Author: zone_admin

Biosafety Guidelines for land cargo transportation in Central America

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These guidelines were approved by the Council of Ministers of Economic Integration (COMIECO) and the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic (COMISCA), with the following objectives:

  1. establish coordinated procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19,
  2. guarantee the health of cargo carriers,
  3. the cleaning and disinfection of means of transport and,
  4. the fluidity of trade.
  1. BIOSAFETY GUIDELINES FOR LAND FREIGHT TRANSPORT COMPANIES:

1.1. Entry and Exit of the facilities of the land cargo transport company.

  1. a) Disinfection of general work areas and parking of means of transport.
  2. b) Disinfection of means of transport before and after each service/operation.
  3. c) The permanent use of the mask.
  4. d) Establish an inspection point for taking the temperature of all workers who enter the facilities, for which there must be a person responsible for taking the temperature with a digital infrared or laser clinical thermometer to avoid contact, the responsible person must be properly protected (surgical mask, glasses and disposable gloves).
  5. e) Maintain the recommended distances between people (between 1.5 and 2 meters).
  6. f) Use the shoe wash or footbath with a disinfectant solution.
  7. g) Install 70% alcohol-based hand gel alcohol dispensers in the entrance areas for hand disinfection.
  8. h) Workers who present a temperature above 37.5°C will not be able to enter the facilities, they must be referred to the corresponding health centers established by the authorities or call the corresponding competent authority.
  9. i) Wash hands with soap and water and/or disinfect with alcohol or hand sanitizer gel (70% alcohol-based) when entering or leaving the facilities.
  10. j) It is recommended that companies reorganize their operations in such a way that if they have drivers or pilots who present greater health risks (hypertension, diabetes, among other conditions that increase their vulnerability) they can assign them other functions within the company so as not to expose them during travel and reduce the risk of contagion.
  11. k) Drivers or pilots must comply with all health provisions before, during and after starting a trip.

1.2. HYGIENE AND PERSONAL CARE GUIDELINES FOR FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION DRIVERS.

  1. Disinfect your hands every time you enter and exit the means of transportation.
  2. Maintain a recommended safety distance (between 1.5 and 2 meters).
  3. Do not shake hands or any greeting that involves contact with another person.
  4. Perform constant personal hygiene, as well as washing utensils and clothes daily.
  5. Perform constant disinfection of cell phones, keys or other personal objects.
  6. Disinfect footwear with a disinfectant solution.
  7. Do not self-medicate; in case of presenting symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, dry cough or
  8. difficulty breathing) go immediately to the nearest health center or
  9. call the corresponding competent authority (or rapid attention line of the
  10. country).

1.2.1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  1. 70% alcohol-based hand gel
  2. Disposable gloves
  3. Surgical type mask
  4. Protective glasses or face shield

and. disinfectant liquid soap

  1. powder detergent
  2. Gallon-size container of drinking water
  3. Infrared or laser digital clinical thermometer for temperature taking

1.2.2. Use of supplies.

  1. Every official who exercises controls at land border posts and cargo transport workers must have basic biosafety supplies (mask, glasses, alcohol disinfectant gel and disposable gloves).
  2. Each person is responsible for the proper use of the same and the surveillance and monitoring of the use and good sanitary practices.
  3. Guarantee that all personnel use the required PPE, according to their work activity, to prevent the transmission of the virus as provided for in the national legislation of the Member States.
  4. Personal protective equipment will be appropriate to the activities and work to be carried out.

and. Guarantee that users periodically clean and disinfect their PPE, workers are responsible for its adequate disinfection.

  1. Request the replacement of the PPE when it is damaged, do not share for any reason.
  2. Put on the PPE before entering the facilities, the disposable PPE once used will be discarded using the appropriate techniques.
  3. Discard the disposable PPE, in the appropriate waste containers, labeled with the precise warnings.
  4. Wash hands with soap and water and/or disinfect with alcohol or disinfectant gel after removing PPE.
  5. The use of PPE is an essential requirement for those activities in which there is frequent and close contact with people.
  6. Wearing disposable gloves throughout the work day can generate a false sense of security and should not, for any reason, replace hand washing with soap and water or disinfection with disinfectant gel on a regular basis.
  7. PREVENTION GUIDELINES TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE TRANSPORT COMPANIES IN THE FACE OF SUSPICIOUS AND SICK CASES.
  8. All drivers or pilots and freight transport personnel must be trained not only to know what to do when a COVID-19 infection is suspected, but also to promote prevention measures.

Therefore, it is recommended that everyone be trained in:

  1. Information about COVID-19, in particular about the symptoms, the incubation period and the modes of transmission of the virus.
  2. Epidemiological information on the affected areas.

iii. Information on disinfectants and proper hand hygiene.

  1. Information on how to proceed in case of symptoms.
  2. Informative materials.

saw. Information on fast service lines in each country.

  1. In case of presenting symptoms associated with COVID-19, the worker must follow the following recommendations:
  2. If you have symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat and difficulty breathing; Go to the nearest health center or call the corresponding competent authority to request assistance or another mechanism determined by the competent authority.
  3. Follow the instructions provided by the health personnel by calling the corresponding competent authority (or the country’s hotline) or attending the health center.

iii. The decision to continue or not the trip of the pilot or driver will be made by the public health authorities in close coordination with the authorities that exercise control of the land border posts.

  1. The means of transport must be isolated in the previously enabled area, external and internal disinfection measures will be applied.
  2. In case of presenting symptoms when being at home, contact the direct boss to report them and determine not to show up to work as a preventive measure of contagion.

saw. In the event that medical disability is granted, the respective documentation must be presented, such as medication prescriptions and the recommendations to be followed.

2.1. General protocol for heads of workers :

  1. The work managers must have a log of the disinfected means of transport, responsible and schedule. This will serve as a means of verifying the biosecurity of the means of transport and the driver prior to departure.
  2. In the event that any driver or worker presents or reports symptoms in which they are suspected as likely suffering from COVID-19, the following must be done:
  3. Isolate the worker, provide a mask and avoid contact with other surfaces and other people; Likewise, identify the people with whom the infected personnel had contact to close the epidemiological circle.
  4. Maintain active lines of communication and arrange for medical care to be provided.
  5. Once this procedure is finished, carry out disinfection of all possible contaminated objects or surfaces that may have been in contact with the symptomatic worker, including the means of transport.
  6. If the worker has been in close contact with family members and people who have been in the same place with a confirmed case of COVID-19, they should not report to work and call the corresponding competent authority (or rapid assistance line in the country) to request assistance.

and. Workers suspected or sick of COVID-19, who work in activities and tasks that require direct contact with people (transport of goods), must be subjected to isolation.

  1. The transportation company must have replacement personnel to cover personnel absences due to COVID-19, which may previously be identified and notified in the observations field of the Single Central American Declaration (DUCA-T), at the time of its generation. .
  2. TRAINING.
  3. All freight forwarding employees must be trained not only to know what COVID-19 is and what to do when COVID-19 infection is suspected, but also to promote and implement prevention measures.
  4. Land freight transport companies will be responsible for training their staff or any person they hire to carry out international freight transport. In this sense, they must carry out training programs on the risks to which workers are exposed in organizations, centers and workplaces, emphasizing prevention and biological control measures.
  5. Land freight transport companies must have logbooks of the training given, and it is suggested that this include the following: date, training topics, training duration, list of participants, evaluations, evaluation results , corrective measures.
  6. Land freight transport companies will be responsible for training their staff or any person they contract to carry out international freight transport, in at least the following topics:
  7. Information about COVID-19, in particular about the symptoms, the incubation period and the modes of transmission of the virus.
  8. Epidemiological information on countries, regions and affected areas.

iii. Information on prevention measures, including information on disinfectants and proper hand hygiene.

  1. Information on how to proceed in case of symptoms.
  2. Information on the routes enabled for cargo transport.

saw. Information on the measures that the Member States are implementing to deal with COVID-19, according to the established route.

vii. Information on the disinfection of means of transport.

viii. Information on the contingency plans of the transport company, for any eventuality related to COVID-19 according to the established routes.

  1. Other related.
  2. CLEANLINESS GUIDELINES FOR FREIGHT TRANSPORT MEANS.

4.1. Hygienization of means of cargo transport

It is mandatory to wash and clean the means of transport with disinfectant before and after each route, considering the following measures:

  1. Surfaces must be cleaned with solutions recommended by international organizations and proven effective against COVID-19.
  2. Each worker who performs the cleaning must have their own utensils and they must be disinfected before and after use; avoid sharing with the rest of the workers.

4.2 . External cleaning of the means of transport and van

Prior to loading, the driver of the means of transport must wash it with soap and water on the outside (wheels, doors, bodywork in general, van) and use a disinfectant solution (Review list of recommended disinfectants)

4.3. Internal cleaning and care of the cabin

The driver must clean with a disinfectant solution, the use of gloves and a mask is essential, disinfect:

  1. Gear lever
  2. Steering wheel
  3. Contact controls while driving
  4. Seating

and. seat controls

  1. Tachograph or speedometer (including all the instruments that manipulate the

driver)

  1. Llavines
  2. Door latches
  3. Doors

4.4. OTHERS.

  1. Ventilate cabin regularly during movement, keep windows closed during inspections or checkpoints.
  2. The cabin of the means of transport must be occupied only by the driver (International Transport) and/or transport staff (transport staff is limited to national transport).
  3. Cash can be cleaned with the disinfectant solution.
  4. In the case of using credit or debit cards, carry out the disinfection process in the same way as in the case of using cash.

and. If you require the use of ATMs, disinfect your hands immediately with antibacterial gel.

  1. It is recommended to perform cleaning every four hours or according to the exposure of the cabin.

4.4.1. Internal Cleaning of the Van

The Driver and/or transport personnel must clean the interior of the van and observe the following:

  1. The means of transport is in good clean conditions and has been disinfected.
  2. Eliminate residues from previous shipments (food, chemical compounds, etc.)
  3. The closure of doors, curtains and other openings with closing mechanisms.
  4. It is suggested to implement a simple handwashing system in the means of transport with disinfectant soap, for the exclusive use of the driver after he has to carry out procedures or records at checkpoints or others.

4.4.2 Waste management

  1. Each means of transport must always carry disposable bags to discard handkerchiefs and personal protective equipment, said bag must be removed on each trip that it makes, properly closed, depositing it later in the corresponding garbage cans, pedal-opening garbage cans are recommended.
  2. All disposable biosafety material (PPE, bags, etc.) or possible source of contagion (handkerchiefs, cleaning items, etc.) must be kept in a different deposit from the regular waste and must be closed with a double bag with a zip closure. bag to later deposit in the places designated for the disposal of biosafety material.
  3. BIOSECURITY GUIDELINES FOR THE LOADING, TRANSFER AND UNLOADING OF GOODS.
  4. To safeguard the integrity of the people involved in the loading and unloading process at the different points, it is recommended:
  5. That all personnel involved in the operations of the cargo transport company have the mandatory biosafety equipment (gloves, face shield or glasses, masks and alcohol disinfectant gel).
  6. Epidemiological surveillance at the loading and unloading point taking temperature and symptom control. If the driver presents any symptoms or a temperature greater than 37.5°C, as long as he is not exposed to sources of heat prior to taking the temperature, he will be sent to the nearest health center.

iii. Clean the means of transport on the outside (tires, wagon, doors, curtains and cabin) and inside (cabin and wagon), prior to loading.

  1. Carry out the loading and unloading in a mechanized way, after the use of said machinery it must be properly cleaned and disinfected.
  2. Close the doors/curtain of the car. At no time will the driver or transport personnel have contact with the merchandise/product, in cases where the transport is for the transfer of cargo, for those drivers or personnel who fulfill the functions of cargo personnel (such as distributors). they must handle the load observing the biosafety guidelines.

5.1. Before loading goods

The driver(s) and transportation personnel must:

  1. Verify that the means of transport is in good clean conditions and that it has been disinfected if necessary.
  2. Check that there are no residues from previous shipments left in the means of transport.
  3. Verify that there are no residues of chemical cleaning or disinfection compounds.
  4. Check that the closure of doors and other openings with locking mechanisms.

5.2. During loading of goods

The driver or pilot and transport personnel must:

  1. Verify that there are no breaks or deterioration in the packaging or products.
  2. Verify that the product is protected from dust, humidity or other types of dirt.
  3. Avoid contact with the floor and walls of the cargo area or the means of transport.
  4. Check that the means of transport does not include objects or substances other than those authorized in the documents issued by the shipper.

and. Prevent personnel other than cargo or animals from entering the means of transport.

  1. Verify that the load is accommodated in such a way as to reduce its exposure to the environment and with an appropriate location according to its temperature requirements.
  2. Carry out the disinfection process of the contact areas every four (4) hours.
  3. The loading procedure must be carried out in the shortest possible time.

5.3 During the transfer of goods

The driver or pilot and transport personnel must:

  1. Clean all frequently touched surfaces (doors, rudder, lever, dashboard, etc.) described in the instructions regarding internal cabin cleaning. It is recommended to carry out this measure at least every 4 hours or immediately when there is possible contact with another person outside the cabin other than the driver or transport personnel.
  2. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or with hand sanitizer gel (70% alcohol-based).
  3. Avoid touching your face. If necessary (eg cleaning sweat) wash hands prior to contact with the face and after it.
  4. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing with your elbow or with a disposable handkerchief that will be thrown away after use.

and. The driver or transport personnel must use the mask and gloves if they have to get off the means of transport.

  1. Before entering the means of transport again, shoes must be disinfected with a disinfectant solution and hands cleaned with alcohol in disinfectant gel.
  2. In transit in the means of transport it is not necessary to wear a mask if you drive alone in it.
  3. Feeding must be done in your means of transport, avoiding staying in places with crowds of people and ensuring hand hygiene with soap and water or hand disinfectant gel (70% alcohol-based). Eating with gloves on should be avoided.
  4. A maximum of two people is allowed in the cabin for the transport of national cargo, for international trips only the driver will be allowed.
  5. Maintain the recommended safety distance between people when making planned stops.

5.4. During unloading of goods

The driver or pilot and transport personnel must:

  1. At the unloading point prior to entering the facilities, clean the outside of the means of transport.
  2. Have the mandatory biosafety equipment applicable to all personnel involved, with emphasis on unloading and transportation personnel.
  3. At the loading and unloading point, guarantee epidemiological surveillance, taking temperature measurements and controlling symptoms.
  4. The driver will disinfect contact areas such as: hands, shoes, keys, padlocks, doors, curtains, etc. according to the protocol described above.

and. At the time of unloading the product, the driver must keep a minimum distance of 1.5 meters from the unloading personnel, the driver may not unload any product, except for those drivers who comply with the loading and unloading functions .

  1. If documents are required to be signed, the driver must use their own pencil or encourage the electronic exchange of these documents.
  2. Only the driver may close the curtains and/or doors of the means of transport.
  3. Companies must establish what measures to take in the event that the cargo or merchandise is rejected.

5.5. Recommendations in route planning.

  1. Land freight transport companies must identify workers with vulnerabilities and risk factors together with health services and evaluate those workers with certain health conditions, which are considered to be at risk for exposure to COVID-19, and establish the corresponding measures. of isolation.
  2. Routes must be planned to identify and define the places where stops will be made (for example: for rest, use of toilets, dining rooms or cafeterias), which comply with biosafety requirements. Trying to make as few stops as possible.
  3. In the rest periods according to the scheduled stops during the tour, restrict the intake of food (preferably bring your own) and sleep inside the means of transport in the compartment designed for that purpose or in the hotel assigned by the competent authority. All material that enters the transport medium cabin must be disinfected in a 70% pure alcohol solution.
  4. Plan with clients the loading/unloading of goods in the most precise way to avoid the accumulation of several carriers at the same time.

and. Establish alternative forms of merchandise delivery and receipt documents (delivery notes) by electronic means to avoid personal contact.

  1. Avoid cash as much as possible, it is advisable to manage the payment or per diem by electronic means.
  2. In the driver’s cabin it is recommended to keep a properly stocked first aid kit.
  3. Provide a fumigation pump for the disinfection of each means of transport (tires and wagon), without limiting the corresponding washing of the means.
  4. If it is necessary to handle documentation, use your own pen to sign documents.
  5. Provide a personal hygiene kit for each carrier, water, soap and hand sanitizer gel (70% alcohol-based), disposable tissues, etc.
  6. The transport company must provide the necessary PPE to its personnel (disposable gloves, glasses and mask).
  7. The individualized use of means of transporting loads is recommended, as well as utensils used for daily work.
  8. Every freight transport worker must avoid manipulating the merchandise that he transports. In situations where this activity is part of your duties or in situations where such manipulation is necessary, you must comply with the required protection and prevention measures, which includes at least washing and disinfecting your hands before and after the handling and use of adequate PPE (disposable gloves, glasses and mask). Additionally, aid must be guaranteed to avoid the handling of merchandise as much as possible (forklifts and other hauling equipment).
  9. DISINFECTION GUIDELINES FOR BUILDINGS AND MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION.

6.1. buildings and facilities

The surfaces of the buildings and other facilities of the land border posts must be cleaned frequently, in accordance with the International Protocols approved by the WHO and the Ministries of Health.

6.2. Transport.

  1. External disinfection of the means of transport is recommended before entering the border post, with solutions recommended by international organizations, verifying that the pilot or driver has biosafety personal protective equipment such as: 70% alcohol-based hand gel %, gloves, face masks or masks, face shield or glasses.
  2. In addition, the competent authority must verify that:
  3. The means of transport is in good clean conditions and has been disinfected.
  4. That there are no residues from previous shipments (food, chemical compounds, etc.)
  5. The closure of doors, curtains and other openings with closing mechanisms.
  6. It is suggested to implement simple hand washing systems in the means of transport, for the exclusive use of the driver after he has to carry out procedures or records at checkpoints or others.

Occupational health and safety protection standards for companies

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The duty to take care of the Health and Safety of workers in their work functions has existed in all the countries of the region for years, but one of the lessons that COVID-19 leaves us is that these measures take on even greater importance to guarantee the sustainability of the company in a century that promises great challenges for the well-being of people.

Companies must anticipate and be clear about how to act in the event of any eventuality that may affect their collaborators today more than ever. The reasons are clear, on the one hand there is a scientific consensus that this century will be accompanied by new diseases for the human being, since more and more populations come into contact with wild areas and ecosystems to which they are not accustomed, it will also increase the frequency of extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods, frosts and storms as a result of climate change.

On the other hand, the response to most of these events supposes some type of reorganization of the population, in the case of contagious diseases such as COVID-19, the main measures are social distancing, and the operation of the production lines of the most segmented and least agglomerated way possible. In other eventualities such as storms, frosts or floods, it is usual to respond with isolation measures, shelter or even evacuations, but something that they all have in common is that they imply a certain degree of displacement and a change in the routine of work operations.

Therefore, the companies with the most opportunities to remain productive in this scenario of changing conditions will be those that can prevent these events and have a clear plan on how to act when the emergency is unavoidable.

This anticipation and prompt response is achieved by applying the same measures required by current health and safety protection standards, so their application is not only necessary to ensure the continuity of the company, but they are mandatory from a legal point of view. . Among these measures we mainly find:

  • Have a Commission made up of the administrators and workers of the organization, which is in charge of identifying all the risks for health and safety that exist in the company and is in charge of mitigating them.
  • Have emergency care plans and contingencies that the company may face. As well as internal programs that establish occupational health and safety rules to be followed by employees.
  • Have clear rules on the cleaning and disinfection of work centers and tools.
  • Apply teleworking policies to all positions in which it is feasible, in response to the health guidelines that have been issued in the face of the most recent pandemic.

These actions, accompanied by a vigilant approach aimed at identifying and mitigating new risks, have allowed many companies to continue standing in the face of one of the greatest challenges they have seen in decades and, without a doubt, its importance will increase as we enter the future. XXI century.

Occupational Hygiene and Safety in Nicaragua

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The hygiene and safety of collaborators in companies is an issue that regains special importance in the circumstance of the pandemic caused by Covid-19 in which we currently find ourselves. With the entry of the virus into the country, various economic sectors were affected, mainly those related to services, commerce and tourism.

The current national legislation on occupational hygiene and safety establishes a series of obligations and recommendations that the employer must take into account to preserve hygiene in the workplace, guarantee the health of their collaborators and avoid possible sanctions by the employer. Ministry of Labor (MITRAB).

In this regard, the General Law on Occupational Hygiene and Safety, Law No. 618 published in La Gaceta, Official Gazette No. 133 of July 2007, and its regulations, Decree No. 96-2007 published in La Gaceta, Official Gazette No. 196 of October 12, 2007 are intended to establish a set of minimum provisions that, in terms of hygiene and safety at work, the State, employers and workers must develop in the workplace, through the promotion, intervention, surveillance and establishment of actions to protect workers in the performance of their work.

Among the main obligations that the employer must fulfill by virtue of the regulations indicated above, is that of adopting the necessary and adequate preventive measures to effectively guarantee the hygiene and safety of its workers in all aspects related to work. As well as that of constituting in the workplace, a mixed commission of occupational hygiene and safety, which must be integrated with an equal number of workers and employer representatives.

As indicated in the reformed Ministerial Resolution on the Mixed Commissions of Occupational Hygiene and Safety in Companies published in La Gaceta, Official Gazette No. 29 of February 9, 2007, the mixed commission of occupational hygiene and safety is a joint body of participation in the activities of protection and prevention of risks in the work center promoted by the administration of the work center through the management carried out by the technician in charge of attending to Hygiene and Safety in the Work Center. All mixed commissions must be registered with the Ministry of Labor and have internal operating regulations and an annual work plan. This last document must also be presented to the MITRAB authorities.

Among the main functions that this commission can carry out are related to the evaluation, determination and investigation of professional risks of the company; monitoring and control of compliance with the provisions adopted in the area of ​​occupational risk prevention; propose to the employer the adoption of preventive measures, aimed at improving the levels of protection and prevention of occupational risks, among others.

The formation and/or activation of the mixed occupational hygiene and safety commission is an important tool available to employers that will allow, with the support of the company’s collaborators, to take technical biosafety measures and other measures that are deemed pertinent. and are particularly suitable for the company. This translates into benefits such as cost reduction in the implementation of the measures and guaranteeing hygienic working conditions, aimed at avoiding the contagion and spread of COVID-19.

Relevant information on occupational health and safety in Honduras

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Occupational health and safety is an issue that has become very relevant in companies today due to the Pandemic that the entire world is experiencing. Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we have had to transform the way we work to prevent the spread and contagion of the virus. In terms of Occupational Health and Safety, the Government of the Republic of Honduras has issued different laws and protocols to prevent the spread and infection in the workplace.

On March 16, 2020, Executive Decree Number PCM-019-2020 was published in the Official Gazette, which approves the Hygiene and Safety Protocol for the Prevention of COVID-19 in work centers and states that it is mandatory. compliance by employers and workers at the national level. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Protocol by an employer will lead to an administrative sanction provided for in the Labor Inspection Law.

Decree PCM-019-2020 also establishes duties for workers, not only for employers. Workers have the duty to inform their employers if they have symptoms of the Coronavirus or any other similar symptom that compromises the respiratory tract prior to entering the workplace.

If symptoms appear in the worker, they are obliged to immediately carry out a laboratory test to check or rule out the spread of COVID-19. The result of this examination must be notified to the employer so that he can take the necessary measures in case the contagion is confirmed.

The Safety and Hygiene Protocol for Work Centers at the National Level in Prevention of COVID-19 establishes measures aimed at workers and employers for the prevention and control of COVID-19, these measures are the following:

  1. Handwashing with soap and water on a recurring basis, for these purposes, each employer must structure a guide for correct handwashing and its frequency, according to the economic activity of each company.
  2. The employer is obliged to provide its workers with prevention and hygiene supplies in the workplace, such as hand gel, antiseptic liquid soap, gloves, personal protective equipment and masks when appropriate and any other instructed by the safety authorities. Government.
  3. Frequently use gel that contains 70% alcohol or another disinfectant promoted by the Ministry of Health, before entering the facilities of your work center, as well as in your different areas or jobs.
  4. In the cases indicated by the Ministry of Health, by virtue of the type of work that is carried out and implies direct and permanent contact with people infected with COVID-19, they must use gloves, eye protection glasses, clothing and a mask, when removing the aforementioned equipment, internal contact must be avoided, manipulation of the same to avoid the passage of the virus from the hands to the eyes, nose or mouth.
  5. Masks are permanently and mandatory for workers who present symptoms of COVID-19 and people who have direct contact with them. Once discarded, they must be deposited in garbage containers in a safe way, with a lid that can be opened with a pedal.
  6. Avoid being in places with poor ventilation and with people who have any symptoms such as: sneezing, coughing and a temperature greater than 38 degrees.
  7. Maintain greater cleaning hygiene and the use of gel, soap and water in the toilets.
  8. Give talks to workers regarding the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.
  9. Establish monitoring, control and follow-up mechanisms so that workers who present symptoms and/or are infected from the contracting companies that provide services to the companies, whether permanent or temporary, do not enter the workplace, and can be treated in a timely and as required by law.

The Ministry of Labor, together with the Ministry of Health, to date have issued twenty-seven Biosafety Protocols due to the COVID-19 Pandemic for Work Centers in different sectors of the economy. All protocols have general measures that are mandatory, regardless of the industry to which the establishment belongs. The general measures for all industries are as follows:

  1. Distancing or isolation of people:

Awareness about maintaining the recommended safety distances between people (between 1.5 and 2 meters).

  1. Respiratory etiquette rules.

They are a set of recommended measures to prevent respiratory transmission of biological agents. The measurements are:

– Cough and sneeze covering the nose and mouth with the inner angle of the flexed elbow (elbow fossa or cubital).

– Use disposable handkerchiefs or towels, and discard them after use.

– Deposit disposable tissues or towels in containers for this purpose, with pedal lids.

– Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes unnecessarily.

– Wash and disinfect your hands before and after touching your nose, mouth and eyes.

– Wash your hands frequently, especially when you have manipulated objects or had contact with surfaces.

– Talk while maintaining safety distances, especially when done with people with respiratory symptoms.

– Avoid coming into contact with suspicious people or with respiratory symptoms and signs.

– Avoid places or spaces with crowds of people.

– Inform and seek medical help if respiratory symptoms or signs appear or if you have been in direct contact with suspicious persons or with respiratory symptoms.

– Inform about the presence of suspicious people or people with respiratory symptoms, especially in workplaces and workplaces.

iii. Hand washing:

Training on the proper technique for hand washing.

In general, the technique established by the World Health Organization (WHO) is recommended. The minimum duration is one (1) minute:

– Wet hands with soap and water.

– Lather the palm, the back, between the fingers and the nails very well.

– Rinse the soap residue well and if necessary, repeat the process.

– Properly dry your hands with a paper towel.

Washing and disinfection must be frequent, while they carry out their work activity. The frequency must be established according to the type of activity.

Training on the appropriate products for washing and disinfecting hands (soap and water, alcohol with glycerin, alcohol gel).

These products must be supplied by the responsible person or the employer. Centers and workstations must have handwashing facilities that have soap and water, alcohol gel or glycerin dispensers.

Hand washing will be mandatory, before putting on the PPE and after removing it. When hands are visibly clean, hand hygiene will be done with alcohol-based products; if they are dirty or stained, it will be done with water and antiseptic soap. The use of gloves never exempts from carrying out a correct washing of the hands after their removal. Nails should be short and well groomed.

Washing or disinfecting your hands should be a necessary measure in the following situations:

– After coughing or sneezing.

– Before and after touching or blowing your nose.

– Before and after using any means of transport, especially if it is collective or public.

– Before and after visiting public places.

– Before and after handling objects, solid or liquid waste, money.

– Before and after touching animals or people.

– Before and after eating.

– Before and after using the toilets.

– Before and after completion of the work.

– During the performance of the work, the frequency will depend on the workplace and the type of activities and tasks that are carried out. It will be defined in each organization or work center.

  1. Cleaning and disinfection of objects and surfaces.

The procedure for cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces related to the worker will be carried out in accordance with the usual way of cleaning and disinfecting the workplace. Ensuring that the frequency is related to their use.

After cleaning and disinfection, they must be free of moisture. For cleaning and disinfection, towels with disinfectant, soap and water or the detergents and disinfectants that are usually authorized for this purpose (with a virucidal effect) can be used, and disposable textile material will be used for the surfaces. General cleaning will always be done wet, from the cleanest areas to the dirtiest, from the inside out.

The following measures should also be considered:

  • The use of brooms in high-risk areas should be avoided as much as possible.
  • Double cube techniques will be used.
  • The material used that is disposable, will be placed in a waste container with a lid and labeled with the precise warnings. Surfaces must be cleaned with solutions recommended by international organizations and proven effective against Sars-CoV-2. Among the recommendations are:
  • For personal items (screens, phones, tablets)
    • Use at least 70% alcohol solution, spray and air dry or wipe with a cloth and air dry.
  • For work surfaces, floors, walls, doors, desks and other surfaces:
    • Use a household bleach solution (5%) diluted as follows: Four teaspoons of bleach per liter of water, spray or rub in and leave for at least 10 minutes.
    • Use quaternary ammonium at 5% dilution, follow the instructions of each supplier for its dilution in case it is more concentrated. Wait at least 10 minutes for it to act.
    • Use commercial use hydrogen peroxide at 3% and let it act for at least 5 minutes.
  • For any product used to clean surfaces and disinfect SARS CoV-2, the indications for use should be consulted, since the concentration of the active components may vary from industrial to domestic presentation and from brand to brand.
  1. Handling and use of Personal Protection Equipment.

Training on the use and handling (putting on and taking off) of PPE. Single-use or disposable PPE must be disposed of under established standards to avoid cross-contamination of other sites, objects, products, or surfaces.

saw. Health and safety system operation:

In the organizations or work centers where the Joint Hygiene and Safety Commission is formed and in operation, it must play a fundamental role during the implementation of the measures for SARS CoV-2. It is essential that a surveillance and control system be established on compliance with and compliance with all the measures, guidelines, standards, orientations and others that are available within the organization or work center. Organizations or work centers that have health care services must take extreme measures to detect suspects and patients. Health personnel must be duly trained to approach people suspected or sick by SARS CoV-2 according to the protocols and standards established in the country and failing that,

vii. Health or epidemiological surveillance:

If the organization or work center has a surveillance program or plan, it must consider the necessary measures to adapt it to the regulations and guidelines that guarantee constant communication with the responsible authorities and institutions. If the organization or workplace does not have surveillance strategies, constant communication with the responsible authorities and institutions must be guaranteed. In any case, the organization or work center must maintain a direct communication mechanism for immediate notification of suspected cases.

On May 23, 2020, the National Congress approved the Law on the Mandatory Use of Masks and Application of Biosafety Protocols. The Law establishes the mandatory use of masks or mouth covers (whether homemade, artisanal or industrial that covers the nose and mouth) for all people, without exception, who wander the streets throughout the national territory or who attend public or private places with more than five people in the same space.

The sanction for not wearing the mask or mouth cover is the application of a fine of Two Hundred Lempiras (L. 200.00) or the obligation to carry out community work for six hours, in case of being a repeat offender, they will be detained for twelve hours.

Biosafety Protocols

The Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Security were authorized to temporarily cancel the operation of any establishment for not applying the Biosafety Protocols. The reopening will be done once it is authorized by the Secretary of Labor or the Secretary of Security, having corrected the infractions that gave rise to the closure. The Law is valid until the end of the Coronavirus Pandemic.

The person responsible for complying with biosafety protocols in companies is the Joint Hygiene and Safety Commission. Any company with more than ten employees is required to set up a Mixed Hygiene and Safety Commission. We recommend that you verify that the Commission is constituted in your company and that it is in force, otherwise, you must request the constitution in the Secretary of Labor when restarting work.

The Biosafety Protocols approved to date are those of the following industries:

  • Government Offices and Customer Service Centers
  • Maquila Sector
  • Hardware Industry
  • Automotive Maintenance Workshops for Supply Chain
  • Restaurant and Cafeteria Industry
  • Construction Sector
  • Supermarket Industry
  • Meat Sector (Beef and Pork)
  • Sugar Industry
  • Financial sector
  • Poultry Sector
  • Household Items Wholesalers
  • Soft Drinks and Beverages Sector
  • Insurance Sector
  • Patisseries and Bakeries
  • Agricultural sector
  • Tobacco Sector
  • Supply Chain
  • Call Centers
  • Squares and Shopping Centers
  • Petroleum Products Distributors
  • Hairdressers and Barbers
  • Religious Practices and Activities
  • Dairy Sector
  • Pharmacy Industry
  • Forest Sector
  • Telecommunications Companies

If you wish to download the specific Biosafety Protocol for your industry, go to the following link: http://www.trabajo.gob.hn/protocolos-de-bioseguro-en-los-centros-de-trabajo/

New regulations require companies to quantify and publish their carbon emissions globally.

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Over the last few months there has been a huge increase in environmental compliance duties globally , to the point where, in the near future, all companies listed on international stock exchanges would have to publish their greenhouse gas emissions and explain the initiatives they are taking to reduce them.

The most notable recent news is the regulation proposal issued by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 21, 2022. If this regulation is approved, it would oblige all companies listed on the United States stock exchange, to be published:

  • Your greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The environmental goals that the company has, including the dates and the process to meet them.
  • The experience and role of the members of the Board of Directors to face the challenges of climate change.
  • Determine the risks that climate change may have on the company.

Despite the huge impact its approval would have, the SEC’s proposed rule is only part of a global trend that points to greater involvement by companies to fight climate change.

According to the OECD , 15 G20 countries have regulations that require companies to publish environmental reports on a regular basis and require the quantification of carbon emissions. Among them, the United Kingdom and Japan have been reforming their regulatory schemes so that, as of April 2022, more and more companies are obliged to publish reports on their shares and their exposure to climate change.

For its part, the European Union, which already requires large companies and financial entities to report the way they handle social and environmental challenges, proposed new rules that would expand the scope of this regulation so that it applies to all companies listed on the stock exchange. , or that meet certain size and income parameters.

Implications of international environmental compliance duties for Latin America :

The aforementioned regulation, despite coming from other countries, will have a great impact on Latin America, since the duties of publishing information related to climate change usually include the subsidiaries that companies from said countries have in the rest of the world.

Additionally, it is estimated that these duties will fall indirectly on local businesses, since it is expected that companies from countries such as the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom choose suppliers that meet these standards, in order to facilitate regulatory compliance and achievement of the emission reduction goals of its operations.

Greater value will be given to companies that already have experience demonstrating their emission reduction:

Due to the high scrutiny that companies in the United States and Europe have received regarding the transparency and accuracy of their reports on climate change, large companies will prioritize providers that have the most experience reporting their emissions transparently.

In the last decade, lawsuits related to climate change have increased exponentially, and many of these have had to do with the information that companies have published regarding their climate footprint and proposed reduction plans.

Global trends in climate change litigation: 2021

Additionally, 58% of the judicial cases mentioned have obtained sentences ordering greater transparency and action by companies and governments to face climate change. In contrast, only 32% of the cases have obtained unfavorable sentences for organizations that advocate for climate action.

Faced with such clear figures, it is to be expected that the top managers of the companies will make great efforts to ensure that all the actors in their business chain comply with the new standards.

We are at a stage where companies must pay more attention to their environmental impacts, not only to have a better image before the public, but also to comply with new regulations to combat climate change, whose trend is clearly increasing.  

As has happened throughout history, changes in standards present great opportunities for companies that are prepared to adopt them and even take advantage of them, but they also pose great risks for those businesses that do not adapt to the new market conditions.

Timely diagnosis of environmental performance

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Environmental performance is the measurable result of an evaluation of compliance in an organization, whether or not it has an implemented environmental management system.

In this sense, the evaluation or diagnosis of environmental aspects allows timely detection of the existence of environmental risks and outlining the criteria of environmental behavior. In this way, it is possible to define a work path to achieve acceptable compliance standards, according to the interests of each organization, or to obtain an environmental certification.

Usually, the environmental diagnosis includes the following aspects: a) Identification of environmental aspects and impacts; b) Definition of environmental goals and objectives; c) Use of environmental performance indicators; d) The management of the direction (management) of the organization; and, e) Installed capacity in the environmental issue of the work team.

At ZONE we have the capacity, experience and adequate tools to carry out an appropriate diagnosis of your organization and thereby facilitate decision-making.

Nicaragua Ratifies Amendment to the Montreal Protocol

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Nicaragua recently approved the amendment to the Montreal Protocol that was carried out in 2016. With this step, Nicaragua reinforces its position of union in the fight against global warming.

The Montreal Protocol is an international environmental agreement aimed at protecting the earth’s ozone layer by limiting and eventually eliminating ozone-depleting substances (ODS).

In this amendment, the party countries undertake to reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are commonly found in refrigeration equipment, thermal conditioning and some aerosols. The obligations are aimed at the commitment to acquire more efficient technologies that depend less on this type of product.

With this ratification, Nicaragua becomes applicable to access financial mechanisms aimed at supporting developing countries to implement the protocol. It will also be able to be flexible in prioritizing the use of HFCs. and define the strategy for implementation.

The Montreal Protocol is an effort and a document promoted and supervised by the Secretary General of the United Nations.

Find the publication of the official newspaper La Gaceta at this link.

Main changes of the new regulation for fuel storage in Costa Rica

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This October, the Regulations for the authorization and registration of stationary tanks for self-consumption of fuels (Decree 42497-MINAE-S ) entered into force, which modifies the necessary requirements to have fuel storage tanks for self-consumption.

The main considerations to take into account regarding this regulation are the following:

  1. What type of tanks does it apply to?

As its name indicates, this regulation applies only to stationary tanks for self-consumption of fuel. That is, only those that are installed in a fixed site, are filled in the same place and that use is for internal consumption.

Unlike the previous regulations, the duties of this regulation apply to all fixed self-consumption tanks, regardless of their size. Therefore, those people who have self-consumption tanks that did not require authorization due to their size, have the duty to register them with the General Directorate of Fuel Transportation and Marketing (DGTCC) before February 14, 2022.

  • What are the requirements to obtain authorization?

To obtain the authorization and registration of a tank, you must fill out the digital form provided by MINAE, accompanied by the following information:

  1. Image of the Technical Sheet of the tank.
  • In the case of a used tank that does not have a technical sheet, a ” mechanical integrity study ” must be provided that supports the use that will be given to the container. Said study must be carried out by an architect or engineer incorporated into their respective professional association.
  • Technical inspection report, with no more than 6 months, carried out by the Fire Department or by a collegiate engineer or architect. Said report must have photographic support and indicate that the tank complies with current legal and technical standards in terms of prevention, human safety and fire protection.
  • How long does the procedure take?

The procedure for registration and authorization by the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) has a maximum term of one month.

Within this period, the DGTCC analyzes the documentation provided and if everything is in order, it will recommend the authorization of the tanks to the MINAE Minister. In the event that the information presented by the applicant does not comply with what is required, the DGTCC must inform the applicant of the inconsistency and grant 10 business days for its correction.

  • How long is the MINAE authorization valid for?

The authorization of fuel tanks is valid for 5 years. For its renewal, the digital form and a technical inspection report must be presented again in the same terms as the one required to process the tank permit for the first time.

  • Breach

The operation of a stationary self-consumption tank without the conditions described above, can generate an order to remove the tank, which if not complied with can cause the non-renewal of the sanitary operating permit, the suspension of activities until the situation, and even the opening of sanctioning procedures for contempt of authority.

Despite the fact that this regulation establishes new obligations for smaller self-consumption tanks, the procedure and the requirements are simpler and clearer than those contemplated in the previous regulations. This, together with a digital procedure that will facilitate its supervision and control, constitute efforts by the authorities to simplify the regulatory compliance of companies for the handling of dangerous substances.

The ministry of the environment of el salvador approves the extension of the deadline for presentation of the environmental management program

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On November 6 of this year, the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources issued a statement informing the owners of activities, works, or projects and natural or legal persons that have an environmental permit that they have not submitted. the Adjusted Environmental Management Program, in the period of one year from the entry into force of the Special Regulation of Residual Water and Residual Sludge Management, so that it can be presented until February 4, 2021. 

The presentation of the Adjusted Environmental Management Program, according to article 34 of the aforementioned Regulation, should be presented until November 6 of this year; but, due to the declaration of National State of Emergency of the Pandemic by COVID – 19, the legal terms and deadlines granted in the administrative and judicial procedures were suspended in the period from March 14 to June 10, 2020.

The presentation of said Program is mandatory, if not, the corresponding administrative procedures could be initiated by the Ministry of the Environment, in accordance with the provisions of articles 83 to 96 of the Environment Law and articles 119, 120, and 121 of the General Regulations of the same law. 

The Adjusted Environmental Management Program can be presented at Level 1 of the central building, km 5 ½ highway to Santa Tecla, Las Mercedes street and neighborhood (ISTA facilities), San Salvador; or in the online Environmental Assessment system http://seaweb.marn.gob.sv:808/eseapublic/

Approval of reform to Law 620, General Law of National Waters in Nicaragua

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Recently, the National Assembly of the Republic of Nicaragua approved Law No. 1046, Reform Law to Law No. 620, General Law of National Waters. The General Water Law was approved in 2007, with the aim of establishing the institutional legal framework for the administration, conservation, development, use, sustainable, equitable use and preservation in quantity and quality of all existing water resources in the country, be they surface, underground, residual and of any other nature, while guaranteeing the protection of other natural resources, ecosystems and the environment.

Through this reform, almost half of the articles of Law 620 were modified, granting greater powers to the National Water Authority (ANA) and creating the National Council for the Development of Water Resources and the Commission for the Sustainable Administration of Water Resources. Water resources. From now on, ANA will have regulatory and control powers to supervise the management of water resources and drinking water and sanitation services.

With this reform, the ANA is empowered to exceptionally grant exploitation and operation licenses to private economic agents, for which the requirements established in the law must be met and those that in the future may be determined by some regulation. So far there is no knowledge of any concession that has been made to any private.

For its part, the National Council for the Development of Water Resources, which will have the participation of the Presidency of the Republic, the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and the National Water Authority, among others; It will be the highest instance to carry out water planning and will promote the granting of economic incentives and stimuli to natural or legal persons that protect and conserve water sources and reforest the basins where their properties are located.

Said incentives will be established in the Special Law on Canons for the Use or Exploitation of Water Resources and Discharges, which has not yet been enacted by the National Assembly of the Republic of Nicaragua.

Additionally, the Commission for the Sustainable Administration of Water Resources will have the function of establishing facilities and fiscal and financial incentives that allow the productive development and rational use of irrigation, preferably in the following circumstances:

  1. When the efficient and productive use of the concessioned or authorized volumes of water is verified; Y
  2. When the implementation of modern technologies and methods within optimal parameters of costs and competitiveness that increase cleaner production and avoid water contamination is verified.

Finally, another of the reforms to Law 620, the General Law of National Waters, is the absorption by merger of the Nicaraguan Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (INAA) by Ana, who will be its successor.

With these reforms it is intended to order and modernize the water sector, having a single regulatory authority, endowed with greater powers and with the support of the 2 entities previously listed, which were created by virtue of this reform.