a worker wears a protective mask covering her nose and mouth

IFMA Foundation Offers Pandemic Readiness Manual

Noting that workplaces have a vested interest in mitigating the effects of a pandemic, the International Facility Management Association Foundation offered its "Pandemic Preparedness Manual" as a free online resource yesterday. A flu outbreak "could lead to the absenteeism of 25 to 50 percent of employees for up to four months, potentially causing supply chain disruptions and the closure of retail facilities, further impacting the global economic downturn," the foundation noted in its release.

The 125-page manual is available here. It explains how pandemic flu can affect a facility and why business continuity planning and Business Impact Analysis (BIA) documents are useful. Tips and worksheets are provided. The guide recommends reviewing a business continuity plan semi-annually and testing and training on it annually. A BIA should be revisited every three years or after a substantive change in the business or its operations. Section 2.8 of the manual outlines pandemic risk factors and control options for managers of various kinds of facilities.

Threats/hazards including fire, flooding, chemical releases, workplace violence, vendor/supplier failure, and voice/data network failure are included in the worksheets. Control measures listed in the manual start with employee training on awareness and prevention. Employers are encouraged to make supplies such as tissues, hand soap, and sanitary wipes available and to be vigilant in sanitizing commonly touched surfaces.

"The IFMA Foundation has this manual ready to go 24/7 on its Web site as a resource for anyone concerned about maintaining the health and safety of their workplace," said IFMA Foundation Executive Director William Rub. "When used in conjunction with information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the latest media reports, we feel this manual gives facility professionals the tools they need to do their part in mitigating the harmful effects of this outbreak."

The IFMA Foundation was created in 1990 as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation and a separate entity from IFMA.

Product Showcase

  • Magid® D-ROC® GPD412 21G Ultra-Thin Polyurethane Palm Coated Work Gloves

    Magid’s 21G line is more than just a 21-gauge glove, it’s a revolutionary knitting technology paired with an advanced selection of innovative fibers to create the ultimate in lightweight cut protection. The latest offering in our 21G line provides ANSI A4 cut resistance with unparalleled dexterity and extreme comfort that no other 21-gauge glove on the market can offer! Read More

  • Safety Knives

    The Safety Knife Company has developed a quality range of safety knives for all industries. Designed so that fingers cannot get to the blades, these knives will safely cut through cardboard, tape, strapping, shrink or plastic wrap or a variety of other packing materials. Because these knives have no exposed blades and only cut cardboard deep, they will not only protect employees against lacerations but they will also save product. The Metal Detectable versions have revolutionary metal detectable polypropylene knife bodies specifically for the food and pharmaceutical industries. This material can be detected and rejected by typical detection machines and is X-ray visible. Read More

  • HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

    With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. Read More

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars