Showing posts with label Thermal Camera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thermal Camera. Show all posts

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Thermal Imaging Systems in COVID-19

Thermal Imaging Systems in COVID-19

Measuring a person’s temperature can be done in several ways. NCITs may be used to reduce cross-contamination risk and minimize the risk of spreading disease. While typically 98.6°F (37.0°C) is considered a “normal” temperature, some studies have shown that "normal" body temperature can be within a wide range, from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C). A core issue is there are no independent tests of thermal camera performance /accuracy and no independent standards to measure against. This has allowed manufacturers to tout products meant for body/fire detection as a fever solution, or falsely claim pinpoint accuracy at long distances. We urge caution against buying low-cost thermal solutions from any manufacturer. 

Thermal imaging systems and non-contact infrared thermometers (NCITs) use different forms of infrared technology to measure temperature.

Thermal Imaging Systems and COVID-19
·        When used correctly, thermal imaging systems generally have been shown to accurately measure someone’s surface skin temperature without being physically close to the person being evaluated. Thermal imaging systems offer certain benefits in that other methods need a closer proximity or contact to measure temperature (for example, non-contact infrared thermometers or oral thermometers).
·        Temperature-based screening, such as thermal imaging, is not effective at determining if someone definitively has COVID-19 because, among other things, a person with COVID-19 may not have a fever. A diagnostic test must be performed to determine if someone has COVID-19.
·        Thermal imaging systems have not been shown to be accurate when used to take the temperature of multiple people at the same time. The accuracy of these systems depends on careful set-up and operation, as well as proper preparation of the person being evaluated.
·        Thermal imaging systems have been used by several countries during epidemics, although information about their effectiveness as part of efforts to reduce the spread of disease has been mixed.

·        The FDA issued the Enforcement Policy for Telethermographic Systems During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency guidance to help expand the availability of thermal imaging systems and mitigate thermometer shortages during the public health emergency. The guidance sets forth an enforcement policy that is intended to apply to all thermal imaging systems that are intended for medical purposes for the duration of the public health emergency related to COVID-19, and provides recommendations regarding performance and labeling of such systems.
Figure 1 demonstrates the proper thermal imaging setup for processing of individual people in a public area.
Benefits of Thermal Imaging Systems
·        The person who handles the thermal imaging system is not required to be physically close to the person being evaluated. In fact, the person who handles the thermal imaging system could be in a different area or room.
·        The thermal imaging system may measure surface skin temperature faster than the typical forehead or oral (mouth) thermometer that requires a close distance or physical contact with the person being evaluated.
·        Scientific studies show that, when used correctly, thermal imaging systems generally measure surface skin temperature accurately.

Limitations of Thermal Imaging Systems
·        Although these systems may be in use for initial temperature assessment to triage individuals in high throughput areas (for example, airports, businesses and sporting events), the systems have not been shown to be effective when used to take the temperature of multiple people at the same time. They should not be used for "mass fever screening."
·        These systems measure surface skin temperature, which is usually lower than a temperature measured orally. Thermal imaging systems must be adjusted properly to correct for this difference in measurements.
·        These systems work effectively only when all the following are true:
Ø  The systems are used in the right environment or location.
Ø  The systems are set up and operated correctly.
Ø  The person being assessed is prepared according to instructions.
Ø  The person handling the thermal imaging system is properly trained.

Proper Use of Thermal Imaging Systems
The person who handles the system should follow all manufacturer instructions to make sure the system is set up properly and located where it can measure surface skin temperature accurately.
The person who handles the system should be trained to properly prepare both the location where the system will be used, and the person being evaluated, to increase accuracy. For details, see the standards and scientific papers listed under References below.

Preparing the Area where You will Use a Thermal Imaging System
  • Room temperature should be 68-76 °F (20-24 °C) and relative humidity 10-50 percent.
  • Try to control other items that could impact the temperature measurement:
    • Avoid reflective backgrounds (for example, glass, mirrors, metallic surfaces) to minimize reflected infrared radiation.
    • Use in a room with no draft (movement of air), out of direct sunlight and away from radiant heat (for example, portable heaters, electrical sources).
    • Avoid strong lighting (for example, incandescent, halogen and quartz tungsten halogen light bulbs).
Figure 2 demonstrates the proper thermal imaging room setup.
Preparing the Thermal Imaging System
Ø Some systems require the use of a calibrated blackbody (a tool for checking the calibration of an infrared temperature sensor) during evaluation to make sure measurements are accurate. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine if a calibrated blackbody is needed. Some devices do not require one.
Ø  Turn on the entire system 30 minutes before use to warm it up.

Preparing the Person Being Evaluated
The person handling the system should make sure the person being evaluated:
Ø  Does not have any face obstructions before measurement (such as a mask, glasses, hat, headband, or scarf), the person's hair is pulled away from the face, and the person’s face is clean and dry.
Ø  Does not have a higher or lower face temperature from wearing excessive clothing or head covers (for example, headbands, bandanas) or from using facial cleansing products (for example, cosmetic wipes).

Ø  Has waited at least 15 minutes in the measurement room or 30 minutes after exercising, strenuous physical activity, bathing, or using hot or cold compresses on the face.
Figure 3 demonstrates the proper thermal imaging setup for processing of individual people using a calibrated blackbody background.
Using the Thermal Imaging System
·        Measure only one person’s surface skin temperature at a time.
·        Position the person at a fixed distance (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use) from the thermal imaging system, directly facing the camera.
·        The image area should include the person’s whole face and the calibrated blackbody, if using one.
·        If an increased temperature is seen using the thermal imaging system, you should use a different method to confirm a fever. Public health officials can help you determine if the fever is a sign of infection.

Thermal camera selecting guide
Unlike regular cameras, not many customers are aware of certain key factors that they need to consider when selecting a thermal camera. This is mainly because thermal cameras are still a relatively new concept for many security customers.

1.  Accuracy
In border surveillance, some thermal camera can accurately detect the people or object more than 150 meters away. Thermal imaging cameras are often not just to detect higher or lower temperatures but also the calculate the differences. This means that the readings should be as accurate as possible. Most top-end cameras provide a +/- 2% accuracy. The distance at which the camera can maintain this accuracy is also critical. 
2.  Temperature range
Thermal cameras have a range within which they can detect temperature. You should purchase a camera that would meet your temperature needs. For example, the cameras used at airports now are for human temperature monitoring. Hence their range just needs to include the highest and lowest points that a human body can sustain. However, in the industrial segment, the temperature may be higher. 
3.  Resolution 
Thermal cameras tend to have lower resolution compared to their regular counterparts, and hence this should be an essential consideration before purchase. The size of the area you need to capture and the nature of the target will decide the resolution you need. If you need to capture small objects in detail, high-resolution cameras will be necessary. 
4.  Cybersecurity  
Developments in IP has enabled thermal cameras to connect with other network devices and be part of the IT infrastructure.  You will need to find companies that provide NDAA compliant products. 
Prefer Thermal Camera brand
Avigilon H4 Thermal Elevated Temperature Detection camera is embedded with edge-based analytics to detect faces and notify operators of elevated skin temperature.
3S Vision T9078- Dome Camera, T9079- Dome Camera, T6078- Bullet Camera, T6079- Bullet Camera, T6041- Bullet Camera, T6051- Bullet Camera, T6061- Bullet Camera.
FLIR FLIR Axxx-EST series, T5xx-EST series, Exx-EST series & TG 165(Hand Held type).
AMETEK VIRALERT 3 human body temperature screening system for buildings and facilities
MOBOTIX MOBOTIX TR (Thermal Radiometry) technology makes it possible to measure thermal radiation - even from people.
AXIS Axis Q19, Q29, Q86, Q87 & Modular Camera
Honeywell HRCF-FD384H- Temperature Detecter 7.8mm, HRCF-FD640H - Temperature Detecter 15mm, HRCF-KIT-FD384H - Temperature Detection kit 7.8mm -tripod, HRCF-KIT-FD640H - Temperature Detection kit 15mm – tripod, HRCF-KIT2-FD640H- Temperature Detection kit 15mm - tripod (no laptop), HRCF-KIT2-FD384H- Temperature Detection kit 7.8mm -tripod (no laptop).
Lilin P3T6522E2 & P3T6522E2-F – Dome Camera, 

Questions about Using Thermal Imaging Systems during COVID-19
Q: Are thermal imaging systems effective for screening people for fevers in places like nursing homes, airports, and hospital emergency rooms?
A: When using a thermal imaging system, it is important to assess whether the system will provide the intended results in high throughput areas. We understand that these devices are being used for initial temperature assessment and triage of individuals for elevated temperatures in medical and non-medical environments. They should not be used for measuring temperatures of many people at the same time in crowded areas, in other words “mass fever screening” is not recommended.
Based on where the system will be used, there may be more appropriate methods to initially assess and triage people, especially if there is a risk that infected people would not be identified right away. For example:
  • In a nursing home, inaccurate temperature measurement or a missed contagious person without a fever could spread infection among nursing home residents. So, in this case, other assessment options and following infection control practices may be more effective.
  • In airports, workplaces, grocery stores, concert venues, or other areas where you are trying to screen large groups of people for mass fever screening, diagnostic testing may be too difficult because of the time and costs needed to screen and get results. These systems will likely miss most individuals with COVID-19 who are contagious. Thermal imaging systems could be considered as one method for initial temperature assessment in these types of settings when used as part of a larger approach to risk management.
  • In a hospital emergency room, a thermal imaging system may help to quickly assess temperature and triage patients to determine who needs more evaluation or isolation.

Q: Are thermal imaging systems effective as the sole means of diagnosing COVID-19?
A: No. A fever or higher body temperature is only one possible symptom of a COVID-19 infection. Thermal imaging systems generally detect a high body temperature accurately when used appropriately. They do not detect any other infection symptoms, and many people with COVID-19 can be contagious without a fever. Also, a high body temperature does not necessarily mean a person has a COVID-19 infection.
All fevers measured by thermal imaging systems should be confirmed by another method and followed by more diagnostic evaluations for other symptoms, as appropriate.

Q: How can thermal imaging systems help with the COVID-19 response?
A: To help address urgent public health concerns raised by shortages of temperature measurement products and expand the availability of telethermographic systems used for initial body temperature for triage use during this COVID-19 public health emergency, the FDA is applying regulatory flexibility for certain telethermographic systems as outlined in its enforcement policy.
When a high body temperature is identified by thermal imaging, an additional evaluation should follow (for example, doctor evaluations or interview, laboratory testing and patient observation).

Q: Are thermal imaging systems used for body temperature assessment considered medical devices?
A: As discussed in the enforcement policy, telethermographic systems are devices when they are intended for a medical purpose. To determine if these products are intended for a medical purpose, FDA will consider whether:
  1. They are labeled or otherwise intended for use by a health care professional;
  2. They are labeled or otherwise for use in a health care facility or environment; and
  3. They are labeled for an intended use that meets the definition of a device, for example, body temperature measurement for diagnostic purposes, including in non-medical environments.

Q: How does a thermal imaging system differ from a thermometer?
A: Both thermal imaging systems and non-contact infrared thermometers (NCIT) can measure surface temperatures without contact. An NCIT measures surface temperature in a single location, whereas a thermal imaging system can measure temperature differences across multiple locations, creating a relative temperature map of a region of the body. The enforcement policy in the guidance applies to use of thermal imaging systems to determine initial body temperature measurements.
There is a separate enforcement policy that applies to certain NCITs and other clinical electronic thermometers: Enforcement Policy for Clinical Electronic Thermometers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency.
Temperature gun uses not recommendate. 

References
Note, this information is applicable to thermal imaging systems that are intended for a medical purpose. This means that the system is intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease and, therefore, meets the definition of “device” set forth in Section 201(h) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

For more information on FDA’s policies for these devices, and recommendations on their design, labeling, and use during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, please review the following:
Enforcement Policy for Telethermographic Systems During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency: Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff
Additional information on these devices can be found at:

IEC 80601-2-59: Medical electrical equipment - Part 2-59: Particular requirements for basic safety and essential performance of screening thermoghraphs for human febrile temperature screening. 2017, International Electrotechnical Commission & International Organization for Standardization.
ISO/TR 13154: Medical electrical equipment — Deployment, implementation and operational guidelines for identifying febrile humans using a screening thermograph. 2017, International Organization for Standardization.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Guidelines for workplace when reopen post COVID-19 lockdown

Guidelines for workplace when reopen post COVID-19 lockdown

To prevent the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) disease among industrial workers and office staff when commercial activities resume in various states of India, the states, district administration and the labour department already issued a detailed advisory for business units reopening while the lockdown is still in place. The labour department said that since the city has a unique mix of industrial and office workforce, owing to closeness with other national Capital region cities, it has been decided to apply more stringent measures in a few domains to prevent the spread of this disease.
Additional labour commissioner of NCR, Haryana. “All organisations are expected to align their operations to these guidelines to ensure safe working conditions. In case the companies don’t comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP), their permissions will be withdrawn and criminal proceedings would be initiated against them,” he said.

What is COVID-19
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for virus, and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as ‘2019 novel coronavirus’ or ‘2019-nCoV. The COVID-19 virus is a new virus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of common cold.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia or breathing difficulties. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. These symptoms are similar to the flu (influenza) or the common cold, which are a lot more common than COVID-19. This is why testing is required to confirm if someone has COVID-19.

How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing). Individuals can also be infected from and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and touching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth). The COVID-19 virus may survive on surfaces for several hours, but simple disinfectants can kill it.

The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and the virus has now spread to many countries and territories.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued new guidelines for the restarting of manufacturing units post coronavirus lockdown. As per the new guidelines, the production units have been asked to consider first week after the lockdown ends as a trial period. The new guidelines address the issues from accommodation to sanitization needs. It also asks the companies to not target high production in the first week of operations.
"When Lockout/Tagout procedures are not in place, many energy sources can prove to be hazardous to operators/supervisors who are servicing or maintaining electrical, mechanical or chemical equipment. When heavy machinery and equipment are not maintained periodically, they can become dangerous for the operators/engineers," NDMA said in a statement. 

Key Messages & Actions for workplace administrators or safety Managers
Following basic principles can help keep students, teachers, and staff safe at school
·        sick worker or employee and other staff should not come to workplace.
·        Promote regular and thorough hand-washing by employees, contractors, and customers.
·        Workplace should promote physical distancing, only two worker or employee can do work. Seating arrangement also be spread.
·        Combine with other communication measures such as offering guidance from occupational health and safety officers, briefings at meetings, and information on intranet sites to promote hand-washing
·        Display posters promoting respiratory hygiene. Combine this with other communication measures such as guidance from occupational health and safety officers, briefing at meetings, and information on the intranet, etc.
·        Office room, workstation, cabin room temperature should under 24 to 30. Relative humidity within 40% - 70%.
·        Ensure that face masks (Ordinary medical masks rather than N95 masks) or paper tissues are available at your workplaces, for those who develop a runny nose or cough at work, along with closed bins for hygienically disposing of them.

Disinfect workplace
Clean and disinfect workplace area & buildings and especially water and sanitation facilities at least once a day, particularly surfaces that are touched by many people (Chair-table, elevator, railings, lunch tables, sports equipment, door and window handles, tools, entrance electronic gate, learning aids etc) or restricted area (Lab equipment, AC, DVR/NVR, Amplifier, any type controller, Fire Panel, Pump House, Hose, Fire Extinguisher, Access Reader etc)  through Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2). This sanitizer not applicable for Human skin. Primarily as a cleaning and disinfecting agent.
SANITIZING TUNNELS are disinfecting passageways for human use if sprays are non-flammable & non-toxic Super oxidized water Hypochlorous acid (HOCL). If purchase from vendor, vendor should share Lab test report & national or international certificate.
Verify Electrical System
Carry out the visual inspections of the distribution boards, switch boards. This is to ensure that during lock down insects have not got trapped in the electrical apparatus. If possible, get the earth values check of the earth pits.
Ensure that all stand by equipment’s are tested for the operations, such as DG sets. Ensure to have those equipment’s in auto mode, if they were kept in auto mode prior to the lock down.
Lift operator should strictly use gloves and mask during duty hours.

Verify CCTV System
CCTV surveillance is now an integral part of the school, collage across the world. Visual inspection of all the components for any kind of damage or loose connections, which might have happened during the lockdown period.
Verify CCTV video footage of each camera and all the recorders (DVR/NVR/Servers etc.) for last 60days. Must be implement thermal image scanning body temperature camera. It can be handheld / tripod standing type. the government will ask all major companies that reopen with permits to share their CCTV footage. “We will make it mandatory for all bigger organisations to share CCTV footage. We will set up a control room where our industry department will monitor this feed to ensure that the social distancing norms are being followed,” said additional chief secretary and GMDA chief VS Kundu.
Verify PA System
Student Announcement or class bell system is integral part of the school, collage across the world. Visual inspection of all the components for any kind of damage or loose connections, which might have happened during the lockdown period along with proper functionality of all the speakers through announcement.

Verify Fire Detection & Protection System
Visual inspection of all the components for any kind of damage or loose connections, which might have happened during the lockdown period alongwith check any fault indication on panel.
Test Detection system through fauls smoke (using aerosol) & Pulling MCP and chk notification signal, other hand test fire Electrically Driven Main (Hydrant / Sprinkler/ Jockey) pump start value stop value, Diesel Driven Pumps etc. Checked all fire Extinguisher are in correct place and healthy.

Workplace attendance
Strictly avoid attendance thru fingerprint based biometric machines instead use face/eye scanning biometric machines or wave-based machine. Visual inspection of all the components for any kind of damage or loose connections. If Body temp screening camera not installed then implement thermal Face scanning Solution can be integrate with attendance solution. There should be no overlap of shifts. A minimum time of an hour should be there between two shifts for cleaning to take place. Managerial and administrative staff should work one shift at 33 per cent capacity as per MHA guidelines; but while deciding which particular person to be included in 33% at any given point of time, overriding priority should be given to personnel dealing with safety.

Posters, helpline and training

Posters with approved guidelines and messages must be displayed. Regular drill and training of employees must be conducted maintaining six feet of distance. Frequent announcements must be made on the floor to remind workers to be mindful of their actions. Contact numbers of government helplines must be displayed.

The following precautions to be taken before starting any activity on these Plant and Machinery as well as stacks:
(i) Prior to start of any activity, location specific risk assessment to be done by Safety In-charge.
The location wise risk assessment to take care of aspects like:
o Integrity of Assets (Condition of Batching plants, winch machine, lifting tools & tackles, back stay/guy rope arrangements etc.) & strength of the same.
o Inspection of erected tower cranes/ gantries for any missing parts.
o Stability of Scaffolding & other work platform/ arrangements before loading or permitting workers to climb on.
o Safety of Electrical systems including Earthing.
o Biological Hazards (Snakes/other poisonous reptiles or insects), clearing of bushes& spraying of chemical repellents to be carried out.
(ii) After preparation of location specific risk assessment, a thorough inspection to be carried out on the identified risks and corresponding control measures & to be recorded & approved by Safety In-charge.
(iii) Safety critical inventories like Cranes, lifting tool and tackles, DG Sets, Scaffolds etc., to be got re-inspected and certified Safe worthy by competent person/ OEM.
(iv) Disinfection of Incoming materials at project sites
(i) Incoming materials may be contaminated while transportation and hence all incoming material vehicles arriving to the project sites shall be parked at stores/ safe location and the material should not be handled/touched for stipulated hours.
(ii) Thereafter all the new material to be disinfected with recommended concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) solution before use except for items which can reacts with the disinfectant.
(v) Ensure no sharing of tools or workstations to the extent possible. Provide additional sets of tools if needed.
Key Messages & Actions for workplace Members
COVID-19 is a new virus and we are still learning about how it affects children.
Understand basic information about coronavirus disease (COVID-19), including its symptoms, complications, how it is transmitted and how to prevent transmission.

Remember that symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough or fever can be similar to those of the flu, or the common cold, which are a lot more common.

Prevention of Spread of Virus amongst Workers
For Workers/ staff staying at Labour Colony/ Camps/ Site
(i) It shall be mandatory for all the workers/ staff to wear face mask, hand gloves and full sleeve shirt/ kurta/ trouser/ pyjama all the time so that their faces, hands, arms and legs are covered. Sufficient number of safety masks, gloves, safety shoes, helmets etc., shall be arranged for all workers.
(ii) Regular visit of Doctor/ medical staff in the labour camp. Tie up with nearby hospital dealing with COVID 19 testing and treatment to be ensured. Contact mobile number of the doctor/medical assistance shall be prominently displayed in the camp at number of locations. Routine medical check-up of each labour/ staff by qualified medical staff shall be ensured at least once in a week.
(iii) Any person with symptoms of COVID-19 infection shall be immediately placed in designated isolation rooms. In case of positive test results for COVID-19, he should be admitted to designated hospitals or Government quarantine center.
(iv) Physical distancing shall be ensured in labour camps by providing adequate number of rooms for workers.
(v) Food items, vegetables and other items of daily requirement for the labours / staff shall be arranged by the contractor from one or more reliable sources in the camp itself and no one from the camp will be allowed to move out for these requirements. Labour camp to be cordoned off
(vi) Consumption of liquor shall be strictly prohibited in labour camps as it may result in violation of physical distancing.
(vii) List of worker/ staff leaving and entering each labour camp shall be maintained and updated every day. Any missing worker shall be reported and traced immediately.
(viii) Transportation of workers/ staff from labour camp shall be only by designated vehicles/buses with physical distancing maintained in the vehicles/ buses. They should return back by same vehicle. Once the workers/ staff are back to the camp, they shall clean their hands with soap thoroughly before going to their rooms.

Organizing meetings and events
Organizers of meetings and events need to think about the potential risk from COVID-19 because, there is a risk that people attending your meeting or event might unwittingly bring the COVID-19 virus to the meeting. Others might be unknowingly exposed to COVID-19.

BEFORE the meeting or event
• Check the advice from the authorities in the community where you plan to hold the meeting or event. Follow their advice.
• Consider whether a face-to-face meeting or event is needed. Could it be replaced by a teleconference or online event? Could the meeting or event be scaled down so that fewer people attend.
• Pre-order sufficient supplies and materials, including tissues and hand sanitizer for all participants. Have surgical masks available to offer anyone who develops respiratory symptoms.
• Make sure all organizers, participants, caterers, and visitors at the event provide contact details: mobile telephone number, email, and address where they are staying. State clearly that their details will be shared with local public health authorities if any participant becomes ill with a suspected infectious disease. Anyone who does not agree to this condition cannot attend the event or meeting.
• Develop and agree a response plan in case someone at the meeting becomes ill with symptoms of COVID-19 (dry cough, fever, malaise). Identify a room or area where someone who is feeling unwell or has symptoms can be safely isolated

DURING the meeting or event
• Provide information or a briefing, preferably both orally and in writing, on COVID-19 and the measures that organizers are taking to make this event safe for participants. Build trust. For example, as an icebreaker, practice ways to say hello without touching.
• Encourage participants to cover their face with the bend of their elbow or a tissue if they cough or sneeze. Supply tissues and closed bins for disposal.
• If there is space, arrange seats so that participants are at least 1 meter apart.

AFTER the meeting
• Retain the names and contact details of all participants for at least one month. This will help public health authorities trace people who may have been exposed to COVID-19 if one or more participants become ill shortly after the event.
• If they develop even a mild cough or low-grade fever (i.e. a temperature of 37.3 C or more) they should stay at home and self-isolate. This means avoiding close contact (less than 1 meter) with other people, including family members. They should also call their health care provider or the local public health department, giving them details of their recent travel and symptoms.

New Workmen/ staff joining
(i) Induction of new Workers / staff should be avoided as far as possible. Worker/ staff from hot spot or potential risky areas should not be inducted at site at all.
(ii) If a new worker is coming to site, his background should be verified to know any history of illness/disease. Each new worker/ staff should be checked for any COVID19 symptoms by qualified Doctor even if the information provided by him is satisfactory.
(iii) All the newly inducted person should be kept in a separate camp and not allowed to mix up with existing workers for 14 days. Separate work area to be allocated for newly inducted persons for 14 days.
(iv) B riefing should be given to them regarding precautions and procedure to be adopted before entering the camp/ work site for the first time.

Gutkha, tobacco, smoke breaks
The use of gutkha and tobacco products has been banned. It is also encouraged that employees get prescription nicotine patches or gums to avoid smoking. Smoking at public places is anyway a punishable offence and if companies have closed smoking rooms then these should be closed.
Key Messages & Actions for employee’s travel

Before traveling
– Make sure your organization and its employees have the latest information on areas where COVID-19 is spreading. You can find this at https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/.
– Based on the latest information, your organization should assess the benefits and risks related to upcoming travel plans.
– Avoid sending employees who may be at higher risk of serious illness (e.g. older employees and those with medical conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung disease) to areas where COVID-19 is spreading.
– Make sure all persons travelling to locations reporting COVID-19 are briefed by a qualified professional (e.g. staff health services, health care provider or local public health partner)
– Consider issuing employees who are about to travel with small bottles of alcohol-based hand rub. This can facilitate regular hand-washing.

While traveling:
– Encourage employees to wash their hands regularly and stay at least 1 m away from people who are coughing or sneezing.
– Ensure employees know what to do and whom to contact if they feel ill while traveling.
– Ensure that your employees comply with instructions from local authorities and any local restrictions on travel, movement, or large gatherings where they are travelling.

Return from traveling:
– Employees who have returned from an area where COVID-19 is spreading should monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days and take their temperature twice a day.
– If they develop even a mild cough or low-grade fever (i.e. a temperature of 37.3 C or more) they should stay at home and self-isolate. This means avoiding close contact (less than 1 m) with other people, including family members. They should also call their health care provider or the local public health department, giving them details of their recent travel and symptoms.
Key Messages & Actions for discovering a positive case
• Factories have to prepare accommodation to isolate workers, if needed.
• HR has to help manage the whole process for individual, all travelling employees also to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine
• Presence of skilled workers
• Workers involved in dealing with hazardous material must be skilled and experienced in the field.
• No compromise on deployment of such workers should be permitted when an industrial unit is opened up.


Ref:
https://www.gacs.world