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 In case the companies don’t comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP), their permissions will be withdrawn and criminal proceedings would be initiated against them,” he said.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

Friday, May 1, 2020

Guidelines for Schools when Reopen post COVID-19 Lockdown

Guidelines for Schools when Reopen post COVID-19 Lockdown

Worldwide closure of Educational Institutions has impacted over 95% of the Worlds Students population with 1.5 billion learners’ unable to attend College and Schools. Indian Education System is the World’s largest with 1000+ Universities, 41,000 Colleges, 3,10,000 Schools with closely 320 million Students population. The govt will take a decision on reopening of schools and colleges on after reviewing the coronavirus situation in the country. They are our biggest treasure. Safety of students and teachers is of utmost importance to the government and his ministry is prepared to ensure there is no academic loss to students if schools and colleges needed to remain shut beyond April. The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) will not increase the tuition fee for any course for academic year 2020-21. IIT Kharagpur has created an online forum to help stranded foreign students at the institute share their problems faced during the nationwide lockdown imposed to contain the spread of novel coronavirus. IIM Calcutta has pushed its opening date to July. The institute’s director Anju Seth said that they would focus more on blended learning programmed, and would extend this to more geographies. UGC panel recommends academic session in varsities from Sept, online exams wherever possible. UNODC launches series of online dialogues with students & educators in India on COVID-19. Tripura Education minister Ratan Lal Nath on Sunday said all students of Class 1 to 9 and 11 have been promoted to the next class and virtual classes started for state school students in view of the coronavirus pandemic. Maximum News channel start online classes for each subject & each chaperwise, like ABP Ananda in Bengali. So every corner of education sector are going to online learning due to COVID-19. Now we need to know some facts about COVID-19. Today due to COVID-19 situation all our students are sitting at home and no hope of reopening of campuses before September 2020 and most of these students from long days unable to move out include not able to meet their friends and play.

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 protection of children and educational facilities is particularly important. Precautions are necessary to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 in school settings; however, care must also be taken to avoid stigmatizing students and staff who may have been exposed to the virus. It is important to remember that COVID-19 does not differentiate between borders, ethnicities, disability status, age or gender. Education settings should continue to be welcoming, respectful, inclusive, and supportive environments to all. Measures taken by schools can prevent the entry and spread of COVID-19 by students and staff who may have been exposed to the virus, while minimizing disruption and protecting students and staff from discrimination.

Key Messages & Actions for school administrators, teachers & Staff
Following basic principles can help keep students, teachers, and staff safe at school
·        sick students, teachers and other staff should not come to school.
·        Schools should enforce regular hand washing with safe water and soap, alcohol rub/hand sanitizer or chlorine solution and, at a minimum, daily disinfection and cleaning of school surfaces.
·        Schools should promote social distancing, only two students can come. Seating arrangement also be spread.
·        Schools should provide water, sanitation and waste management facilities and follow environmental cleaning and decontamination procedures.
·      Set Class room or teachers room temperature should under 24 DegC to 30 DegC. Relative humidity within 40% - 70%.

Disinfect school buildings
Clean and disinfect school buildings, classrooms 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, toys, entrance electronic gate, teaching and learning aids etc) or restricted area (Lab equipment, AC, DVR/NVR, Amplifier, any type controller, Fire Panel, Pump House, Hose, Fire Extinguisher, Reader etc)  through Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2). This sanitizer not applicable for Human / students / teachers 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. 16. 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.
Checked 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.
Monitor school 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, which might have happened during the lockdown period Implement school absenteeism monitoring systems to track student and staff absence and compare against usual absenteeism patterns at the school. If Body temp screening camera not installed then implement thermal Face scanning Solution can be integrate with attendance solution.

Adapt school policies where appropriate
Develop flexible attendance and sick leave policies that encourage students and staff to stay home when sick or when caring for sick family members.

Establish procedures if students or staff become unwell
Update emergency contact lists. Ensure a procedure for separating sick students and staff from those who are well – without creating stigma – and a process for informing parents/caregivers, and consulting with health care providers/health authorities wherever possible.
Checklist on Safe School Environments
·     Promote and demonstrate regular hand washing and positive hygiene behaviors.
·        Ensure adequate, clean and separate toilets or latrines for girls and boys.
·        Place hand sanitizers in toilets, classrooms, halls, and near exits where possible.
·        Ensure soap and safe water is available at age-appropriate hand washing stations.
·        Encourage frequent and thorough washing (at least 20 seconds).
·        Increase air flow and ventilation where climate allows (open windows, use air conditioning where available, etc.).
·        Ensure trash is removed daily and disposed of safely.
·        Meetings should be done through video conferencing only.

Key Messages & Actions for Parents & Community 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.
Instead of keeping children out of school, teach them good hand and respiratory hygiene practices for school and elsewhere, like frequent handwashing (see below), covering a cough or sneeze with a flexed elbow or tissue, then throwing away the tissue into a closed bin, and not touching their eyes, mouths or noses if they haven’t properly washed their hands.

Checklist for Parents & Community Members
·        Monitor your child’s health and keep them home from school if they are ill.
·        Wash your hands with soap and safe water frequently. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water, if hands are visibly dirty.
·        Ensure that safe drinking water is available and toilets or latrines are clean and available at home.
·        Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow and avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth, nose.
·        Encourage your children to ask questions and express their feelings with you and their teachers.
·        Coordinate with the school to receive information and ask how you can support school safety efforts (though parent-teacher committees, etc.)
Key Messages & Actions for Students & Children
Children and young people should understand basic, age-appropriate information about coronavirus disease (COVID-19), including its symptoms, complications, how it is transmitted and how to prevent transmission.

Checklist for Students & Children
·        In a situation like this it is normal to feel sad, worried, confused, scared or angry. Know that you are not alone and talk to someone you trust, like your parent or teacher so that you can help keep yourself and your school safe and healthy.
·        Protect yourself and others like: Remember to not touch your face, Do not share cups, eating utensils, food or drinks with others.
·        Share what you learn about preventing disease with your family and friends, especially with younger children.
·        Model good practices such as sneezing or coughing into your elbow and washing your hands, especially for younger family members.

Below are suggestions on how to engage students of different ages on preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

Checklist for Preschool
·             Sing a song while washing their hands with hand sanitizer to practice the recommended 20 second duration.
·        Use puppets or dolls to demonstrate symptoms (sneezing, coughing, fever) and what to do if they feel sick (i.e. their head hurts, their stomach hurts, they feel hot or extra tired).
·        Children sit further apart from one another, have them practice stretching their arms out or ‘flap their wings’, they should keep enough space to not touch their friends.

Checklist for Primary School
·        Introduce the concept of social distancing (standing further away from friends, avoiding large crowds, not touching people if you don’t need to, etc.)
·        Understand the basic concepts of disease prevention and control. Use exercises that demonstrate how germs can spread. For example, by putting colored water in a spray bottle and spraying over a piece of white paper.
·        Discuss the different reactions they may experience and explain that these are normal reactions to an abnormal situation.

Checklist for Lower Secondary School
·      Make sure to listen to students’ concerns and answer their questions.
·      Focus on good health behaviors, such as covering coughs and sneezes with the elbow.
·     Discuss the different reactions they may experience and explain these are normal reactions to an abnormal situation. Encourage them to express and communicate their feelings.
·        Relevant health education like:
·  Science can cover the study of viruses, disease transmission and the importance of vaccinations.

Checklist for Upper Secondary School
·        Make sure to listen to students’ concerns and answer their questions.
·        Focus on good health behaviors, such as covering coughs and sneezes with the elbow and washing hands Encourage students to prevent and address stigma.
·        Have students make their own Public Service Announcements via social media, radio or even local tv broadcasting
·        Science courses can cover the study of viruses, disease transmission and the importance of vaccinations.
·        Social studies can focus on the history of pandemics and their secondary effects and investigate how public policies can promote tolerance and social cohesion.
·        Discuss the different reactions they may experience and explain these are normal reactions to an abnormal situation. Encourage them to express and communicate their feelings.

Ref:

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Thursday, April 16, 2020

Integrate Systems against Power Problems

Integrate Systems against Power Problems

Security system installers must consider all the factors impacting success of a system to provide a more comprehensive value to clients.

Acompelling case can be made for how important security systems are in protecting facilities, assets, employees and customers, and few would disagree that investing in a comprehensive plan to secure a business is a wise decision.

Demand for home technology is growing, and homeowners might start with a trial DIY security experience. After challenging setup and maintenance, they’ll reach out to a security dealer, seeking service, support and expertise.

When problems with power, such as surges, spikes, blackouts, or brownouts occur, it is imperative that security systems go on unfazed. The prospect of protecting all of the systems involved can be daunting, but a granular approach can simplify the process greatly.


Power issues are growing, especially as homes with many large appliances and TVs, take on additional power draws like security cameras, sound systems, etc. These issues can be hard to detect, but could be noticed, for example in a TV room: When a mini fridge cycles on when an air conditioner is also running, you may notice that the lights flicker or dim. These fluctuations are damaging to equipment, as well as other issues such as electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, over/under voltage, ICE–inrush current, etc. that are also often present. Over time, they can damage equipment or lessen its lifespan.
There are seven critical areas that must be operational in the event of a power problem:
1.  Cameras & Recording Devices — Back up camera power supplies and recording hardware devices like: NVR or DVR with at least one hour of battery backup time from a uninterruptible power supply or UPS.
2.  Access Control — These systems typically have a low power requirement, meaning they can be inexpensively backed up with a small UPS that provides a significant amount of runtime. Once at least one hour of battery backup time from a UPS.
3.  Fire Alarm Systems — Power requirements for fire alarm and signaling systems are specified in the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (NFPA). The code requires a system to have either two sources of power (primary and secondary) or a single Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). Where primary and secondary power supplies are used, the secondary supply can consist of batteries or batteries plus a standby generator. For a basic fire alarm system that uses primary power with batteries only as secondary power, the battery capacity must be sufficient "to operate the system under quiescent load (system operating in a non-alarm condition) for a minimum of 24 hours" and then still be able to operate "all alarm notification appliances" and all other connected loads for a period of five minutes. The code specifies that the net capacity be based on two different demand rates (quiescent and alarm) for two different durations (24 hours and 5 minutes). Your Fire Detection OEM can share battery calculation excels to ensure correct Voltage & AH.
4. Emergency Communications Emergency communications systems (ECSs) used for mass notification or for in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications service have the same 24-hour quiescent load requirement but require 15 minutes of full-load alarm capacity. This is because these systems are usually operated for longer periods during an emergency. They sometimes may be used for 30 - 60 minutes, but only under partial load as announcements are made to certain floors. They might then be called upon to operate under an increased or even full load for some period. The code requirement for 15 minutes of full load should be evaluated by the system designer in conjunction with a risk analysis to determine if a larger capacity should be provided.
5. Emergency Lighting — Functioning emergency lights with reliable backup power is required to comply with state building codes, fire codes, insurance standards, and OSHA standards. Emergency lights are standard in new commercial and high occupancy residential buildings.
A UPS battery provides power to the emergency lighting inverter to support the lighting load. Passive Standby static inverter emergency lighting systems are ideal for use with fluorescent and incandescent lighting.
6.   Intrusion Detection — The first line of defense against unauthorized access, these systems often include a small onboard battery; this can be effectively backed up with a small UPS for added protection.
7.   Telephone Systems Communications in an emergency are critical, and backup of the telephone system is key to a complete security plan. This includes UPSs for both the main system, and workstations.
8.   Building Automation System BMS is a computer-based environment that manages a building’s HVAC, ventilation, lighting, Fire Pumps, AHU, VRV and Plumbing etc. critical devices feeding the BMS including DDC should be supported by an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that ensures continued operation in case of a power outage till two hours. Ideally, those UPS units should be remotely managed to ensure the best performance possible, but differing communication standards between systems have created some challenges for building system managers.


A complete security plan for any organization, whether it’s a business, school, or government entity, must focus on each area of the system’s requirements for power protection. With each piece working in harmony, the next power problem will not turn into a disaster.


Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Coronavirus and Working from Home

Coronavirus and Working from Home

The COVID-19 outbreak has caused almost all firms to deploy the work from home practice for employees. While some may be used to this, others may feel lost in the exercise. While not all Indian are able or fortunate enough to work from home, many have transitioned to telecommuting and virtual work over the last week or two.


Individuals work from home for a number of reasons. Maybe you’re a stay at home parent, or maybe your office space is under renovation. Maybe you are sick with the flu or, as it pertains to recent headlines, trying to self-isolate as coronavirus cases pop up around the country. Whatever the reason for “telecommuting,” there are ways you can ensure you are being productive, healthy and happy while working from home.
Working from home sounds like a luxury, but it comes with a number of challenges. What if you have connectivity issues with coworkers? What if you need something from your office that you don’t have access to? What if you are bombarded with other in-home distractions like pets, family members and electronics? Here are some tips for telecommuting, working from home, self-isolating or even self-quarantining—no matter your reasoning.

1. Maintain Regular Hours
Set a schedule and stick to it. Working designated hours, and then stopping when those hours are up, will give your brain time to work and time to rest. While working remotely does mean that there is added flexibility with your personal life schedule, it’s best to stick to a schedule where you can be productive, get your work done and call it a day when work hours are up.

2. Create a Morning Routine
Humans are creatures of habit—and that’s partly because routine helps us mentally and physically prepare for things. Whether it’s having a cup of coffee every morning, doing some morning stretches or taking your dog on a walk, creating a morning routine can greatly help you get ready for the work-day at home.

3. Be alert; do not use the oven or stovetop if you are sleepy or under the influence of a substance.

4. Preparation of Food:
Stay in the kitchen if you are cooking food with any form of heat. When simmering, baking or roasting, check the food regularly, remain in the kitchen while cooking, and use a timer.
5. Keep all flammables, like paper, clothing, bedding, drapes or rugs, at least three feet from a space heater, stove, or fireplace.

6. Smoke alarms can be annoying
They beep, you have to replace batteries, and if you cook something smokey in the kitchen they sometimes go off. However, they are essential for fire safety, as they give an early warning that greatly reduces risk of injury or death. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or working smoke alarms.

7. Schedule Breaks
Just like any working environment, giving yourself breaks is incredibly important to let your brain and body relax. Take a 15-minute walk, go make some lunch or catch up with a loved one on the phone—whatever you do, though, do not work yourself to the bone without letting yourself take a break away from screens, meetings and work.
 8. Audit CCTV footage as an SOP
If you are responsible to take care security / safety part of your company, or you are owner of your company, then you must see what camera saw. Once auditing becomes a de-facto requirement, at least of some critical cameras, and audit reports are maintained and acted upon, it will result in huge amount of prevention and continuous improvement. Auditing will help in discovering several exceptions that would otherwise remain hidden within the footage.

9. Socialize with Colleagues
Of course, if you are sick or trying to stay healthy in the wake of something like the coronavirus, socializing in-person with others might night be best idea. But in general, if you are working from home, socializing is important.

In the event of sickness or COVID-19, it is still important your get out and take a break from your routine workspace. Yes: isolation, quarantine, and social distancing are all different things. However, you can often control your environment to keep your body and brain health—especially if you are self-quarantining and social distancing.

10. Fire Extinguisher
Lastly, know where your nearest fire extinguisher is. But remember, not all fire extinguishers are created equal. Remember “PASS” is process for using a fire extinguisher
·        Pull the pin
·        Aim low at the base of the fire
·        Squeeze the handle slowly
·        Sweep the nozzle side to side
Practice your fire escape plan! This includes practicing getting out with your eyes closed, crawling on the floor with your mouth covered, doing “stop, drop, and roll” and testing door handles to see if they are hot.

While employers’ responsibilities for the safety and health of their at-home workers is less than those in the office or onsite, some do still exist. OSHA distinguishes between home offices and other home workplaces.

OSHA’s compliance directive on home offices is pretty clear:
·        “OSHA will not conduct inspections of employees’ home offices.
·        “OSHA will not hold employers liable for employees’ home offices, and does not expect employers to inspect the home offices of their employees.
·        “If OSHA receives a complaint about a home office, the complainant will be advised of OSHA’s policy. If an employee makes a specific request, OSHA may informally let employers know of complaints about home office conditions, but will not follow-up with the employer or employee.”
What about recording injuries while working at home? If an employee is working at home, when could the injury be considered work-related? OSHA answers the question:
How do I decide if a case is work-related when the employee is working at home? Injuries and illnesses that occur while an employee is working at home, including work in a home office, will be considered work-related if the injury or illness occurs while the employee is performing work for pay or compensation in the home, and the injury or illness is directly related to the performance of work rather than to the general home environment or setting.

OSHA 300 Log and COVID-19
In the case of the coronavirus, OSHA has a few guidelines in place for your reference. Employers must record cases of the coronavirus only if the employer believes that the employee was exposed at work, and the case is diagnosed by a laboratory test or healthcare provider as having been caused by the coronavirus, and the case is otherwise recordable.

There is no presumption that an employee who has come down with a case of coronavirus was infected at work. Instead, for the illness to be considered work-related, there must be evidence that it was contracted at work. If there is no such evidence, the case is not recordable.