Flynn-CFMD-v3.indd 1 2019-12-06 1:53:28 PM
Serving Winnipeg and the surrounding area since 2003.
We have all types of portable toilets for weddings, events and
construction. VIP units, pink toilets, sinks and insulated covers
also available.
Phone: 204-255-7772 Email: gottago@mymts.net
gottagoportabletoiletrentals.ca
Pott recommends checking the Safety Data Sheet for known
products. Individuals can also visit the PPE section of the Canadian
Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) website.
According to the CCOHS, a hazard analysis of a worker’s specific
environment must be conducted to determine which type of
protective mask should be worn. Respirators, regardless of which
specific shape, size or filtration efficiency, must be National Institute
of Occupational Safety and Health-approved and must tightly seal
against the wearer’s face, otherwise contaminated air could leak in.
“It’s important to understand how masks can help protect
against COVID-19, but we can’t forget about other health hazards
on the job,” said CSAM executive director Sean Scott. “Asbestos
fibres, silica dust, H2S and other toxic gases – these are all potentially
life-threatening hazards that can be inhaled. It is critical that
workers wear respiratory PPE that fits correctly and is designed to
protect against the actual hazards specific to the task at hand.”
Masks and PPE are not the only items that might be hard to
come by – disinfectant and hand sanitizer have also been in high
demand due to the pandemic.
To reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19, CSAM recommends
following rigorous hygiene practices, including frequent
hand-washing and frequent disinfecting of workspaces, especially
in high touch areas (handrails or doorknobs) or when entering an
occupied space or private residence.
“It is extremely important to disinfect when entering an occupied
space,” Scott said, noting that CSAM has a resource document
with specific protocol for this scenario on CSAM’s COVID-19
Resources web page.
“For example, if a plumber has to conduct emergency work
in a client’s home, they should disinfect any commonly touched
surfaces and tools, even if no COVID-19-related hazards have been
identified. Proper personal hygiene protocol of disinfecting tools,
equipment, or surfaces is a necessary precaution to control workers’
risk of exposure to COVID-19.”
Workers should also wash or sanitize hands frequently and
avoid sharing food or utensils.
However, this might feel easier said than done as disinfectant
and hand sanitizer have been in high demand across all industries
and areas of life. Over the past few months, it has not been uncommon
in stores across Manitoba to see empty shelves where these
products should be stocked.
Where purchase of hand sanitizer was not available, the
Winnipeg Construction Association and CSAM made batches of
locally produced hand sanitizer available to members throughout
the spring. It is also important to remember individuals can use
soap and hot water to wash hands when possible.
As for disinfectants, Health Canada has compiled a list of hard
surface disinfectants on its website, including the active ingredients
and drug identification number of each product. If common disinfectants,
like Lysol or Spray Nine, are not available for purchase, a
diluted bleach solution is also acceptable.
To prepare this solution, follow the bleach label instructions or
Health Canada’s recommendation for five per cent sodium hypochlorite
bleach: mix a ratio of 250 millilitres (one cup) of water per
five millilitres (one teaspoon) bleach. n
For more resources and information to help navigate the
COVID-19 pandemic, visit the COVID-19 Resources section
at www.constructionsafety.ca.
SAFETY
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