Editor's note: This video
about the dangers of carbon monoxide is based in the US, but the
message is the same no matter where you live in the world. Have
your appliances inspected, install carbon monoxide detectors, and test
the batteries in your detectors regularly.
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning affects thousands of individuals
around the world, particularly during winter time and provokes many
deaths each year. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and
tasteless gas which gives absolutely no warning of its presence.
How does CO form and accumulate?
Carbon monoxide can be produced by household appliances such as
heaters, stoves, water heaters and furnaces. It is the result of
incomplete or inefficient combustion which can be produced with natural
gas, propane, oil, coal, wood, kerosene and anything that burns. It can
also appear with a fireplace or charcoal grill as well as a gasoline
motor or any fuel-fired engine.
Lack of oxygen is usually the main cause of inefficient combustion.
This is usually due to poorly ventilated rooms or buildings. Air must
be able to circulate in and out of the building particularly when a
heater is working or combustion is taking place (fireplace, cooking,
etc.). This is true even during the winter time.
Tight sealed doors or windows, additional insulation, poorly
maintained or blocked chimneys (sometimes by a bird's nest), all reduce
the air flow in a house or building. Blocked air vents, often sealed to
save energy, can provoke severe and sometimes fatal accidents during
the winter time when the heater is running full throttle and the CO is
building up rapidly. Warming up the car in an attached garage (even
with the garage door open) can be dangerous in that it increases the
amount of CO entering the home.
What makes CO dangerous?
Normally, hemoglobin contained in each red blood cell circulating in
the blood vessels, picks up oxygen molecules in the lungs and
transports them throughout the entire body. CO, however, has an
affinity 200 times greater for hemoglobin of the red blood cells than
oxygen. This means that the oxygen molecule will not be able to hitch a
ride on the red blood cell since the CO molecule is already in the
driver's seat ! This results in a lack of oxygen for the vital parts of
the body including the brain and heart.
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
CO poisoning may take place with small amounts of CO inhaled over a
prolonged period of time or for a large amount inhaled over a short
period of time. Symptoms of CO poisoning are variable and are often
described as being flu-like. For low levels of CO poisoning, complaints
commonly include headaches, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, insomnia and
nausea.
Higher levels can provoke ringing in the ears, throbbing in the
temples along with deep and difficult breathing as well as reddish
patches of color on the face or chest. At even higher levels the
poisonous atmosphere provokes unconsciousness and death.
What is the treatment for CO intoxication?
If the victim is still breathing when found, he/she should be
removed rapidly from the poisonous atmosphere. Windows should be
opened. The victim will usually recover quickly, however, CO poisoning
ALWAYS requires administration of pure oxygen with a face mask in a
medical facility.
People who recover may have neurological complications. This may
include various types of paralysis, blindness, muscular spasms or
memory loss. Most of these complications disappear with time, but
occasionally some may remain definitely.
How can CO be detected?
Years ago, canaries were used by miners as indicators of rising CO
levels. The birds were extremely sensitive to carbon monoxide and would
lose consciousness a few minutes before it affected the men. This
usually gave them enough time to evacuate the mine.
Today, special meters exist which can measure CO content in a room.
CO is measured in parts per million (ppm). Symptoms start appearing at
100 ppm of CO.
Numerous, inexpensive, commercially sold CO detectors and alarms
exist. They function like a smoke detector. When they sense CO, they
set off an alarm. Having one of these in the sleeping area can be very
useful.
When a person is suspected of having high CO levels, a blood test
can also be performed which measures the amount of carboxyhemoglobin
(CO + Hemoglobin) found in the blood.
In conclusion, carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and
tasteless gas which can be fatal. It is due to inefficient combustion.
Prevention of CO poisoning requires that all heating
appliances be installed properly and by certified personnel, that they
be maintained regularly and that air flow be maintained in all
buildings by correct ventilation. A CO detector with an alarm can be
extremely useful in prevention and detection of CO poisoning.
Due to the
human to human transmission of Influenza A(H1N1) being less severe in
impact than originally anticipated, the following decisions are
effective immediately:
The travel
ban to Mexico and seven-day quarantine have now been lifted. Although new
cases of H1N1 have been reported in the US, it is business as usual. It is
essential for all employees to complete the H1N1 Flu Level 1
Certification in QUEST. (Family members
are encouraged to view the adapted powerpoint training/awareness
presentations which are at the top of this page.) General recommendations
It is
important to remain vigilant. The main route of transmission of the new
influenza A(H1N1) virus seems to be similar to seasonal influenza, via
droplets that are expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing. You can
prevent getting infected by avoiding close contact with people who show
influenza-like symptoms and taking the following measures:
Hygiene is
key: wash hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based
disinfectants following contact with others, public door handles,
public handrails, etc. Use
disposable handkerchiefs. Cover your
mouth when coughing. Stay informed
about public health service recommendations
Update
# 6 Saturday, May 9, 2009
As of today,
the only Level 2 H1N1 flu area is Mexico City. Therefore, people
travelling from Mexico who have not been, or transited through Mexico
City, do not need to start the seven-day quarantine and may return to
their duties.
Only people
who have arrived from anywhere in Mexico (including areas outside
Mexico City) in the last few days and are currently in their quarantine
period should finish their full seven-day period before returning to
their duties.
The seven-day
quarantine remains in place for all employees travelling from Mexico
City until further notice.
Update
# 5 Friday, May 8, 2009
As of today,
24 countries have officially reported almost 3000 cases of Influenza
A(H1N1)and the World Health Organization's pandemic alert remains at
phase 5. To date, the only Level 2 H1N1 flu country is Mexico, where 44
deaths have been attributed to the virus. In the USA there have been
1480 confirmed cases and two deaths.
The travel
ban to and from Mexico remains in place until further notice, and so
does the seven-day quarantine for all employees travelling from Mexico.
Employees in
Level 0 and Level 1 countries are required to complete the H1N1 Flu
Level 1 Training in QUEST. Family members
are encouraged to view the adapted powerpoint training/awareness
presentations which are at the top of this page.
Update
# 4 Tuesday, May 5, 2009
As of today,
21 countries have officially reported 1124 cases of Influenza
A(H1N1)and the World Health Organization's pandemic alert remains at
phase 5. However, the virus does not seem to be as severe as initially
anticipated.
To date, the
only Level 2 H1N1 flu country is Mexico, where 25 deaths have been
attributed to the virus. All employees resident in Mexico must ensure
they have completed the H1N1 Flu Level 2 Training in QUEST.* The
Travel ban to and from Mexico remains in place until further notice,
and so does the seven-day mandatory quarantine for all employees
travelling from Mexico.
Employees in
Level 0 and Level 1 countries are required to complete the H1N1 Flu
Level 1 Training in QUEST. *
* Family members
are encouraged to view the adapted powerpoint training/awareness
presentations which are at the top of this page.
Update
# 4 from the Hub Monday, May 4,
2009
This
message aims at
giving you an update on the Swine Flu situations and action plans in
Mexico
& Central America GeoMarket (MCA):
To date,
Schlumberger MCA does not have any reported Swine Flu case, affecting
Employees, Contractors or Families
According
to medical authorities, it looks like the situation is becoming stable
This is a
positive news, and means that the measures we have taken allowed a good
control of the epidemics. However, we need to continue being
cautious and respect health measures, in order to avoid any new
development of the situation
The current
travel restrictions from/to Mexico City remain valid till the end of
the week at least (update will be given separately). In case of
critical travel, the exemption needs to be made via QUEST
Thanks
to the MCA Team
for those positive actions and results.
Juan
Manuel Delgado
MCA GeoMarket Manager
Update
# 3 Thursday, April 30, 2009
The World Health Organization raised
the current level of flu pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5 yesterday.
As of today, Schlumberger is putting
into place a mandatory seven-day quarantine period for all people who
have left Mexico.
This means that any person who has left
Mexico must be placed in a designated staff house / guest house or
hotel for a period of seven days starting from the day he or she has
left Mexico.
If the individual has no flu-like
symptoms after that seven-day period, he or she may return to normal
duties.
In line with our Emergency Response
Standards, worldwide guidelines can be found at the Schlumberger H1N1
Influenza A Response Plan Web site on the Health Hub.
Your employee partner can visit the Travel Advisory in QUEST to find
information about all the countries we operate in:
- Log in QUEST - Go to Country Security - Click the country to obtain local
information
Update #2 Tuesday,
April 28, 2009
Following a deterioration of the
sitation, a full travel ban for employees to and from Mexico has now
been put in place until further notice. In addition, Mexico City
Airport should not be used as a transit hub.
Relatives of Schlumberger employees
based in Mexico who are looking for information may call the emergency
hotline:
Jan. 22, 2003 (QHSE) Prevent injury from superheated liquids. Microwaved water and other liquids do not always bubble when they reach the boiling point. They can actually become superheated and not bubble at all until the container is moved, causing bubbles to rapidly form. Read the full text and see a video demonstration ...
The following message is forwarded on behalf of Dr. Alex Barbey, International Health Coordinator. It is a survey regarding the Schlumberger Malaria Prevention Program.
If you choose to take the malaria survey, the first question asks for an employee GIN number. This is a unique Group Idendification Number assigned to anyone who has a Schlumberger LDAP record.
Ideally, to help Dr. Barbey compile accurate results, you should enter the GIN number of your husband (or wife), which can be found in his or her Schlumberger Directory record.
But if you do not know this number or cannot get it from your spouse, you may enter N/A (not applicable).
At the bottom of the second page there is another option that must be ticked off:
I am an employee of Schlumberger
I am the spouse of a Schlumberger employee
I am filling out this questionnaire for my child
Your response to the malaria survey will help Dr. Barbey and Schlumberger to make future improvements to the Malaria Prevention Program.
Any questions let me know, I'll be happy to assist.
Best regards,
Tracey McTague
Dear Schlumberger spouse,
Please continue reading if during the last two years you or any member of your family have either:
been concerned by the Schlumberger Malaria Prevention Program
traveled to, lived in or worked in a country where there is malaria
had a suspected or confirmed case of malaria
received a Schlumberger Malaria Curative Kit
contacted the Schlumberger Malaria Hot line
If none of the above apply to you, you are free to delete this message.
In 2003 Schlumberger launched a Malaria Prevention Program, contracted a Malaria Hot Line and developed a Curative Malaria Kit in order to mitigate the serious risk posed by fatal falciparum malaria found in Africa, Asia and South America.
This program is now over two years old and we need your feedback. We are conducting a satisfaction survey concerning the Schlumberger Malaria Prevention Program. In particular we need feedback concerning the training and awareness that the company has provided as well as your input on the Curative Malaria Kit and the Malaria Hot Line.
If you or any member of your family have been concerned since early 2003 by any part of the Schlumberger Malaria Prevention Program, traveled or worked in a malaria country, had a suspected or confirmed case of malaria, used any part of the Curative Malaria Kit (even if only the thermometer), or called the Malaria Hot Line for malaria information or advice PLEASE FILL IN THE SURVEY developed by Schlumberger and the University of Leiden Medical School (Netherlands) at:
www.clinicalresearch.nl/epidemiology/malaria/malaria.asp
and answer the questions.
The survey will take approximately 10 minutes.
I thank you in advance for your timely response and vital feedback. It will certainly help us continue to improve the program for the future.
Sincerely,
Alex Almeida
QHSE Manager, NSA
(on behalf of Dr. Alex Barbey, Schlumberger International Health Coordinator)
The SSA Family Health and Safety Passport is a vital travel document for families of Schlumberger employees. It contains a record of health and safety training, your family's travel history, medical information about the employee's spouse and children, contacts, and important information about the company and what to do in an emergency. There is even a space for keeping track of pet vaccinations and information about moving with pets.
More than 4,000 copies of the passport are in use today around the world. Spouses can obtain SSA Passports from their local SSA Coordinator. Employees can also order the passports (available in groups of 10) from InTouch.
It's the weekend. It's vacation time. The weather is hot and sunny and
the only thought in your mind is getting to the beach and cooling off
in the shining blue water.
Think twice! Recreational swimming is the second most common cause of
death in people under 24 years of age, and each year thousands of
swimmers are injured. It is worthwhile to take a few minutes to review
the main risks of swimming and recommendations for a safe outing,
particularly in tropical areas.
Before Going into the Water
Before you go swimming, make sure that you are in good health and not
suffering from an acute health condition such as diabetes, heart
problems, high blood pressure or an infectious disease that may put
your life in danger or result in serious health consequences.
Protect yourself from the heat and the sun. Avoid getting a sunburn. Do
not stay directly exposed to the sun's rays for long periods of time,
particularly between midmorning and midafternoon. Be aware that light
reflected from the sand or water can be as intense as direct sunlight.
The intensity of sunlight also increases closer to the equator. Wear a
shirt, sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim that shades your face,
ears and neck. Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15
or higher on any exposed areas, and reapply it every 2 to 3 hours or
more often if you are swimming or sweating. Drink plenty of
nonalcoholic fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated and developing heat
exhaustion or heat stroke.
Avoid walking barefoot along the beach or in shallow water. Wearing
shoes at all times, even when wading, will help you avoid cuts and
wounds as well as fungal infections and certain parasites.
Know the area where you are swimming:
Strong currents and submerged objects can cause injuries and
drowning. Avoid climbing on wet rocks.
Beaches close to cities and river mouths are often heavily
polluted with sewage and other wastes. Swimming in a chlorinated pool
or driving a little farther to an unpolluted beach is well worth the
extra effort. If you cannot avoid swimming in a polluted area, keep
your head above water to prevent ear infections and avoid swallowing
the contaminated water, which is swarming with bacteria.
Fresh water (lakes, ponds, rivers, etc.) in the tropics serves as
a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can transmit malaria, dengue
fever or yellow fever, as well as for snails, which are hosts to the
parasite Schistosomiasis. This microscopic flatworm burrows through the
skin to reach the bloodstream and infest numerous organs, including the
liver and kidneys. This risk does not exist in seawater because of its
salt content.
Check the local weather conditions beforehand. If a storm
develops, avoid swimming. If you are already in the water get out
rapidly, because water conducts electricity much better than air. Seek
shelter in a building or vehicle.
At least one person in your party should have first aid training
and know how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
In the Water
Know your physical limits: be honest with yourself about how well you
can swim under different conditions.
At many beaches you are not under the watchful eye of a
lifeguard. You and your family are swimming at your own risk. Adopt the
buddy system: swim in pairs or in a supervised area. Never swim alone.
Do not swim when you are too tired, too hot or cold or too far
for safety.
Avoid mixing alcohol and medication with swimming. They impair
judgment and increase the risk of drowning. Many medications can
increase your sensitivity to sunlight and the risk of getting
sunburned.
Do not eat or chew gum while swimming. Having something in your
mouth can result in choking.
Do not go swimming right after a meal. Although the classic
one-hour wait after a meal may be a little long, give your digestion
some time to get started.
Do not touch strange objects in the water and be careful where
you walk or swim. Jellyfish, stingrays and stonefish as well as
poisonous seaweed and other aquatic life (sharks, barracuda, snakes,
sea urchins, etc.) can transform a vacation into a nightmare. Stonefish
live in tropical seas. These spiny venomous fish blend in with the sand
and are easily stepped on. Their sting is very painful and can
sometimes be fatal.
Other Water Sports: Diving, Boating
and Fishing
When diving, always use extreme caution in unfamiliar areas.
Always enter the water feet first and check the water depth as well as
what lies below the surface. Each year hundreds of people are paralyzed
from irreversible neck and back injuries sustained while diving.
Plan ahead when boating or fishing: tell someone where you are going
and when you will be back. Know the nautical rules and regulations
before going. Always wear an approved life jacket. If your boat swamps
or capsizes, stay with it. Boats usually remain floating and may
eventually drift to shore.
Children and Swimming
Special precautions must be made for children around water. Constant
adult supervision of children playing near or in water is essential. A
toddler can drown in as little as 3 inches [8 cm] of water because the
reflex that makes you hold your breath when your face is submerged has
not fully developed. Never leave a small child unattended, even if it
is only for a few seconds. Remember that flotation aids are not
intended to be life saving devices. Make sure that pool areas are
fenced and the gate is latched to avoid access to children.
Have fun at the beach. Observing these guidelines will make your outing
more enjoyable and less likely to end unhappily. Use common sense and
avoid unnecessary risks. Remember that swimming can be great fun, but
be careful, it is a potentially dangerous recreational activity.
