Archive for the ‘Disinfectants’ Category

Understanding and Dealing with MRSA

Industrial Supplies Michigan – Amerisource Industrial Supply  
  

The Basics — What Is It And Where It Is Found?   

Disturbing, frightening and seemingly relentless, MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) has haunted the consciousness of the nation. Like a modern-day plague, MRSA, a type of bacterial “staph” infection resistant to commonly used antibiotics, has prompted the concern of health officials, business owners and the general public due to its increasing spread, adaptability and virtual defiance of conventional treatments.   Staph bacteria is so ubiquitous that many of us unknowingly carry it “colonized” on our bodies —it resides on the skin or in the nasal passages of nearly 30 percent of the population. This common bacteria can mutate into a viable threat in hospitals and other healthcare environments when staph takes advantage of insect bites, skin abrasions, cuts and surgical incision avenues into the body to cause pneumonia, wound, bloodstream or urinary tract infections in patients with weakened immune systems.    

 

First discovered in 1961, these MRSA infections are fiercely resistant to usually reliable beta antibiotics such as methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. In rare cases, mild skin infections featuring boils or pimples can transform lactams into necrotizing fasciitis (“flesh eating”) bacterial infections that can spread with horrifying speed and result in amputations or death.     

Currently, the majority of MRSA cases are in Healthcare settings. According to an October 2007 study published in “The Journal of the American Medical Association” (JAMA), approximately 85% of invasive MRSA infections occur in these environments, while 14% are categorized as community-associated (CA-MRSA) infections, or in those individuals lacking the risk factors associated with healthcare environments. As outlined in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, more individuals died from MRSA in 2005 than from AIDS.    

Transmission and Vulnerability     

MRSA is transmitted primarily from the colonized hand of a patient or healthcare worker who did not properly wash their hands. Swollen, red and pus-filled areas from surgical incisions or skin irritations characterize the skin of infected individuals. It can also reside in hair-covered regions such as the back of the neck or the groin, and is frequently mistaken fora spider bite. CA-MRSA, on the other hand, is usually transmitted via skin cuts and abrasions in environments where there is predominantly close-quarter human contact— everywhere from airports to military bases, gymnasiums, locker rooms, pool areas, ball fields,
day care centers and penitentiaries. A common risk factor is the sharing of towels, razors and other personal hygiene products. According to the CDC, individuals over age 65 are especially vulnerable to MRSA and CA-MRSA, and culturally, records show that black people appear to experience infections at twice the rate of caucasions.    

Regrettably, MRSA is gaining strength outside of healthcare settings and had found its way into the community. One only has to consult the mainstream media to discover CA-MRSA outbreaks among competitive sports teams from the high school to the professional level. The infection has affected professional sports players and has contributed to the deaths of high school and college athletes across the country. In addition to the risk factor of close contact associated with sports, the sharing of equipment or clothing may also be a contributor.   
  
 What If You Think You Have It?    
The bottom line is that if you have a skin cut, abrasion or something that looks like a spider bite or even a pimple that is not responding to conventional first aid methods or over-the-counter medications, you should consult your physician immediately. Even though MRSA and CA-MRSA are frequently resistant to antibiotics, your physician can devise a treatment strategy utilizing a variety of medications that can be adjusted or augmented. If you are already under a physician’s care for an infection, pay particular attention to the effectiveness of the medication. If you notice that the infection is getting worse, or if you start running a fever or have trouble breathing, contact your physician immediately. If you have a condition that lowers your immunity, you are at a higher risk of MRSA and CA-MRSA infection. If you think that you might have an infection, contact your physician immediately.    

It’s also important to keep in mind that you should avoid asking your physician for antibiotic treatments for a simple cold or flu. Increasingly, the medical community is coming to the realization that MRSA and CA-MRSA are resistant to conventional antibiotics due to the over prescribing of such medications.  
 
Prevention — Cleaning Up Your Act    
Now that you understand the dangers of MRSA and CA-MRSA in more detail, your emphasis should be on avoiding infection and outbreaks by practicing common sense and good personal hygiene. This advice, based on recommendations by the CDC and healthcare professionals is not solely applicable to individuals. If you hold a position of responsibility with a business or concern where close human contact is frequent, you should pay particular attention to the following recommendations:    

 

  • Make sure your hands are clean by thorough and frequent washing with soap and warm water or by using a alcohol-based hand sanitizer and/or antimicrobial cleanser- especially after chaning bandages or touching wounds.
  • Take your time washing your hands — it should take as long as it takes for you to recite the alphabet 
  • Constantly clean cuts and scrapes and cover them with bandages until they are healed 
  • Discard any soiled bandages and used adhesive tape 
  • Avoid contact with the wounds and bandages of others, if possible 
  • Shower immediately after exercise, athletic practice or competitions 
  • Do not share or tolerate the sharing of personal items such as towels, razors, bar soap or deodorant
  •  Immediately wash soiled towels, sheets and clothes with laundry detergent and dry them on the hot dryer setting to kill bacteria
  •  Wipe equipment surfaces with a disinfectant thoroughly after use 
  • If you think you have an infection, contact your physician immediately
  • Maintain a cleaner environment though mandated cleaning procedures for frequently touched equipment and surfaces thereof 
SOURCES
:CDC Web site. The American Academy of Family Physicians Web site. WebMD Web site.Capriotti, T. Dermatology Nursing, Jan. 26, 2004; vol 15: pp 535-538. Johnson, L.
Infections in Medicine, 2005; vol 22: pp 16-20.
Klevens, R.M. The Journal of the American Medical Association, Oct. 17, 2007; vol 298: pp 1763-1771. R. Monica Klevens, DDS, MPH, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, CDC, Atlanta.
Elizabeth Bancroft, MD, Acute Communicable Disease Control, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
CDC Basic Statistics, HIV/AIDS Status Report, 2005. WebMD Medical News: “MRSA Rates Much Higher Than Thought.”
CDC Press Release, “CDC estimates 94,000 invasive drug-resistant staph infections occurred in the U.S. in 2005.” October 16, 2007.
Linezolid for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in children. Kaplan SL - Pediatr Infect Dis J - 01-SEP-2003; 22(9 Suppl): S178-85
Prospective comparison of risk factors and demographic and clinical characteristics of community-acquired, methicillin-resistant versus methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus infection in children.
Sattler CA - Pediatr Infect Dis J - 01-OCT-2002; 21(10): 910-7 Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the community. Bratcher D - Pediatr
Infect Dis J - 01-DEC-2001; 20(12): 1167-8
   

 

 
 
 
  
   

 

  

Nursing Homes Recommended Cleaning Chemicals

Janitorial Products Michigan Tennessee Wisconsin
Amerisource Industrial Supply

Nursing Home Chemicals by Area

Restrooms and Showers  
     
  Clean and Disinfect  
                 Fixtures AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
                 Toilet Bowls/Urinals AIS Neutral Disinfectant Big D
                 Counter Tops AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
                 Floors AIS Neutral Disinfectant Big D
                 Stainless and Chrome AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
                 Showers (Daily Clean) AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
                 Spot Clean Walls,Doors, etc AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
  Blood Spills AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
  Soap and Scum Removal (Deep Clean) Citrus H2O2 Peroxy Blend
  Mildew Remover Tilex Mildew Remover
  Whirlpools AIS Neutral Disinfectant Big D
  Glass Surfaces Window Kleen Conc / AIS RTU Glass Clnr
  Urine Smells AIS Liquid Life
  Floor Drains AIS Liquid Life
  Hair and Body Soap Kutol Hair and Body Shampoo
     
     
Office    
     
  Clean Counter Tops AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
  Glass Surfaces Window Kleen Conc Glass Clnr
  Wipe Down Equipment AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
  Disinfect Telephones AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
  Light Clean and Disinfect Trash Containers AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
  Light Spot Clean Walls,Doors, etc AIS WFC or Soft Scrub
  Floor Drains AIS Liquid Life
     
Halls and Lobbys    
     
  Clean Counter Tops AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
  Glass Surfaces Window Kleen Conc Glass Clnr
  Wipe Down Equipment AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
  Disinfect Telephones AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
  Light Clean and Disinfect Trash Containers AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
   Spot Clean Walls,Doors, etc AIS WFC or Soft Scrub
  Stainless and Chrome AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
  Floor Drains AIS Liquid Life
     
     
Dining Room/Break Rooms  
     
  Clean Counter Tops, Tables, Chairs AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
  Glass Surfaces Window Kleen Conc Glass Clnr
  Wipe Down Equipment AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
  Disinfect Telephones AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
  Light Clean and Disinfect Trash Containers AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
  Spot Clean Walls,Doors, etc AIS WFC or Soft Scrub
  Stainless and Chrome AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
  Floor Drains AIS Liquid Life
     
Patient/Resident Rooms  
     
  Clean and Disinfect  
                 Counter Tops and Hard Surfaces AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
                 Switches, Handles, Knobs, etc AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
                 Vinyl Furniture and Coverings AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
                 Stainless and Chrome AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
                 Telephones AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
                 Spot Clean Walls,Doors, etc AIS WFC or Soft Scrub
                 Toilet Bowls  AIS Neutral Disinfectant Big D
  Blood Spills AIS WFC Washroom Fixture Cleaner
  Neutral Disinfect Vinyl Floors AIS Neutral Disinfectant
  Glass Surfaces Window Kleen Conc Glass Clnr
  Urine Smells AIS Liquid Life
  Floor Drains AIS Liquid Life
     
Misc    
  Furniture Polish Lemon ScentFurniture Polish
  Dust Mop Treatment Dust Mop Treatment Aerosol
     

Swine Flu 2009 H1N1 – Facts

Janitorial Supplies Michigan – Amerisource Industrial Supply

Truth About Swine Flu 2009 H1N1

Ms. Michele Wingfield, Branch Chief, Product Science Branch of the US EPA Office of
Pesticide Programs, Antimicrobial Division is recommending the use of any registered
product with label claim against Influenza A. If your products have an Influenza A
label claim, you can use against the current H1N1 strain. That being said, you cannot
add “swine flu” to your label just because you have Influenza A. The Administration is
currently calling this strain 2009-H1N1 flu instead of swine flu.

DO NOT BE MISLEAD! There are NO disinfectants registered through the US EPA that
can claim to be effective against the 2009H1N1 strain of “swine flu.” All current swine flu
claims refer to animal quarters.

Amerisource Products effective agains Influenza A

BIG DINSINFECTANT
150 SANITIZER

Pandemic Plan H1N1 Virus

BUSINESS PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PLANNING

 Overview

In the event of pandemic influenza, businesses will play a key role in protecting employees’ health and safety as well as limiting the negative impact to the economy and society. Planning for pandemic influenza is critical. To assist you in your efforts, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed the following checklist for large businesses. It identifies important, specific activities large businesses can do now to prepare, many of which will also help you in other emergencies. Further information can be found at www.pandemicflu.gov and www.cdc.gov/business.

QUICK ACTION GUIDE

  • 1. Liberal leave policy to anyone exhibiting fever, cough and flu symptoms
  • 2. Promote frequent hand washing or sanitizing after personal contact
  • a. Carry personal hand sanitizer
  • 3. Avoid touching nose, eyes and face with hands
  • 4. Cough into arm vs hands
  • 5. Consider applying protective residual disinfectant coating to all hard surfaces

CHECKLIST

 

1.1 Plan for the impact of a pandemic on your business:

  • 1. Identify a pandemic coordinator and/or team with defined roles and responsibilities for preparedness and response planning. The planning process should include input from labor representatives.
  • 2. Identify essential employees and other critical inputs (e.g. raw materials, suppliers, sub-contractor services/products, and logistics) required to maintain business operations by location and function during a pandemic.
  • 3. Train and prepare ancillary workforce (e.g. contractors, employees in other job titles/descriptions, retirees).
  • 4. Develop and plan for scenarios likely to result in an increase or decrease in demand for your products and/or services during a pandemic (e.g. effect of restriction on mass gatherings, need for hygiene supplies).
  • 5. Determine potential impact of a pandemic on company business financials using multiple possible scenarios that affect different product lines and/or production sites.
  • 6. Determine potential impact of a pandemic on business-related domestic and international travel (e.g. quarantines, border closures).
  • 1. Find up-to-date, reliable pandemic information from community public health, emergency management, and other sources and make sustainable links.
  • 2. Establish an emergency communications plan and revise periodically. This plan includes identification of key contacts (with back-ups), chain of communications (including suppliers and customers), and processes for tracking and communicating business and employee status.
  • 3. Implement an exercise/drill to test your plan, and revise periodically.

1.2 Plan for the impact of a pandemic on your employees and customers:

  • 1. Forecast and allow for employee absences during a pandemic due to factors such as personal illness, family member illness, community containment measures and quarantines, school and/or business closures, and public transportation closures.
  • 2. Implement guidelines to modify the frequency and type of face-to-face contact (e.g. hand-shaking, seating in meetings, office layout, shared workstations) among employees and between employees and customers (refer to CDC recommendations).
  • 3. Encourage and track annual influenza vaccination for employees.
  • 4. Evaluate employee access to and availability of healthcare services during a pandemic, and improve services as needed.
  • 5. Evaluate employee access to and availability of mental health and social services during a pandemic, including corporate, community, and faith-based resources, and improve services as needed.
  • 6. Identify employees and key customers with special needs, and incorporate the requirements of such persons into your preparedness plan.

1.3 Establish policies to be implemented during a pandemic:

  • 1. Establish policies for employee compensation and sick-leave absences unique to a pandemic (e.g. non-punitive, liberal leave), including policies on when a previously ill person is no longer infectious and can return to work after illness.
  • 2. Establish policies for flexible worksite (e.g. telecommuting) and flexible work hours (e.g. staggered shifts).
  • 3. Establish policies for preventing influenza spread at the worksite (e.g. promoting respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, and prompt exclusion of people with influenza symptoms).
  • 4. Establish policies for employees who have been exposed to pandemic influenza, are suspected to be ill, or become ill at the worksite (e.g. infection control response, immediate mandatory sick leave).
  • 5. Establish policies for restricting travel to affected geographic areas (consider both domestic and international sites), evacuating employees working in or near an affected area when an outbreak begins, and guidance for employees returning from affected areas (refer to CDC travel recommendations).
  • 6. Set up authorities, triggers, and procedures for activating and terminating the company’s response plan, altering business operations (e.g. shutting down operations in affected areas), and transferring business knowledge to key employees.

1.4 Allocate resources to protect your employees and customers during a pandemic:

  • 1. Provide sufficient and accessible infection control supplies (e.g.hand-hygiene products, tissues and receptacles for their disposal) in all business locations.
  • 2. Enhance communications and information technology infrastructures as needed to support employee telecommuting and remote customer access.
  • 3. Ensure availability of medical consultation and advice for emergency response.

1.5 Communicate to and educate your employees:

  • 1. Develop and disseminate programs and materials covering pandemic fundamentals (e.g. signs and symptoms of influenza, modes of transmission), personal and family protection and response strategies (e.g. hand hygiene, coughing/sneezing etiquette, contingency plans).
  • 2. Anticipate employee fear and anxiety, rumors and misinformation and plan communications accordingly.
  • 3. Ensure that communications are culturally and linguistically appropriate.
  • 4. Disseminate information to employees about your pandemic preparedness and response plan.
  • 5. Provide information for the at-home care of ill employees and family members.
  • 6. Develop platforms (e.g. hotlines, dedicated websites) for communicating pandemic status and actions to employees, vendors, suppliers, and customers inside and outside the worksite in a consistent and timely way, including redundancies in the emergency contact system.
  • 7. Identify community sources for timely and accurate pandemic information (domestic and international) and resources for obtaining counter-measures (e.g. vaccines and antivirals).

1.6 Coordinate with external organizations and help your community:

  • 1. Collaborate with insurers, health plans, and major local healthcare facilities to share your pandemic plans and understand their capabilities and plans.
  • 2. Collaborate with federal, state, and local public health agencies and/or emergency responders to participate in their planning processes, share your pandemic plans, and understand their capabilities and plans.
  • 3. Communicate with local and/or state public health agencies and/or emergency responders about the assets and/or services your business could contribute to the community.
  • 4. Share best practices with other businesses in your communities, chambers of commerce, and associations to improve community response efforts.
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