A quick response to contamination events is the best defense against an outbreak of norovirus.
When an employee or customer vomits, germs such as norovirus can spread by air and contaminate surfaces and food as far as 25 feet away. All body fluids, including vomit, stool, and blood, should be treated as infectious material. When a surface has been contaminated by vomit or other body fluids, cleaning by special procedures using a special disinfectant is required.
To control norovirus, you cannot wait until you have an event to gather cleaning items. You should be prepared and need a clean-up kit and a response plan. The 2013 FDA Food Code and most state and local government health departments require that food establishments have procedures for employees to follow when responding to an event. The procedures should address specific actions employees must take to minimize the spread of contamination and exposure of employees, customers and surfaces to vomit or fecal matter. Having the proper response plan in action in a timely manner will help reduce the likelihood that others may become ill as a result of the unplanned contamination event.
The purpose of our specially developed Norovirus Kit is to control the spread of infectious pathogens like norovirus. Each Norovirus Kit contains the detailed instructions and step-by-step images necessary to guide your employees’ actions in the critical moments after a contamination event. Some of the most important considerations are discussed below:
Responding to Contamination Events | Discussion |
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Protecting first responders | Team members should protect themselves with our complete set of personal equipment (PPE) designed to provide protection while they respond to unplanned events |
Written procedures | Each of our kits come with a set of step-by-step instructions to guide them in the moments after an event has occurred. We take the guess work out of their important role so they can maximize their effectiveness. Our procedures address the important steps to take before, during and after clean up. |
Clearing the area | Remove all individuals within a 25 foot radius from the area and ask them to immediately wash their hands. Potentially contaminated clothing should be removed. Station an employee to block entry into the contaminated area. |
Removal of solid waste | After absorbent material has been applied and the waste has been solidified, remove the solid waste using the disposable scoop provided in the kit. Use care to prevent splashing or contact with other surfaces. Place the contaminated material along with towels into biohazard disposal bags. |
Disinfection | Disinfectants are chemical products that destroy or inactivate germs and prevent them from growing. Not all disinfectants are effective against all contagions. Disinfectants should be properly applied and used in order to be effective. |