Working in a biohazard suit is a demanding and crucial job, particularly when considering the conditions that arise during the hot summer months. These protective suits are essential for safeguarding workers against hazardous substances, pathogens, and potentially life-threatening situations. However, it is crucial for companies to prioritize the health and safety of their employees who work in such challenging environments. In this blog post, we will explore the conditions of working in a biohazard suit, especially during the summer, and how companies strive to ensure the well-being of their workers.
Biohazard suits are designed to create a sealed environment, protecting workers from external threats. Unfortunately, this also means limited ventilation, leading to increased body heat and perspiration. In hot summer temperatures, the risk of heat stress and exhaustion becomes significantly higher. An article by the CDC describes a study that details the heat strain and stress while working in biohazard suits.
No matter who you are there will be a temperature increase once you get into a biohazard suit and begin working. This increase will vary from person to person. Studies shown in the National Library of Medicine show that this increase can be between 11 degrees Fahrenheit and 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This would mean that on a hot 90-degree day you will be sitting in temperatures up to 110 degrees for extended periods of time.
Wearing a biohazard suit is very physically demanding. These suits are often heavy, restrictive in movement, and can cause fatigue and muscle strain. The discomfort can be further exacerbated by the heat and humidity during summer. When stepping into a biohazard suit, it is comparable to taking a greenhouse-like environment and containing it to a human-sized space. This can quickly lead to heat exhaustion.
Prolonged use of biohazard suits, combined with high temperatures, can lead to excessive sweating and dehydration. Maintaining hydration levels becomes critical for workers to perform their duties effectively and prevent potential health issues.
Working in a biohazard suit during the summer presents unique challenges for the individuals tasked with safeguarding public health and safety. However, Bio-One NW Indianapolis recognizes the importance of prioritizing worker health and safety. By integrating thorough training, cooling, hydration, health monitoring, and enhanced PPE, we can ensure excellent protection and support for workers in demanding environments. The ongoing efforts to enhance work environments and equipment demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of those working tirelessly in biohazard suits, ultimately contributing to a safer and healthier working environment.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to us at any time. We are always here to help.
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Bio-One teams across the U.S. answer calls to help their communities and remediate a variety of scenes. In our new blog series, we'd like to bring you into the Bio-One world by sharing stories of the unique and important work we do for local communities.
Here is Week 1 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up.
Homeless Encampment Clean-Up - Temecula, CA
On the west coat, the Bio-One team was called by the Hemet San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce to safely decontaminate an area outside their office. With homelessness on the rise, there is in increase of biohazardous waste that is sadly starting to accumulate in zones of our cities.
While Bio-One teams have been actively remediating homeless encampments for decades, we just refreshed this information on our Bio-One website. View it here.
"We are actively looking for partnerships to help keep our cities clean and safe for children and families." - Jason and William, Bio-One Owners
COVID-19 Disinfection to Raise Money for Local Police Sgt. - Asheville, NC
In the fall of 2020, it was announced that Jax, the 3 year-old son of Sgt. Jordan Warren at the Henderson County Sheriff's Office, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Sgt. Warren has served the community in Henderson County for 10 years, and the community has rallied on his behalf by donating thousands of dollars for the family in their time of need.
To help raise money, the Bio-One team in Asheville raffled off a COVID-19 disinfection, up to 5,000 sqft for any home or business. The raffle ran through January 2021 and raised over $600. This week, the team happily treated the winner, Strong Hand Fitness, to the disinfection.
"Police officers and their families make big sacrifices to serve their community, most of which go unseen. So, when first responder families are in need, we want to help anyway we can. We wish the entire Warren family the best as Jax continues his fight." - Matt Gregg, Bio-One Owner
Cat Rescue - Flagstaff, Arizona
In January, the Bio-One team in Flagstaff answered the call to remediate an unattended death. They learned from the next of kin that a husband had passed away in the home while his wife, at the time, was fighting for her life at the local hospital after being diagnosed with COVID-19.
Once the team arrived, it was clear this would be a multi-day job. Not only was there a biohazard to remediate, but the home was hoarded and restoring the home to a safe environment was an urgent need. While working, the Bio-One crew identified three cats lingering in and around the home. Initially, it was assumed one cat was owned by the family, and the other two were part of the neighborhood. The first cat, nicknamed Hunter, was given to the Ark Cat Sanctuary for a checkup and to eventually find a new home. In the spirit of kindness, the team also provided food and water for the other two neighborhood cats when working onsite.
Several weeks passed, and the Bio-One team received word that the wife had sadly lost her life due to complications from COVID-19. The next of kin asked the team to revisit the home and remove remaining items. Shortly after work began, the two neighborhood cats were found. It was then revealed that the two animals were owned by the deceased couple. After living off the land for months, they were rescued by the Bio-One team and turned over to the Ark Cat Sanctuary for care. We hope each animal finds a loving home.
"We are very fortunate that our staff and owners have a heart for animals and will do whatever they can to help the pets like we do our clients." - Rebecca Wallace, Bio-One Owner