Using technology in the fight against TB

South Africa is home to the fourth largest epidemic of tuberculosis (TB) in the world after India, China and Indonesia, with its already high infection rate exacerbated by the prevalence of HIV in the country. The weakening of the immune system in an HIV-positive individual increases the risk of opportunistic infections, with TB being one of the most prominent of these. Halting the spread of TB is therefore not only of vital import to the health of Harmony’s employees, but to the greater South African population with whom they come into contact.

Harmony is committed to reducing TB infections and subsequent fatalities amongst the employees at its operations and, as an example of this, has deployed Technilamp’s Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) system in its medical centres, hostels and other communal areas, and mine shafts.

A proven and cost-effective means of eradicating viruses and bacteria, UVGI systems disinfect air absolutely, destroying airborne pathogens rather than collecting them as filter systems do, and leave no residual chemicals. Harmony embarked upon the process of installing UVGI units two years ago, with its Doornkop operation being the first mine in the gold industry to take this progressive preventative step. A total of 750 units have since been installed across the company’s operations.

While the first phase of installation focused on preventing the spread of TB within the company’s medical facilities, the second looked at communal areas within the mine, particularly places where people congregate in close proximity to one another such as hostels and canteens. The third phase will address other risk exposure areas, such as personnel vehicles and buses, at the company’s operations.

The use of this particular form of UV lighting is not only beneficial in the prevention of TB but is also highly effective in fighting other airborne viruses and pathogens such as the H1N1 influenza virus, adding a substantial secondary benefit to its installation. Having a healthy workforce, moreover, prevents absenteeism and improves productivity.

Doctor Emil Petschel, Group Occupational Health Manager says, “The best possible solution to address the transmission of communicable viruses and bacteria in the type of working environment that prevails in the mining industry is to implement a thorough and pro-active health model”.

Harmony’s model fulfils such criteria precisely and the gradual downward trend evident in the reported number of TB cases is encouraging. A total of 1 302 cases of TB were diagnosed in the 2010 financial year (FY09: 1 485), resulting in an incidence rate of 3 638 (FY09: 3 628). As a result, continued use of the UVGI system is anticipated.