Media
Media
Ship owners and managers are being urged to ensure their onboard hygiene practices are up to the task of tackling this summer’s super bugs. As the cruise season peaks and with the potential that reports of stricken passengers will further damage the shipping industry’s global image, UK‐based ship supplier Hutton’s advises that shipboard superbug outbreaks can be contained by following health industry advice carefully and implementing rigorous cleaning regimes to minimise the spread.
Hutton’s Medical General Manager John MacDonald says: “Enclosed environments like ships need to have very robust procedures in place to minimise the effects of superbug outbreaks. Most vessels will carry stocks of the popular commercial disinfectants but these are useless when dealing with Norovirus or any of the newer superbugs.
He advises: “We need to understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning does not kill bacteria, viruses or spores. Ships need to use specific disinfectant agents to prevent the spread of superbug illnesses and to be aware that bugs like Norovirus can survive in carpets and upholstery but most powerful disinfectants can’t be used on these surfaces. However, there are suitable products available which can both clean and disinfect even difficult surfaces. The important thing to do is to check whether the product’s claims are backed by proper evidence of clinical testing. Another good guide
is whether the product has a high rating from the NHS.”
A specialist ship supplier like Hutton’s, which is a member of the International
Shipsuppliers and Services Association (ISSA) , is able to advise on the availability and suitability of effective disinfectant products.
“It’s so important to focus on hygiene and crew health in the shipping industry as a whole,” adds Mr MacDonald. “Many ships are staffed by small numbers of crew and there are serious potential consequences if everyone was to be ill at the same time,” he warns.
Source: Hellenics Shipping News
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