I1: Research Roundup Risk Assessment

Reducing bioburden presents significant challenges for design and operation cleanrooms and it requires continuous monitoring of viable and non-viable particle loads. Certifiers and industrial hygienists routinely support operators of cleanrooms with air and surface sampling. However, when it comes to interpretation of test results and risk assessment, we frequently notice a lack of know-how and confidence that needs to be addressed. A risk assessment for microbial contamination quantifies the likelihood and severity of contamination to protect products and human health, especially in pharmaceutical and healthcare settings. It involves identification of primary sources of contamination such as personnel, materials, and airflow whilst assessing their dispersion and transfer potential.

The assessment maps out space as well as processing steps into functional sections (grids) which are scored based on risk. We discuss environmental sampling data from a sterile compounding facility in a case study and walk through a risk assessment including an excursion investigation. Systematic evaluation of microbial monitoring data helps implement effective corrective actions to reduce contamination and ensure product quality and patient safety. 

Strangulation injuries are relatively uncommon but potentially life-threatening events that can occur in various occupational settings where machines have unprotected revolving parts.

This presentation shares a unique case of strangulation injury in a hijab-wearing pepper grinder in Ibadan, Nigeria, who was seen at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) and head and neck, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. A hijab, more commonly, is a reference to a head covering worn by women, especially those of the Muslim faith to cover the hair and neck of a woman and comes in various styles and lengths. The patient in this study is a 10-year-old female, presented to the department with signs and symptoms consistent with strangulation: neck swelling, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing. Detailed history taking revealed that the patient's hijab got entangled in the rotating mechanism of a pepper grinding machine. She was stuck in the machine for about one minute leading to the strangulation injury. Prompt recognition and intervention were critical in managing this case. Although patient was lost to follow up three months after commencement of treatment.

This report underscores the importance of workplace safety measures and highlights the need for public awareness campaigns to prevent such incidents especially amongst workers in the small-scale industries in Nigeria.