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What is PackAttack made from?
In the case of water-based liquids, when misted, tiny water droplets remain suspended until they are evaporated. The smallest particles vaporise almost instantaneously. The larger ones are carried by air currents, gradually becoming smaller until they are vaporised. When particles are heavier , they take longer to evaporate. The heavier the particle – the longer to evaporate..
Why has Packattack been created?
In the case of water-based liquids, when misted, tiny water droplets remain suspended until they are evaporated. The smallest particles vaporise almost instantaneously. The larger ones are carried by air currents, gradually becoming smaller until they are vaporised. When particles are heavier , they take longer to evaporate. The heavier the particle – the longer to evaporate.
Where can I buy Pack Attack from?
In the case of water-based liquids, when misted, tiny water droplets remain suspended until they are evaporated. The smallest particles vaporise almost instantaneously. The larger ones are carried by air currents, gradually becoming smaller until they are vaporised.
Is PackAttack safe to use around children and pets?
Yes completely safe to use around children and animals.
Why has PackAttack been created? PACKATTACK Disinfection products are a human body compatible, harsh chemical free, range of disinfection products that are highly effective at killing bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores as well as suppressing pollen.
Why does PACKATTACK have a slight smell of bleach? One of the constituents of PACKATTACK is Hypochlorous acid, which, when it reacts with oxygen in the air gives off a tiny amount of gas, which is what you can smell.
What is PACKATTACK disinfectant made of? PACKATTACK Disinfection products are mainly water, in fact, as supplied ready to use, they are about 99.84% water, the other constituents are salt (Sodium Chloride) 0.134% and F.A.C. of 0.026%.
What is FAC? FAC stands for ‘Free Available Chlorine’ and in the case of PACKATTACK Disinfection products, like PACKATTACK Hand Sanitiser, FAC comprises two components, Hypochlorous Acid (about 245ppm) and Sodium Hypochlorite (about 15ppm). The reason why we express these two components as FAC is because it is a more accurate statement about the concentration of the active ingredients. The ratio between these two components will vary slightly depending upon the pH, but the overall FAC value stays the same.
What is Hypochlorous Acid? Hypochlorous acid is nature’s oldest disinfectant, and it happens to be walking around in about 7.5 billion people right now. Hypochlorous Acid is the substance our bodies produce to fight infection, so its germ killing properties are well known and understood and since our own bodies produce it naturally, it represents a minimal risk to Humans.
How is PACKATTACK disinfectant made? The basic process for manufacturing PACKATTACK Disinfection products involves passing an electric current through a solution of de-ionised water and high purity salt (Sodium Chloride) contained in a chamber fitted with a specially designed membrane, this process is known as electrolysis.
How can Salt and Water kill Germs and Viruses? The electrolysis process has the effect of separating the salt solution into two different solutions, Anolyte and Catholyte. The Anolyte has two main active elements: one is the Hypochlorous Acid, the other is a tiny electrical charge that is place on every molecule in the solution. This charge is known as the ORP (Oxidation Reduction Potential). Together they form an extremely effective disinfectant. The Catholyte is a very effective cleaner/degreaser.
How does PACKATTACK disinfectant work? Put simply; when PACKATTACK (electrolysed water) comes into contact with bacteria, the ORP on the PACKATTACK molecules causes an imbalance on the cell surface, breaking down its defences, allowing the Hypochlorous Acid to render it harmless. For typical applications PACKATTACK will perform at least 30 times faster than the best household bleach, plus it is also very effective at killing viruses, all without the use of harsh chemicals.
Are there any toxic chemicals in PACKATTACK? No, not in the concentration in which the product is supplied. PACKATTACK complies with the requirements of the European Biocide Regulation EU528/2012 Product Types 1-5, which means it is deemed approved for use with Humans and Animals and it has been tested to BS EN 901 as a disinfectant for drinking water, fit for human consumption.
How effective is PACKATTACK? Tests in compliance with EU Regulations show that PACKATTACK is 99.995% effective at killing bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Where can PACKATTACK be used? PACKATTACK is the most versatile of all disinfectants. Since it is highly effective at killing bacteria, viruses and fungi, without damaging environment and it is entirely human compatible, it can be used almost everywhere where disinfection or sanitisation is required.
Does PACKATTACK leave behind any film or residue? PACKATTACK leaves NO residue, in fact it destroys biofilm and hormonal residues, then simply evaporates.
Is PACKATTACK safe to drink? The short answer is YES, provided it is being used as directed to disinfect water. In 2015 Electrolysed water was given approved by the Secretary of State under regulation 31 of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000 for use in public water supplies.
What should I do if PACKATTACK get into my eyes? PACKATTACK is not going to harm you, simply rinse well with tap water.
What happens if I inhale PACKATTACK? Nothing; no harm will come to you, your animals or your children. Once PACKATTACK is in the air that you breath, it kills the bacteria, viruses spores and pollen. It is known to actually provide relief for those suffering with certain respiratory ailments.
How quickly does PACKATTACK work? PACKATTACK works much quicker than any disinfectant product you can buy from the supermarket. Typically at least 5 times faster and it kills more germs (including viruses), killing up to 99.995% of all pathogens.
What’s the best place to store PACKATTACK? PACKATTACK is best kept in a cool dark place (i.e. cupboard) and in its original container How long can I keep PACKATTACK before it stops working? If kept as recommended, PACKATTACK will remain active for at least 6 months after opening, maybe even longer. Storage in a hot or open-to-the-sky place will cause PACKATTACK to degrade over a shorter period. Avoid unnecessary opening of the (spray) bottles, open only when empty and refill using our refill Ready Mix or concentrate.
Can I use PACKATTACK like Dettol to treat a graze or an open wound? PACKATTACK is an Antiseptic and although it has not been registered as a ‘Medicinal Product’, independent tests show that, in addition to killing the bacteria likely to cause an infection, the reactive oxygen in PACKATTACK stimulates DNA synthesis and cell division, accelerating the repair of the wound.
Can I use PACKATTACK around baby? PACKATTACK is a gentle disinfectant and is highly unlikely to harm your baby’s skin. But as always with baby, try it on a small area first, just in case. Don’t forget, it can be used to disinfect the potty and to rinse baby’s clothes and bedding.
Can I use PACKATTACK around my pets? PACKATTACK can be used in a number of ways to help care for your pets. Regular spraying of their bedding, will neutralised pets smells and reduce bacteria. Spray on any wounds to act as an Antiseptic.
Can I use PACKATTACK around my plants? PACKATTACK will not harm your plants, in fact people have reported that spraying cut flowers extends their life and enhances their fragrance.
How does Packattack Disinfectant compare to alcohol sanitisers? At the start of the pandemic the UK government advice followed the WHO guidance, stating: “Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available”. But on 13 March that advice was withdrawn. Current guidance is Wash your hands, cover your face, make space. Government advice on hand washing simply refers to the use of hand sanitiser. There is no mention of alcohol based sanitiser, and it is incorrect to refer to old guidance of many months ago.
What advice is given by the HSE on hand washing? The health and safety Executive (HSE) give further guidance on choosing the right hand sanitiser on their website.In summary, they recommend the use of Biocidal products, such as hand sanitisers and surface disinfectants, which are regulated in the UK under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) to make sure that when they are used properly, they do not harm people, pets or the wider environment. BPR requires that both biocidal products and the active substances they contain have to be assessed and authorised or approved before they can be supplied and used. PACKATTACK disinfectant meets these important Regulations.
Is it true that Alcohol sanitisers are dangerous? Yes. Alcohol based sanitisers are toxic, flammable and in some circumstances ( such as young children) represent a significant risk to the health and well-being of children. Anyone with a responsibility for the safety of young children should use a biocidal disinfectant and not an alcohol based disinfectant. For children, alcohol based products are toxic, and potentially dangerous. The alcohol content in most hand sanitisers is at least 60 per cent – the minimum amount needed to kill germs, which is almost twice as much as vodka or other spirits. There is no need or logic for using alcohol based products in a school or child care environment, and recklessly using such products is unnecessarily exposing children to risk.
How do alcohol based sanitisers cause harm to children? Swallowing just a tiny amount of hand sanitiser can cause alcohol poisoning in children. Alcohols used include ethanol, ethyl alcohol, or isopropanol, isopropyl alcohol). Unfortunately, in some cases, methanol has been used in sanitisers and this is a very dangerous chemical. The American Academy of Paediatrics urges parents to keep hand sanitisers out of children’s reach. In our view this is good advice – and the best way to keep them out of reach is to not use them at all in a child care environment.
Are alcohol sanitisers a fire risk? Alcohol sanitiser can be flammable in certain circumstances. The National Fire Chiefs Council acknowledge that although the risk of fire is very low, if the vapours reach a Lower Explosive Limit and form an ignitable mixture; this would result in a “flash” when ignited. WHO guidance recommends that all health-care organisations currently using alcohol-based handrub should undertake local risk assessments.
I have heard about products that give a 28 day kill and are Alcohol free– how does PackAttack compare? Packattack are not supporters of these products for a number of reasons, and we think the claims of a 28 day kill are a distraction. Products that claim a long term kill effect, are usually based on quaternary ammonium compounds, or “quats.” QUATS are potent disinfectant chemicals commonly found in disinfectant wipes, sprays and other household cleaners that are designed to kill germs. Quats are undoubtedly an excellent “cleaner”, but for many people, the potential collateral damage of using quats is a health concern. In addition to harming germs, quats are lung irritants and can contribute to asthma and other breathing problems. They irritate skin too – and can lead to rashes. In addition, there is emerging science that is showing exposure to quats is harming sperm quality, reducing fertility and resulting in birth defects in mice. We simply do not know yet whether these impacts could occur in humans as well. Lastly, the widespread overuse of quats is creating superbugs – that are resistant both to quats and other antibiotics, which is problematic on so many levels.
What is the advice of Public Health England about the use of disinfectants? PHE guidance is to use one of the options below: a combined detergent disinfectant solution at a dilution of 1,000 parts per million available chlorine (ppm av.cl.) or a household detergent followed by disinfection (1000 ppm av.cl.). Follow manufacturer’s instructions for dilution, application and contact times for all detergents and disinfectants or if an alternative disinfectant is used within the organisation ensure that it is effective against enveloped viruses. Packattack products meets the criteria of option 3 and complies with the following European Standards: EN901, EN1276, EN1499, EN1500, EN1656, EN13623, EN13697 & EN14476. They are effective against enveloped viruses.
Are there are COSHH Regs implications from using Packattack? In short, No. Remember, PackAttack is predominantly water, and common sense tells us it is harmless. PackAttack, in our view, is an excellent tool for Employers to meet their legal duties under Health and Safety at Work (HSAW) as well as COSSH Regulations. Prior to Coronavirus, infection management and control, for most organisations, was a relatively minor safety activity, that, in general and, understandably, attracted little thought and attention at a strategic level. Now it is a core business activity and the duties on an Employer are to take all reasonable steps to reduce the risk of infection in the workplace.
Q. I am concerned that all of the guidance from Government is about corona virus – what are my wider responsibilities to my employees in regard to infection management and virus control? You are right to be concerned, as the government guidance has, in reality, created a long term responsibility or employers, and not just a corona-virus specific responsibility. Virus management has now become a core business need, and it will be part of business and organisational life for the foreseeable future. Corona virus has simply shone a light on the need for organisational infection control and has led to the HSE issuing clarification on a framework for managing the risk of infection, using Covid 19 as a benchmark for infection control – but is in fact a much wider framework for all viruses that might harm employees.
What viruses do I need to think about other than corona virus? Managing the risk of infection in the workplace does not exclusively apply to Coronavirus, it includes all reasonably foreseeable viruses that employees might be exposed to. In addition, managing workplace safety must also include home working.
What do I need to do to manage the risk? Both common sense and logic dictate that the measures adopted should not be isolated to Corona virus and should be suitable for all foreseeable viruses that carry a significant health and safety brisk to employees. The measures are:
How can PackAttack help me meet my responsibilities for home workers? An employer has the same health and safety responsibilities for home workers as for any other workers, but employees must take responsibility for their home work space, provided the employer provides the ability for them to do so. Packattack Personal is an ideal tool for employees working from home, and is a very visible and tangible sign of an employer implementing a home based infection control policy. PackAttack Personal mist is a multi-virus disinfectant, it does not contain alcohol, is kind to the planet and can be used in any environment without PPE, it can be used as a virus control/hygiene measure in both a workplace and home setting. It ensures that the investment made in responding to Corona virus is in reality an investment in good virus control for all viruses.
What about employees travelling to and from work? Packattack supports employees getting into and leaving work safely. The guidance on infection control and hygiene requires employers to consider not only risk control measures whilst at home and work, but also employers must risk assess employees getting into and leaving work. Guidance recommends providing handwashing facilities (running water, soap and paper towels or electrical dryers) at entry/exit points. People should be able to wash their hands when they get to work and leave. If this is not possible, provide hand sanitiser. The most obvious way to meet his obligation is to give every employee a personal infection control tool, and support them in meeting their duties for getting into and leaving work safely. Packattack Personal is a cost effective and multi virus tool, that ensures employees can keep themselves safe when working travelling to and from home, and on arrival and leaving work they can maintain effective virus hygiene. It is a long term solution to the wider problems and costs of virus management in the future.
If I just follow Government guidance, surely I will be OK? For many organisations, Government guidance has not really helped. In its rush to deal with the pandemic, the civil service machine has issued 14 guides to cover a range of different types of work. Many businesses operate more than one type of workplace, such as an office, factory and fleet of vehicles, and may need to use more than one of these guides. The problem is that the guidance you are relying on is only as good as the competence of the person who wrote the guidance and, the underpinning research, data and evidence upon which the advice is based. Government advice is not infallible, examples of bad Government advice include: nicotine is safe, asbestos is safe, and cladding is not a fire risk. Government advice also often has a political dimension. The final decision and ultimate accountability and responsibility will always lie with the Employer.
PackAttack labelling talks about being kind to the planet – how is the disinfectant kind to the planet? The solution has minimal environmental impact and reduces the use of harmful chemicals and the single use plastic bottles they are supplied in. So, no phthalates, ammonia, additives, even fragrances. There’s no need for COSHH training or protective equipment, and it doesn’t harm the environment or air quality. The solution is generated from natural and sustainable compounds of water and salt, and minimal amounts of electricity are required. Due to its gentle pH, concentration level, and the fact that the solution is made of 99.9% water, it’s very safe, non-toxic and hypoallergenic, and so doesn’t require PPE when using it.
What is the advice of Public Health England about the use of disinfectants? PHE guidance is to use one of the options below:
Packattack products meets the criteria of option 3 and complies with the following European Standards: EN901, EN1276, EN1499, EN1500, EN1656, EN13623, EN13697 & EN14476. They are effective against enveloped viruses.
Why has PackAttack been created? PACKATTACK Disinfection products are a human body compatible, harsh chemical free, range of disinfection products that are highly effective at killing bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores as well as suppressing pollen.
Why does PACKATTACK have a slight smell of bleach? One of the constituents of PACKATTACK is Hypochlorous acid, which, when it reacts with oxygen in the air gives off a tiny amount of gas, which is what you can smell.
What is PACKATTACK disinfectant made of? PACKATTACK Disinfection products are mainly water, in fact, as supplied ready to use, they are about 99.84% water, the other constituents are salt (Sodium Chloride) 0.134% and F.A.C. of 0.026%.
What is FAC? FAC stands for ‘Free Available Chlorine’ and in the case of PACKATTACK Disinfection products, like PACKATTACK Hand Sanitiser, FAC comprises two components, Hypochlorous Acid (about 245ppm) and Sodium Hypochlorite (about 15ppm). The reason why we express these two components as FAC is because it is a more accurate statement about the concentration of the active ingredients. The ratio between these two components will vary slightly depending upon the pH, but the overall FAC value stays the same.
What is Hypochlorous Acid? Hypochlorous acid is nature’s oldest disinfectant, and it happens to be walking around in about 7.5 billion people right now. Hypochlorous Acid is the substance our bodies produce to fight infection, so its germ killing properties are well known and understood and since our own bodies produce it naturally, it represents a minimal risk to Humans.
How is PACKATTACK disinfectant made? The basic process for manufacturing PACKATTACK Disinfection products involves passing an electric current through a solution of de-ionised water and high purity salt (Sodium Chloride) contained in a chamber fitted with a specially designed membrane, this process is known as electrolysis.
How can Salt and Water kill Germs and Viruses? The electrolysis process has the effect of separating the salt solution into two different solutions, Anolyte and Catholyte. The Anolyte has two main active elements: one is the Hypochlorous Acid, the other is a tiny electrical charge that is place on every molecule in the solution. This charge is known as the ORP (Oxidation Reduction Potential). Together they form an extremely effective disinfectant. The Catholyte is a very effective cleaner/degreaser.
How does PACKATTACK disinfectant work? Put simply; when PACKATTACK (electrolysed water) comes into contact with bacteria, the ORP on the PACKATTACK molecules causes an imbalance on the cell surface, breaking down its defences, allowing the Hypochlorous Acid to render it harmless. For typical applications PACKATTACK will perform at least 30 times faster than the best household bleach, plus it is also very effective at killing viruses, all without the use of harsh chemicals.
Are there any toxic chemicals in PACKATTACK? No, not in the concentration in which the product is supplied. PACKATTACK complies with the requirements of the European Biocide Regulation EU528/2012 Product Types 1-5, which means it is deemed approved for use with Humans and Animals and it has been tested to BS EN 901 as a disinfectant for drinking water, fit for human consumption.
How effective is PACKATTACK? Tests in compliance with EU Regulations show that PACKATTACK is 99.995% effective at killing bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Where can PACKATTACK be used? PACKATTACK is the most versatile of all disinfectants. Since it is highly effective at killing bacteria, viruses and fungi, without damaging environment and it is entirely human compatible, it can be used almost everywhere where disinfection or sanitisation is required.
Does PACKATTACK leave behind any film or residue? PACKATTACK leaves NO residue, in fact it destroys biofilm and hormonal residues, then simply evaporates.
Is PACKATTACK safe to drink? The short answer is YES, provided it is being used as directed to disinfect water. In 2015 Electrolysed water was given approved by the Secretary of State under regulation 31 of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000 for use in public water supplies.
What should I do if PACKATTACK get into my eyes? PACKATTACK is not going to harm you, simply rinse well with tap water.
What happens if I inhale PACKATTACK? Nothing; no harm will come to you, your animals or your children. Once PACKATTACK is in the air that you breath, it kills the bacteria, viruses spores and pollen. It is known to actually provide relief for those suffering with certain respiratory ailments.
How quickly does PACKATTACK work? PACKATTACK works much quicker than any disinfectant product you can buy from the supermarket. Typically at least 5 times faster and it kills more germs (including viruses), killing up to 99.995% of all pathogens.
What’s the best place to store PACKATTACK? PACKATTACK is best kept in a cool dark place (i.e. cupboard) and in its original container How long can I keep PACKATTACK before it stops working? If kept as recommended, PACKATTACK will remain active for at least 6 months after opening, maybe even longer. Storage in a hot or open-to-the-sky place will cause PACKATTACK to degrade over a shorter period. Avoid unnecessary opening of the (spray) bottles, open only when empty and refill using our refill Ready Mix or concentrate.
Can I use PACKATTACK like Dettol to treat a graze or an open wound? PACKATTACK is an Antiseptic and although it has not been registered as a ‘Medicinal Product’, independent tests show that, in addition to killing the bacteria likely to cause an infection, the reactive oxygen in PACKATTACK stimulates DNA synthesis and cell division, accelerating the repair of the wound.
Can I use PACKATTACK around baby? PACKATTACK is a gentle disinfectant and is highly unlikely to harm your baby’s skin. But as always with baby, try it on a small area first, just in case. Don’t forget, it can be used to disinfect the potty and to rinse baby’s clothes and bedding.
Can I use PACKATTACK around my pets? PACKATTACK can be used in a number of ways to help care for your pets. Regular spraying of their bedding, will neutralised pets smells and reduce bacteria. Spray on any wounds to act as an Antiseptic.
Can I use PACKATTACK around my plants? PACKATTACK will not harm your plants, in fact people have reported that spraying cut flowers extends their life and enhances their fragrance.
How does Packattack Disinfectant compare to alcohol sanitisers? At the start of the pandemic the UK government advice followed the WHO guidance, stating: “Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available”. But on 13 March that advice was withdrawn. Current guidance is Wash your hands, cover your face, make space. Government advice on hand washing simply refers to the use of hand sanitiser. There is no mention of alcohol based sanitiser, and it is incorrect to refer to old guidance of many months ago.
What advice is given by the HSE on hand washing? The health and safety Executive (HSE) give further guidance on choosing the right hand sanitiser on their website.In summary, they recommend the use of Biocidal products, such as hand sanitisers and surface disinfectants, which are regulated in the UK under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) to make sure that when they are used properly, they do not harm people, pets or the wider environment. BPR requires that both biocidal products and the active substances they contain have to be assessed and authorised or approved before they can be supplied and used. PACKATTACK disinfectant meets these important Regulations.
Is it true that Alcohol sanitisers are dangerous? Yes. Alcohol based sanitisers are toxic, flammable and in some circumstances ( such as young children) represent a significant risk to the health and well-being of children. Anyone with a responsibility for the safety of young children should use a biocidal disinfectant and not an alcohol based disinfectant. For children, alcohol based products are toxic, and potentially dangerous. The alcohol content in most hand sanitisers is at least 60 per cent – the minimum amount needed to kill germs, which is almost twice as much as vodka or other spirits. There is no need or logic for using alcohol based products in a school or child care environment, and recklessly using such products is unnecessarily exposing children to risk.
How do alcohol based sanitisers cause harm to children? Swallowing just a tiny amount of hand sanitiser can cause alcohol poisoning in children. Alcohols used include ethanol, ethyl alcohol, or isopropanol, isopropyl alcohol). Unfortunately, in some cases, methanol has been used in sanitisers and this is a very dangerous chemical. The American Academy of Paediatrics urges parents to keep hand sanitisers out of children’s reach. In our view this is good advice – and the best way to keep them out of reach is to not use them at all in a child care environment.
Are alcohol sanitisers a fire risk? Alcohol sanitiser can be flammable in certain circumstances. The National Fire Chiefs Council acknowledge that although the risk of fire is very low, if the vapours reach a Lower Explosive Limit and form an ignitable mixture; this would result in a “flash” when ignited. WHO guidance recommends that all health-care organisations currently using alcohol-based handrub should undertake local risk assessments.
I have heard about products that give a 28 day kill and are Alcohol free– how does PackAttack compare? Packattack are not supporters of these products for a number of reasons, and we think the claims of a 28 day kill are a distraction. Products that claim a long term kill effect, are usually based on quaternary ammonium compounds, or “quats.” QUATS are potent disinfectant chemicals commonly found in disinfectant wipes, sprays and other household cleaners that are designed to kill germs. Quats are undoubtedly an excellent “cleaner”, but for many people, the potential collateral damage of using quats is a health concern. In addition to harming germs, quats are lung irritants and can contribute to asthma and other breathing problems. They irritate skin too – and can lead to rashes. In addition, there is emerging science that is showing exposure to quats is harming sperm quality, reducing fertility and resulting in birth defects in mice. We simply do not know yet whether these impacts could occur in humans as well. Lastly, the widespread overuse of quats is creating superbugs – that are resistant both to quats and other antibiotics, which is problematic on so many levels.
What is the advice of Public Health England about the use of disinfectants? PHE guidance is to use one of the options below: a combined detergent disinfectant solution at a dilution of 1,000 parts per million available chlorine (ppm av.cl.) or a household detergent followed by disinfection (1000 ppm av.cl.). Follow manufacturer’s instructions for dilution, application and contact times for all detergents and disinfectants or if an alternative disinfectant is used within the organisation ensure that it is effective against enveloped viruses. Packattack products meets the criteria of option 3 and complies with the following European Standards: EN901, EN1276, EN1499, EN1500, EN1656, EN13623, EN13697 & EN14476. They are effective against enveloped viruses.
Are there are COSHH Regs implications from using Packattack? In short, No. Remember, PackAttack is predominantly water, and common sense tells us it is harmless. PackAttack, in our view, is an excellent tool for Employers to meet their legal duties under Health and Safety at Work (HSAW) as well as COSSH Regulations. Prior to Coronavirus, infection management and control, for most organisations, was a relatively minor safety activity, that, in general and, understandably, attracted little thought and attention at a strategic level. Now it is a core business activity and the duties on an Employer are to take all reasonable steps to reduce the risk of infection in the workplace.
Q. I am concerned that all of the guidance from Government is about corona virus – what are my wider responsibilities to my employees in regard to infection management and virus control? You are right to be concerned, as the government guidance has, in reality, created a long term responsibility or employers, and not just a corona-virus specific responsibility. Virus management has now become a core business need, and it will be part of business and organisational life for the foreseeable future. Corona virus has simply shone a light on the need for organisational infection control and has led to the HSE issuing clarification on a framework for managing the risk of infection, using Covid 19 as a benchmark for infection control – but is in fact a much wider framework for all viruses that might harm employees.
What viruses do I need to think about other than corona virus? Managing the risk of infection in the workplace does not exclusively apply to Coronavirus, it includes all reasonably foreseeable viruses that employees might be exposed to. In addition, managing workplace safety must also include home working.
What do I need to do to manage the risk? Both common sense and logic dictate that the measures adopted should not be isolated to Corona virus and should be suitable for all foreseeable viruses that carry a significant health and safety brisk to employees. The measures are:
How can PackAttack help me meet my responsibilities for home workers? An employer has the same health and safety responsibilities for home workers as for any other workers, but employees must take responsibility for their home work space, provided the employer provides the ability for them to do so. Packattack Personal is an ideal tool for employees working from home, and is a very visible and tangible sign of an employer implementing a home based infection control policy. PackAttack Personal mist is a multi-virus disinfectant, it does not contain alcohol, is kind to the planet and can be used in any environment without PPE, it can be used as a virus control/hygiene measure in both a workplace and home setting. It ensures that the investment made in responding to Corona virus is in reality an investment in good virus control for all viruses.
What about employees travelling to and from work? Packattack supports employees getting into and leaving work safely. The guidance on infection control and hygiene requires employers to consider not only risk control measures whilst at home and work, but also employers must risk assess employees getting into and leaving work. Guidance recommends providing handwashing facilities (running water, soap and paper towels or electrical dryers) at entry/exit points. People should be able to wash their hands when they get to work and leave. If this is not possible, provide hand sanitiser. The most obvious way to meet his obligation is to give every employee a personal infection control tool, and support them in meeting their duties for getting into and leaving work safely. Packattack Personal is a cost effective and multi virus tool, that ensures employees can keep themselves safe when working travelling to and from home, and on arrival and leaving work they can maintain effective virus hygiene. It is a long term solution to the wider problems and costs of virus management in the future.
If I just follow Government guidance, surely I will be OK? For many organisations, Government guidance has not really helped. In its rush to deal with the pandemic, the civil service machine has issued 14 guides to cover a range of different types of work. Many businesses operate more than one type of workplace, such as an office, factory and fleet of vehicles, and may need to use more than one of these guides. The problem is that the guidance you are relying on is only as good as the competence of the person who wrote the guidance and, the underpinning research, data and evidence upon which the advice is based. Government advice is not infallible, examples of bad Government advice include: nicotine is safe, asbestos is safe, and cladding is not a fire risk. Government advice also often has a political dimension. The final decision and ultimate accountability and responsibility will always lie with the Employer.
PackAttack labelling talks about being kind to the planet – how is the disinfectant kind to the planet? The solution has minimal environmental impact and reduces the use of harmful chemicals and the single use plastic bottles they are supplied in. So, no phthalates, ammonia, additives, even fragrances. There’s no need for COSHH training or protective equipment, and it doesn’t harm the environment or air quality. The solution is generated from natural and sustainable compounds of water and salt, and minimal amounts of electricity are required. Due to its gentle pH, concentration level, and the fact that the solution is made of 99.9% water, it’s very safe, non-toxic and hypoallergenic, and so doesn’t require PPE when using it.
What is the advice of Public Health England about the use of disinfectants? PHE guidance is to use one of the options below:
Packattack products meets the criteria of option 3 and complies with the following European Standards: EN901, EN1276, EN1499, EN1500, EN1656, EN13623, EN13697 & EN14476. They are effective against enveloped viruses.
Contact one of the PackAttack team if you have any specific questions at info@packattack.com
Email info@packattack.co.uk