30 days or they can be denied. I will assist anyone in filling out of these forms but please complete each form.

Pender EMS Drug Policy Pender EMS and Fire maintains a firm

commitment to provide a safe and productive work environment for its employees.

As a company, drug and/or alcohol test are ordered for pre-employment, post accident, post injury, random, and reasonable cause.

Random testing is done 4 times a year. The list is generated by an outside company.

Pender EMS Drug Policy It is policy that all employees, including management,

administrative, part-time, temporary and volunteer employees, shall not engage in the manufacture, use, possession, sale, purchase, or transfer of any substance which may impair their ability to perform assigned duties or otherwise adversely impact the Company’s business.

Pender EMS Drug Policy

Substances which may impair performance include, but are not limited to, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or other controlled substances. This policy applies to all employees during working time, regardless of location, and at all times on Company property including worksites and parking lots, or while operating a company vehicle.

Pender EMS Drug Policy

All employees signed an employee acknowledgement upon being hired.

Pender EMS and Fire has a no tolerance policy. Copies of the drug testing policy is located at all

the stations.

Pender EMS Items from Employee

Manual Located on Shared Drive

Preventing Harassment

Pender EMS and Fire has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination and all forms of unlawful harassment, including but not limited to sexual harassment.

Review Section 2.05 Preventing Harassment in the Employee Manual.

Building Security

Each and every employee must follow the building security rules and regulations listed here:

All means of egress/ingress must be closed and locked when building is vacated.

All means of egress/ingress must be closed and locked from 2300 hours to 0900 hours

Health-related Issues

Employees who become aware of any health or safety-related issue should notify their supervisor as soon as possible.

Employee Requiring Medical Attention

Employees should report all work-related injuries and accidents immediately to their supervisor, and then follow theses steps:

Fill out an injury/exposure form. Complete an incident report in a Word

Document Format Forms can be found on “S” Drive. Seek any needed medical attention as

directed by supervisor. Notify Safety Compliance Officer as soon

as possible. Note: See Policy Manual for details.

Absence and Tardiness From time to time, it may be necessary for an

employee to be late or absent from work. Pender EMS and Fire is aware that emergencies, illnesses, or pressing personal business that cannot be scheduled outside work hours may arise. It is the responsibility of all employees to contact all affected parties if they will be absent or late.

Note: See Employee Manual Section 3.06 Attendance, Punctuality and Absenteeism

Unscheduled Absence

Absence from work for two (2) consecutive days for Monday through Friday employees or two (2) consecutive shifts for FWW or non-emergency transport employees, without notifying your supervisor will be considered a voluntary resignation.

Smoking and Tobacco Use

Smoking on company property is a privilege, not a right and may be rescinded by management if the privilege is abused. Smoking is defined as the act of lighting, smoking or carrying a lighted or smoldering cigar, cigarette, electronic cigarette or pipe of any kind.

Smoking is not permitted inside any Pender EMS and Fire building with the exception of apparatus bays!!

All debris should be disposed of in appropriate provided receptacles.

When Pender EMS and Fire employees are on the campus of other companies, they are expected to comply with that companies smoking policies.

Attire and Grooming

Section 3.26 of Employee Manual

It is important to project a professional image while at work by being appropriately attired and groomed. Pender EMS and Fire employees are expected to be neat, clean, and well-groomed while on the job, conducting business in or outside of the office. Uniformed personnel must comply with the dress code.

Fire/EMS personnel shall wear and maintain their uniforms in such a manner so as to present a neat, wrinkle free, and clean appearance. Uniforms shall be clean, free of rips, tears, holes and shall not be faded or missing any required part such as buttons, patches and accessories.

Any hairstyle is permissible as long as the style does not allow hair to extend beyond the coverage of safety equipment. Hair that extends beyond the collar must be pulled back and tied anytime the employee is engaged in fire suppression or rescue operations. Hair shall be trimmed so as not to flare out or curl beneath the lower edge of the dress uniform hat, work cap, or helmet.

Attire and Grooming Continued

North Carolina Division of Occupational Safety and Health has determined that facial hair between the skin and respirator sealing surface is a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards which follows State and Federal Law 29 CFR-1920 and 34 (E)(5)(I).

This is true for SCBA and N-95/N-100 Mask. A positive quantitative or qualitative fit test is not acceptable by OSHA as

evidence that would allow a respirator to be worn when facial hair could interfere with the operation of the exhalation valve or seal.

Based on the above statements, personnel who are required to wear self-contained breathing apparatus will be free from any facial hair growth, except for a mustache or center lip growth which will meet the following prescribed grooming standards:

Facial hair should be neatly groomed and trimmed Shall not extend beyond the lower ridge of the mandible below the corner of

the mouth to impede with the proper sealing of breathing apparatus face piece

Sideburns shall not interfere with the proper seal of a breathing apparatus face piece

Pender Volunteer EMS and Fire Inc.Standard Operating Guideline

Hurricane Guideline Historically, the major natural disaster

threat to the coastal area of North Carolina has been hurricanes. Accordingly, this plan has been developed to cope with the emergency response and recovery efforts that we will face after a land falling hurricane. The Pender Volunteer EMS and Fire, Inc. plan provides for guidance to the employees of this department and other agencies that we work with. This plan was developed to coordinate emergency operations, in the event of a land falling hurricane. Continue……


Hurricane Guideline It is important that each employee

read and understands this plan. This plan includes things to do before, during, and after a hurricane. Once a storm threatens, you become an emergency worker. Your role becomes more vital than ever. This event might last one day or for months depending on the severity of the storm.


Hurricane Guideline It is my hope that this plan will help you begin

to prepare yourself and your families in the event of a hurricane. Make sure your station is as self-sufficient as possible. Be as prepared as you can.Thank you,Woodrow W. Sullivan III, ChiefPender Vol. EMS and Fire, Inc.

Please review guideline on the shared drive.

CLOSING…………………

• Each station has a Infection/Exposure Manual located at each work station. It is the employees responsibility to be aware of all policies and guidelines.

• Pender EMS and Fire Medical Director Dr. Michael Moulton and Chief Woody Sullivan III have reviewed and approved these policies and guidelines. It is your responsibility to follow them.

infection control 2016

Health & Medicine