Physical Plant Pandemic Preparedness Plan – LR 701.15

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Policy

Overview

In the event that the World Health Organization (WHO) issues a Phase 6 warning for pandemic outbreak and UALR administration closes the campus, the UALR Physical Plant essential staff will be activated to maintain operations during the period. Select staff members from administration, engineering, Law School, mechanical, electrical, structural, custodial, and grounds will continue to facilitate necessary operations on campus through the pandemic period or until otherwise notified. Those staff members not on the essential staff will not be expected to work until notified by their supervisor. Additionally, these staff members are urged to stay at home during the pandemic period.

Definition and Implication

A Phase 6 pandemic warning is defined by the WHO as “characterized by community level outbreaks in at least one other country in a different WHO region in addition to the criteria defined in Phase 5. Designation of this phase will indicate that a global pandemic is under way.” Phase 5 is characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region. While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short. This designation suggests a heightened state of awareness and implementation of precautionary measures.

What to Do

For all non-essential staff, the best things to do during a pandemic outbreak are stay home and avoid contact with other individuals outside of your immediate family. If possible, stockpile enough food, water, and critical prescription drugs for a minimum 3-day period. If someone in your immediate family is sick, utilize universal precautions (see below) for possible exposure and try to limit contact with that individual. Seek medical advice if you or someone in your family becomes ill.

For the essential staff, try to stockpile a minimum 3-day supply for non-essential personnel. When reporting to Physical Plant, you will be provided with N-95 particle masks to wear during the work day. Also, you will be provided gloves and eye protection. It is important that the provided personal protective equipment (PPE) be worn to mitigate the exposure effects of the agent. You will be trained in the proper use and care of the PPE and provided replacements as needed. Your supervisor will instruct you as to the scope of your duties for the pandemic period.

Universal Precautions

1. Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water. Hands should be washed for a period of 15 to 20 seconds.
2. Use alcohol-based hand-sanitizer.
3. Be cognizant of environmental surfaces such as doorknobs, tabletops, keyboards, and phones. These surfaces are commonly used by various people and can transmit viral agents easily. Viruses can live on these surfaces for up to 48 hours. See custodial for R19 disinfectant and wipe down these types of surfaces.
4. Wear a NIOSH approved N-95 particle mask to reduce the chance of exposure and exposing someone else. These masks reduce emissions of coughing and sneezing and they limit inhalation of airborne droplets. They are not 100% effective, however. For best results, a respirator should be worn by those not infected to help prevent infection.
5. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands.
6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Source: Environmental Health and Safety
Status: Under Review
Revised:
Approved By: Environmental Health and Safety Committee, May 1, 2009
Custodian: EHS Committee