Health
SAFETY UPDATES . . . . . News You Can Use
Swine influenza Information
In response to cases of (swine) influenza A H1N1, reported in Mexico and the United States of America
Here are links to the most current information from the CDC and World Health Organization.
Current Status of H1N1...Updated Aug 7th 2009
CDC...For Flight Crews...Flight Crew Guidance from the CDC
AFA CWA...For Flight Crews...Flight Crew Guidance from the AFA
EAP...Talking to Your Child H1N1 (Swine Flu)
CDC...http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx
CDC...http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluUS.aspx
WHO...http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2009/h1n1_20090425/
AFA...AFA Swine Flu: What flight attendants need to know
EAP...Fear of Flying Policy
NWA/Delta...Inflight News Brief Swine Flu Update
Please also review your company email for recent updates from the company on the Swine Flu company procedures.
Current Recommendations from the company
4/25/09 Update
No change in recommendations which are:
1). Good personal hygiene incl frequent hand washing and avoidance of
touching face with hands
2). Cough etiquette (into arm/sleeve or tissue
and dispose.
3). Follow IFS OBM protocol on pax with suspected communicable disease
illness.
4). Pt no pot mask recommendation for crew or ticket/gate agents. I am
aware some will want but the point is maintenance of social distancing /
avoid prolonged, close contact with locals in Mexico.
5). OK for crew in Mexico to engage in typical crew layover activity
such as local restaurants.
6). Crew van is only used for airline crews per Mexico station mgr
conference call with OCC security last night. This mitigates
transmission risk.
7). There is norecommendatio for well-appearing crew to stay at home 72
hrs following return home. This is on the ISOS website.
8). Dr. Kozarsky following developments closely.
- Be careful in accepting food items . . . . . . . as some people may not always have the best intentions. Whenever accepting food/beverage items from unknown people, especially if not sealed, be mindful of such items where someone could place something unknown or harmful into a beverage, for example. This not only applies to bars and lounges - but items left on galley counters as well. Also, do not necessarily think that if a passenger or fellow crewmember appears 'drugged' that it was as a result of self- medication, as they could have been 'slipped' something unknowingly. Always exercise good situational awareness - both on and off the aircraft! And always use the services of EAP if you suspect a fellow crewmember being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- 'Single Serve Cart' changes and improvements continue . . . as a result of AFA's 'cart summit' held on May 16th, we have pressed for continuing improvements and changes affecting the 'single serve cart' concept and, importantly, reducing the number of OJIs as a result. In fact, a MEC grievance was filed on these facts and remains an open issue. Recently, a new cart repair tag was introduced to provide timely follow-up to unsafe, inoperable carts - and, most importantly, an accountability for their repair. Please use these repair tags - and let your ASHS and Service Committee know if the change is providing any improvement, along with any continuing issues and concerns regarding the 'single serve cart': serviceproblems@gmail.com.
A 'cart care program' has been introduced to specifically address overall cart maintenance, purging of the slam-slide (square handle) carts from the domestic system and a focus on cart wheels/casters, ensuring ease of operation and improved cart maneuverability. Let us hear from you on these changes - and any further suggestions!
- Cleaning of blood/bodily fluids containing blood . . . . such 'biohazards' must be properly entered into the FA Maintenance Logbook, clearly describing 'what' and 'where' in the cabin. Your MEC ASHS Committee has been working directly with Airport Operations for a vastly improved 'cleaning checklist' to ensure all stations adhere to standardized cleaning protocols to reduce the possibility of exposure and exposed areas in the cabin going unattended, posing a risk to all. Also, don't forget to use Universal Precautions whenever dealing with such biohazards!