Thermal discomfort in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers are now required to use additional personal protective equipment (PPEs) to protect themselves against the virus. That led to an increased clothing insulation which is negatively affecting the perceived healthcare workers' thermal sensation.

Objectives: While demonstrating through software simulations the potential level of thermal discomfort healthcare workers involved in the COVID-19 emergency can be subjected to, this work aims at identifying measures to improve thermal sensation perception and acceptable thermal conditions for medical personnel.

[Evaluation of thermal comfort and carbon dioxide levels during ventricular-assist-device implant].

Background: Environmental measurements were performed in an operating theatre within a pediatric cardiac department, during a surgical operation involving the use of carbon dioxide for the implantation of a ventricular system (VAD).

Objectives: After some reports from the staff, who were complaining about low temperatures in the operating room, it was decided to check carbon dioxide levels, the conditions of thermal comfort and the presence of draughts.

Methods: Microclimatic parameters and carbon dioxide concentration were performed with a microclimatic unit Delta OHM model HD 32.

[Exposure to hand-arm vibrations in orthopaedic plaster room: risk management].

Background: In hospitals, the use of vibrating tools, such as oscillating saws to cut plaster, can expose the staff to hand-arm vibrations.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the exposure of workers to vibrations in the plaster room and then  identify the most appropriate  intervention for  prevention and protection to be implemented in order to minimize  exposure and  protect  workers' health, considering different individual hyper-susceptibility conditions.

Methods: Four different models of plaster saws were examined for the evaluation.

Accidental exposure to UV radiation produced by germicidal lamp: case report and risk assessment.

Ultraviolet radiation is known to cause both benefits and harmful effects on humans. The adverse effects mainly involve two target organs, skin and eye, and can be further divided into short- and long-term effects. The present case report describes an accidental exposure of two health-care workers to ultraviolet radiation produced by a germicidal lamp in a hospital pharmacy.