Control measures should form part of a ‘Hierarchy of Controls’. That hierarchy should be based on the following 5 pillars. Starting with the most effective and ending with the least:

1. Elimination of the hazard – there are already self-contained decontamination systems which use High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. However, more effective devices use Ultraviolet (UV) light to eliminate the virus completely. Some of these systems are presently being used within the NHS from ambulances to operating theatres. If you would like to know more about these devices, which can be bought or leased, please contact us.
2. Substitution – generally not practicable for this pandemic.
3. Engineering controls - possible in the form of measures such as shielding.
4. Administrative controls – this could involve a number of measures from social distancing and self-isolation policies to substitution of employees.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Generally the least effective and should be the last resort (not the first). PPE requires very careful consideration regarding selection, protection factors, fitting, maintenance, etc. Recently, we have noticed a trend in inappropriate PPE slection e.g. forms of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) are being replaced with eye protection e.g. visors, which infer no level of respiratory protection, giving the user a false sense of security/protection.

Again, Templar Medical can offer advice on all of the above.