PORT HEDLAND PORT AUTHORITY. Human Influenza Pandemic Plan OHS-PL001

Transcription

1 PORT HEDLAND PORT AUTHORITY Human Influenza Pandemic Plan OHS-PL001 Document Users : Harbour Master Senior Safety and Security Officer Safety and Security Officer Position Responsible For Keeping Document Current : Harbour Master Revision Trigger : Annually or significant change Revision Prepared Reviewed Approved Date Description A SS0 SSSO HM Version 1

2 DETAILS OF REVISION CHANGES Details of Revision Changes for this Revision OLD SECTION REF. NEW SECTION REF. DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE TITLE Port Hedland Port Authority, Human Influenza Pandemic Plan Page i of i

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 SCOPE BACKGROUND Disease Description Transmission Likely Impact of an Influenza Pandemic Influenza Planning at Global, National and State Levels PLANNING PREPAREDNESS RESPONSE ALERTS Code White Code Yellow Containment Code Red- Widespread Pandemic Phase Page 1 of 16

4 DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION LIST Document Holder Organisation No. 1 Chief Executive Officer PHPA 2 Harbour Master PHPA 3 Deputy Harbour Master PHPA 4 Manager Technical Services PHPA 5 Commercial Manager PHPA 6 Environmental Manager PHPA 7 Manager Finance & Administration PHPA 8 Port Development Manager PHPA 9 Senior Security and Safety Officer PHPA 10 Safety and Security Officer PHPA 11 Shipping Superintendant PHPA 12 Port Control Tower PHPA 14 Security Gate PHPA 15 The Secretary Port Hedland Pilots 16 Senior Pilot, Port Hedland Jayrow Helicopters 17 Manager Cervan Marine 18 Operations Manager Guardian Marine 19 Chairperson LEMC Page 2 of 16

5 1.0 SCOPE To provide guidance in the management of Port Hedland Port Authority s response to the onset of a Human Influenza Pandemic. The overarching document for the management of a Human Influenza Pandemic is the West Australian Government Human Influenza Pandemic Plan. Page 3 of 16

6 2.0 BACKGROUND 2.1 Disease Description Influenza is an acute respiratory disease caused primarily by influenza type A or B viruses. Symptoms usually include fever, cough, lethargy, headache, muscle pain and sore throat. Infections in children, particularly type B and A (H1N1), may also be associated with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Most symptoms resolve within 2-7 days, although the cough may persist longer. The incubation period for influenza is generally 1-3 days. Adults have been shown to shed the virus from one (1) day before developing symptoms to seven (7) days after the onset of the illness. Young children can shed the virus for longer than seven (7) days. The influenza virus remains infectious in aerosols for hours and potentially remains infectious on hard surfaces for 1-2 days. 2.2 Transmission Transmission of the human influenza virus is mainly by droplet transmission, usually from a cough or sneeze of an infected person landing on the mouth, nose or eye of a nearby person. Influenza can also be spread via contact transmission when a person touches respiratory droplets that are either on another person or an object then touches their own mouth, nose or eye s (or someone else s mouth, nose or eyes) before washing their hands. In some situations airborne transmission may result from medical procedures that produce very fine droplets that are released into the air and breathed in. Procedures include intubation, taking respiratory samples, performing suction and use of a nebuliser. Page 4 of 16

7 2.3 Likely Impact of an Influenza Pandemic Influenza pandemics have commonly been associated with attack rates of per cent of the population. However, attack rates of up to 70 per cent have occurred in some communities. Estimating the potential impacts of an influenza pandemic is difficult and is determined by the virulence and infectivity of the particular strain involved, as well as the epidemiology of the specific strain and the rapidity and effectiveness of the response. An influenza pandemic differs from most other disasters in several ways. It attacks the social and economic environments rather than the built and natural environments, is likely to be prolonged and could cause widespread concern and uncertainty in the community. It is estimated that staff absenteeism could be as high as per cent during the peak of each wave of the pandemic. The main causes of absenteeism will be due to: Illness; Need to care for those that are ill; Required to look after their children with social distancing policies schools and child cares centres (as well as other mass gathering events) may be closed; and Wanting to isolate themselves to prevent illness. Quarantine of person having been in contact with a possible carrier 2.4 Influenza Planning at Global, National and State Levels Global Page 5 of 16

8 Internationally the peak body for influenza pandemic information exchange is the World Health Organisation (WHO). WHO maintains a global monitoring program for all communicable diseases, including influenza, and has developed the Pandemic Influenza Phases (PIP). The PIP categorises the evolution of an influenza pandemic into three periods and six phases. The Director-General of the WHO makes the determination of the global phases. In May 2005, the WHO developed the WHO Global Influenza Pandemic Plan The Role of the WHO and Recommendations for National Measures Before and During Pandemics National The national plan for pandemic influenza is the Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza (AHMPPI). The responsibility for implementing this plan lies with health services, emergency services and governments at all levels and requires a whole-of-government response. Australia has adapted the WHO PIP structure to reflect differing conditions being experienced in Australia and overseas. The Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer (CMO) through the Australian Government Department of Health and Aging (DoHA) designates the Australian phases, with advice from an expert advisory group State The Western Australian Department of Health supports the national plans for responding to an Influenza Pandemic. The Western Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza (revised 2009) outlines the W.A Governments actions and response. The WESTPLAN Human Epidemic 2008 provides additional support and directions to agencies and support bodies. Page 6 of 16

9 Table 1 below is a summary of the above information: Pandemic Influenza Plans Level Organisation/Department Plan Global World Health Organisation WHO Global Influenza Pandemic Plan The Role of the WHO and Recommendations for National Measures Before and During Pandemics National Department of Health and Australian Health Management Plan for Ageing Pandemic Influenza State Department of Health Western Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza Page 7 of 16

10 3.0 PLANNING Port Hedland Port Authority will during the course of normal business undertake activities to assist and ensure preparedness for its response to any possible pandemic. The keys focus areas which will be addressed are outlined earlier in this document in the section entitled Preparedness. Specific information in relation to these requirements will be outlined in the Port Hedland Port Authorities Business Continuity Plan (BCP). 4.0 PREPAREDNESS Planning and preparedness for an influenza pandemic is vital to minimise the effect of a pandemic on the Port Hedland Port Authority (PHPA). Preparedness relates to Phases AUS 0 AUS 2: Undertake influenza pandemic planning in accordance with this document Identify vulnerable elements of the Port. Make provisions for business continuity in the face of increased absenteeism and demand on services with reference to; Critical business functions that are required to continue. Staff that are required to deliver critical business functions. Alternate sources of people that can assist in delivery of those key functions and ensure they are cross-trained. Assessing the viability of any suppliers and contractors or third party providers, to continue their critical functions. Communicate preparedness planning to our staff and develop protocols for communicating with staff during an influenza pandemic. Develop a process for communicating with Port Users, Stakeholders and the community. Develop procedures to manage supporting staff in home isolation / quarantine. Promote the seasonal vaccination for influenza. Page 8 of 16

11 Ensure appropriate supplies of PPE, such as masks, eye protection, gloves and gowns (coveralls) are available to protect priority staff and that staff are trained in their use. Provide ongoing education to staff on infection control issues, such as coughing and sneezing etiquette, hand washing, cleaning of potentially contaminated surfaces etc. Encourage contractors and service providers to develop their own business continuity plans. Encourage contractors and service providers to have their own infection control kits and PPE stockpiles in place at key facilities for key staff. Conduct exercises to practice the plan every twelve months. Maintain the PHPA Pandemic Contact List. Assess stocks of relevant Personnel Protective Equipment and compiling a list of suppliers for consumable items. A summary of personal protective equipment (PPE) required to be assessed and suppliers to be identified for is listed below: Disposable Coveralls Gloves Eye shields / Safety Glasses Mask (P2 or surgical). (Check Expiry date of any current being held.) Alcohol Based Hand Sanitiser Tissues Sealable Plastic Rubbish Bags Spray Disinfectant Hospital Grade Disinfectant Antiseptic Wipes Page 9 of 16

12 5.0 RESPONSE The activation of the PHPA Human Influenza Pandemic Plan will occur upon receiving advice from the Western Australian State Government has activated WESTPLAN Human Epidemic. PHPA will increase its response in line with the four emergency response stages outlined within the plan. The four stages and a brief explanation is contained in the table below Western Australian Emergency Response Stages ALERT Code White Notification of the emergence of a novel influenza virus with pandemic potential. STAND-BY Code Yellow A situation exist which warrants services to be placed in a state of readiness. ACTION Code Red Measures to delay, contain and control transmission of the virus are instituted in association with measures to sustain health service during this period. STANDDOWN Code Green Pandemic influenza response measures cease and reinstitution of services curtailed during the pandemic commence. It is important to note that the situation in relation to any potential pandemic can develop rapidly and at all times PHPA will be required to be able to implement all response measures in relation the first three stages at short notice. Page 10 of 16

13 6.0 ALERTS 6.1 Code White Harbour Master 1. Will meet with the Safety and Security team and Deputy Harbour Master to discuss the Port Authorities Preparedness, review the details of the Human Influenza Pandemic Plan and the Business Continuity Plan. 2. Notify all port users, contractors and stakeholders they should be reviewing their plans and ensuring preparedness. Senior Safety and Security Officer 1. Monitor information published by the World Health Organisation, Federal and State Governments and provide updates as relevant to the Harbour Master and to communicate information to staff as directed by Harbour Master 6.2 Code Yellow Containment Containment relates to delaying the transmission for as long as possible through broader control measures, widespread adoption of good hygiene and infection control measures, isolation of cases, quarantine of contacts and use of antiviral medication. The level of containment required will depend on what phase of the pandemic Australia / Western Australia is currently designated. Containment relates to Phases AUS3 AUS 5: Ensure that all activites and action in the Preparedness ( code white) stage have been completed and are functioning correctly. Provide education and advice (including warnings) to staff. Provide support to staff and their families that have been quarantined or isolated in their homes or institutions. Provide personal support services, such as counselling, advocacy, inhome support. Page 11 of 16

14 Consider implementing arrangements for minimising the risk of infection in the workplace: Implementing remote work arrangements (i.e. work from home), if applicable Use alternative non face-to-face work arrangements Ensure all staff are educated in good hygiene and infection control measures. Consider cancellation of all business travel. Consider further arrangements for minimising the risk of infection in the workplace: Introduce additional cleaning and disinfecting (handrails, door handles, lift controls, telephones, rubbish bins) Use PPE and protective barriers for staff in customer interactive roles Implement home quarantine for suspected cases that have evidence of contact with a potential carrier. Mass gatherings (meetings, social functions) may be required to be cancelled. Harbour Master Notification will be provided to all port users, contractors and stakeholders suggesting they review their preparedness and response plans in relation to a potential pandemic. 1. Staff will be provided with information regarding safe hygiene practices. 2. Regular information will be provided to all employees via or the Intranet in relation to PHPA s preparedness, planning and position in relation to the developing situation. Senior Safety and Security Officer 1. Will ensure preliminary stocks of personnel protective equipment are available Suppliers are to be contacted to assess their levels of stock Page 12 of 16

15 2. Review of hygiene and cleaning practices throughout the workplace is to be undertaken. 3. Will speak to all staff and ascertain whether they have received a seasonal influenza vaccination this information will be recorded. 6.3 Code Red- Widespread Pandemic Phase This phase follows-on from the containment phase once community transmission is established and containment is no longer feasible. An influenza pandemic may last for an extended period of time, with previous experience showing it may last for 12 months or longer. An influenza pandemic may occur in waves with each wave lasting for 6-12 weeks. This stage relates to Phase AUS6. During this phase the main objectives for Port Hedland Port Authority will be to: 1. Maintain essential services 2. Continued Communication and Education for PHPA Staff and Port Users 3. Support and recovery PHPA will be required to implement the following during this phase: 1. Upon availability of a vaccine, identify priority staff for vaccination 2. Implement staff support services, e.g. counselling services 3. Continue recovery processes to assist Stakeholders and appoint staff to assist with recovery activities as appropriate 4. Implement further arrangements for minimising the risk of infections in the workplace, such as: Supply additional cleaning and disinfection (handrails, door handles, telephones, rubbish bins) Use PPE and/or protective barriers for staff in customers interactive roles Page 13 of 16

16 Continue staff education and ensure staff are following hygiene and infection control measures Implement home quarantine of suspected cases of the virus Harbour Master 1. Advise all staff members of the situation and the immediate steps being undertaken by the Port Authority to assist in mitigating the impact on the workplace. 2. Provide Notification to all contractors, port users and stakeholders that the Port has implemented its own Influenza Pandemic Plan and to encourage that they activate their own and familiarise themselves with the Port Plan. 3. Request that contractors, port users and stakeholders report any instances of suspected infection with their companies. 4. Activate the Business Continuity Plan 5. Identify essential services 6. Issue a direction to cancel all work related gatherings 7. Direct all meetings where possible to be held via web or teleconferencing 8. Advise port users that group inductions have been suspended until further notice. Direct all staff to maintain a distance of at least one metre between themselves and others ( if necessary use masks). 9. Direct all relevant staff to utilise the required PPE as listed below ( subject to health advice): Customer Contact Workers, Marine Pilots, Helicopter Pilots and Security Staff. Disposable Coveralls Gloves Eye shield or Safety Glasses Mask (P2 or surgical). Alcohol based hand sanitiser Persons showing signs of possible infection are to be given the following items and then sent home or to the hospital or their G.P for assessment: Surgical Mask Page 14 of 16

17 Alcohol based hand sanitiser Senior Safety and Security Officer 1. Order additional supplies of PPE as required/available. 2. Monitor and encourage staff in relation to correct wearing of PPE and hygiene requirements. 3. Ensure adequate disinfecting equipment is available. 4. To liaise with Customs and Quarantine regarding security and movement restrictions of ship crew. Cleaning 1. All door handles are to be cleaned and sanitised each night and at regular intervals throughout the day. 2. Workstations are to be cleaned and sanitised each night and covered over. 3. Alcohol based hand sanitiser is to be provided at each workstation, entrances, photocopying or multiple user facilities and biohazard bins 4. Cleaning teams may need to be established for each work area if cleaning contractors are not available. 5. Staff vehicles are to be sanitized by the regular driver before being driven by another individual. General 1. Biohazard bins and liners to placed at strategic locations around the offices and at entrances 2. All tissues, used face masks, coveralls and gloves to be placed in biohazard bins 3. All cups, plates and cutlery used at work which are disposable are to be placed in biohazard bins 4. Personal cups, plates and crockery are to be used, no communal items and all items to be washed immediately after use. Page 15 of 16

18 5. Individual sealed serves of tea coffee and sugar will be provided, no bulk supplies to be used 6. No unseal food to be kept in refrigerators 7. Food platters are not to be permitted 8. Staff support and counselling services to be promoted. 9. Restricted access for visitors to control tower. 10. All port users advised to communicate via phone or unless absolutely necessary. Page 16 of 16