Cleaning apparel keeps MRSA from being a 'clothes' call

Before I start this week's article please allow me to express my sincere apology to my customers and reading audience for not responding promptly to your inquiries. We are in the throws of moving from one office location to another office location. I thought we had all of the details worked out; however, "Murphy's law" always kicks in; i.e. "What can happen, will happen" and in this case it did.

As most of you know my company does fire, flood, mold and trauma scene cleanup. I've been asked many times why my employees wear full body protective clothing, wear respirators and frequently clean their hands and exposed skin when cleaning up a property.

To be honest, it's for the protection of my employees. I'm not a doctor and don't profess to be one; however, as a certified professional, it is my responsibility to know OSHA safety laws and public health concerns.

My employees have to be knowledgeable and concerned about diseases they may come in contact during their daily work schedule. My employees have to be aware of HIV, Hepatitis and MRSA, however MRSA is my primary concern as an employer.

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), also known as staph infection, the super bug, "MRSA," is a bacterial infection that is resistant to some of our most powerful antibiotics, including penicillin, methicillin, and cephalosporins. Once found only in hospital environments, new strains of this super bug have evolved in recent years and now infecting the broader community. Outbreaks have occurred in schools, locker rooms, gymnasiums and have made the news in a number of communities. MRSA is a serious problem. If misdiagnosed or left untreated, can kill. According to an October 2007 study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), MRSA is responsible for more deaths in the U.S. each year than AIDS. The original strain was first discovered in a British hospital almost 50 years ago. Back then it was known as Hospital Acquired MRSA. Today new strains have evolved outside of the hospital setting. These strains are Community Acquired-MRSA.

According to the CDC, one out of every four people we meet, carry some form of staph bacteria on their skin. This is normal and does not pose a serious health concern. However if the bacteria comes in contact with an open wound - something as simple as paper cut - it can invade the body and cause a severe infection. That's why we as a cleaning company use every precaution necessary to ensure our staff is protected. If one of my staff gets stuck or cut, the wound is immediately cleaned and protected. The employee is closely monitored to ensure there is no infection. If indicated they are immediately taken in for medical care.

I hope the above explanation helps explain why we wear Tyvex and protective face masks.

When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), email them to madan@nwees.com or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church street, Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What would Ed do?  For more information about Ed, and his new Handiman Services, check him out at NWEES.COM.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection & remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.