Talk me off the ledge a bit?

[TDale313]

Ok, I think I’m probably overreacting a bit... and I know they’re trying to do the right thing... but... my work has just implemented a policy of taking everybody’s temperature as the enter the site. One forehead scan thermometer, but it does touch the skin... someone will be assigned to take everyone’s temp and log “normal” or “fever” and if the your temp is over 100 you get sent home. Now, I know they’re planning to wipe down in between, and getting people with a temp is absolutely the right call... but am I wrong in fearing this has potential to spread germs? And that the second person at our company to get it will probably be the screener? I asked my boss if I could bring in my own thermometer but he didn’t seem to be going for it. I get the theory... this just strikes me as a bad idea.

[DURHAM D]

1. I have young relatives in International School in two

different countries, none in Asia. They have been taking the temperature of all students, teachers, and administrators for many weeks. Anyone with a temp is sent home.

[TDale313]

5. The concept makes sense,

Just finding myself a bit nervous about the logistics. But happy to admit it may just be me 🙂

[SCantiGOP]

2. I've seen clips on TV

from Asian countries, where they use a device that is held 1-2 inches away from the forehead and gets a reading.

I don’t think you’re just paranoid; I would assume sweat and natural oils on the skin could carry the virus.

[Dennis Donovan]

3. Don't complain. You wouldn't like their second method...

All kidding aside, the best thing your workplace could do is to implement work-from-home or close the shop with pay for a few weeks. It might be mandatory next week.

[Ms. Toad]

4. I believe some scanners do not require physical contact.

For example:


Adtemp™ 429 Non-Contact Thermometer

[TDale313]

7. Some don't. The one I know they just got does.

It’s really my one hesitation about this.

[Ms. Toad]

9. If you've got $40 bucks, buy them a no-contact scanner. n/t

[mr_lebowski]

6. As long as they clean with strong alcohol between each should be fine

Hospitals aren't buying new thermometers after every time they take temps nor are people bringing their own from home.

[TDale313]

8. Thanks, all. I do feel better 🙂 n/t

[KT2000]

10. try to get management to buy

one of those thermometers that does not touch the skin. My friend is a dental assistant and they just received theirs. They go into the waiting room to test patients so they won't get into the exam room if they have something. The whole staff takes their temp before work.

I too would not like one that touches skin if they don't clean it between tests. If they use alcohol it should dry to be effective is what I have heard. I would not let anyone test me with one that touches the skin.

[DeminPennswoods]

11. Wiping the scanner with a disinfectant between swipes

should be fine. If you're still worried, you can always bring some of your own alcohol wipes/hand sanitizer and go over the area of your forehead that was scanned.

[uppityperson]

12. That was going to be my advice. Thank you

[TDale313]

13. Thanks. I will probably do that.

But getting past the initial “We’re doing what?!?” reaction and feeling better about it 🙂 Like I said above, I agree with the concept, was more concerned about logistics.

[rustydog]

14. We have to do a temp check twice per shift

Last edited Mon Mar 30, 2020, 04:25 PM - Edit history (1)

at beginning of shift and halfway thru shift. Document the temp and document whether other symptoms are present.
If we are over the stated temp, we must inform our manager and then employee health.
Since we are in a healthcare facility, these steps are necessary for our protection and our patients.