A Practical Guide Specifically for Frontline WorkersBiological Hazards – Prevention and Personal Protection
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Contents
1. What is biological hazard?
2. Occupations and workplaces where people
may come into contact with biological hazards
3. Preventive and control measures
4. Respiratory protection
5. Protective clothing
6. Goggles / Face shields
7. Gloves
8. Shoe covers
9. Sterilization
10. Personal hygiene
11. Conclusion
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As corona virus, the cause of Atypical Pneumonia,
rampages over Hong Kong, it has brought
unprecedented challenge to the safety and health of the
frontline workers in the medical profession, healthcare
services, cleaning service and property management.
These frontline workers remain steadfastly at their posts
during this very difficult time are under the constant threat
of the killer virus. The Occupational Safety and Health
Council has prepared this Practical Guide to provide
guidance on the proper use of personal protective
equipment and the sterilizing agents, so that these
dedicated workers can protect themselves adequately
in the fight against this biological hazard.
1. What is biological hazard?
Biological hazards refer to organisms or organic matters
produced by these organisms that are harmful to human
health. These include parasites, viruses, bacteria, fungi
and protein. In general, there are three major of routes
of entry for these micro-organisms into our body, i.e.
through the respiratory system, transmission through
contact with body fluids of the infected or contact with
contaminated objects. The harmful effects posed to
human health by these biological hazards are mainly of
three types - infections, allergy and poisoning.
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2. Occupations and workplaces where people
may come into contact with biological hazards
• Medical staff, cleaning staff
and laboratory technicians in
the medical profession;
• Healthcare services;
• Cleaning services and
property management;
• Employees in environmental hygiene services such as
liquid waste and rubbish collec