Gulf Coast Region Guidance on STAPH Recognition and Prevention

This EH&S Alert is being published to highlight an issue that is becoming increasingly more problematic and prevalent in society at large, including the offshore oil industry: Staph infections. “Staph” is the common term for bacteria known as Staphylococcus aureus which are responsible for most causes of skin infections in the United States. Common ailments associated with Staph include pimples, boils, impetigo, sties (eyelid), and more serious conditions such as pneumonia, surgery infections and blood poisoning. The facts: Staph is present on the skin and nasal passages of approximately 30% of the population at any given time. Most do not manifest symptoms and are called carriers. Staph infections occur when conditions are ideal for the bacteria to propagate, such as when a cut or break in the skin is present and the area is not cleansed frequently or adequately enough to inhibit infection. Staph is almost always spread from one individual to another through direct physical contact (skin to skin) or sharing of toiletries or other personal items.

The key to prevention of Staph infections is good hygiene… wash hands frequently, shower regularly (at least daily) and avoid contact with or use other individuals’ bedding, towels and shaving equipment.

Fortunately, most Staph infections are minor, like pimples or boils, and most infections will either dissipate naturally on their own or will respond quickly to treatment with antibiotics. Over the years, some strains of Staph have developed a resistance to more commonly prescribed antibiotics (those similar to penicillin). These resistant bacteria are called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (or MRSA) and their infections can be significantly more dangerous and problematic than ordinary Staph.

The following is a summary of Apache Corporation’s procedures for lessening exposure to staph and reducing your chance of getting skin infections. Remember, most staph infections are minor and can be treated without resorting to medical procedures or the use of antibiotics. If you believe that you that you have a skin infection consult the medic in your offshore area for a verbal consultation. A physical evaluation may be required. Individuals who need further evaluation and/or treatment, may need to be removed from the platform. The Bottom Line for prevention of Staph is: PRACTICE GOOD PERSONAL HYGIENE

 Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water.  Purchase alcohol based hand cleansers and place them at all sink areas, galleys and restrooms. Use them frequently.  Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with a proper dressing (bandage) until healed.  Avoid contact with other people’s wounds, or material contaminated from wounds.  Frequently disinfect eating surfaces and utensils.  Do not share face cloths or towels.  Use pump-type liquid hand soap as opposed to bar soap (and liquid body wash in showers).  Do not “hot sheet” beds.  Clean toilets and shower stalls frequently. Common disinfectants (Lysol, Comet etc) are effective against staph and MRSA.  Do not “pick” at areas of redness on the skin. Do not squeeze the base of large pimples. Squeezing areas of redness only result in spreading the infection.  Be sure to wash any towels, clothes, sheets with water and laundry detergent. Dry clothes in a hot dryer rather than air- drying, as this helps kill bacteria in clothes.

If you are prescribed a regimen of antibiotics for your staph infection, be sure to take all of your medication. Do not take medication prescribed for someone else. If your staph infection does not heal or gets worse, be sure to consult your healthcare provider.

Additional information regarding staph can be obtained through the website www.cdc.gov or by logging onto www.google.com and querying “staph infection.”