C.D.C. Decontamination
Case Study
Background
The Center for Decease Control and Prevention (CDC) is located in Atlanta, GA, USA, and is one of the world leading organizations dealing with public health. It’s staff interact with bacteria, viruses and other organisms that may have severe effects on the human body. For an organization like The CDC, decontamination is of utmost importance. This study looks at how the CDC decontaminates a variety of spaces while minimizing the risk to the individuals performing the decontamination.
Decontaminating a variety of spaces are a challenge for the CDC. While they could potentially decontaminate a laboratory or office by hand this is an extremely challenging, and time-consuming process. Ensuring that cross-contamination and that every surface is contaminated ads to the challenge. The CDC is however not limited to having to decontaminate these relatively simple spaces. Having to decontaminate a space like a cave is much more challenging than decontaminating a laboratory.
In order to tackle these decontamination issues, the CDC has turned to equipment originally intended for pest control. Foggers are generally used to kill insects by spraying a cloud of pesticides. The CDC has acquired and modified space foggers to serve their needs. The decontamination process is as follows;
The contaminated space is isolated.
Any waste and hazards are removed for the contaminated space and disposed of correctly.
The contaminated space is thoroughly cleaned following proper protocol in accordance with the hazard.
Foggers are used in combination with 360 automatic turntables to spray a layer of decontamination fluid. Decontamination fluids are dependable on the hazard.
Fogger and turntable is moved to cover the next section of the space that needs to be decontaminated. Strict decontamination routines have to be followed every time an agent enters the space to move the unit.
Once completed the equipment is decontaminated and removed from the space.
Agents enter the space to spray down any areas the fogger may have missed/not been able to reach by hand.
Discovery Methodology
For this study the following methodologies were utilized:
User Observation
User Interviews
Product Testing
Prototyping
The discovery process focused heavily on evaluating the product(s) used by the CDC to perform decontamination. The research team was given demonstrations of how the equipment was used. Following the demonstration, rounds of open interviews were conducted to gather further data. A focus on the issue that may arise while using the system, and what pain point are present. Due to the sensitive and potential hazardous field observations would cause, field observations were not performed. The team was also provided with fully functional units for product testing. A variety of tests were conducted on the equipment in order to identify any safety issues. Usability studies following human-centered design guidelines were conducted in order to identify any potential usability issues concerning the operation of the equipment in protective gear. Technical data on the equipment was also collected in order to establish spray range, height reach, capacity, speed and coverage area without adjustment.
Discovery Findings
Through the process of conducting user interview, it was quickly discovered that this system was not designed for the CDC, and this was not the intended way of using these devices. Users had been required to develop their own system and procedures utilizing third-party products to meet their need. The following are pain points discovered through User Interviews and Observations:
User adaptation of third-party systems.
No visual indicator of the solution in the unit.
No time indicator indicating running time for the unit.
Automated turntable needed for operation.
Clamps and edges of the unit have a high risk off causing rips and tears in protective gear.
Difficulty operating switches/dials with protective gear.
Unit(s) have to be connected to a wall outlet to function.
The unit is close to the ground.
Additionally, the following are pain points identified through product testing and prototyping:
The unit reach is limited to 1/3-2/3 of factory specifics.
The unit is difficult to clean with a number of corners and crevices.
The units have a considerably large footprint directly underneath it that is not sanitized.
The unit has difficulty reaching the upper 1/3-1/5 of walls and ceilings. Ceiling/Wall meeting points generally have to be decontaminated by hand with this unit.
Based on the finding of this study the base requirement of, performing the same tasks as the current solution was established as a bare minimum. The following criteria were also established as having to be met in order to create a solution that offered improvements for the user:
Mobility: The solution must be easy to transport. While transportation by a motorized vehicle is most often an option, a user must be able to without difficult solution the design to a remote location (village, cave, cabin, etc.)
Safety: The solution must minimize the risk of damaging any protective gear worn by the user. Avoid sharp edges, clamps, sharp edges and other fixtures that may cause pinch and tear motion/effects.
Sanitation: The solution must be easy to clean and maintain. Avoid materials that support the growth of an organism, and sharp angles that may put an exposed surface out of reach.
Usability: The solution must meet usability standards in ergonomics for older adults and individuals with limited mobility/function of arms and fingers.
Power: The solution should at a minimum have an option of full functionality drawing power from a battery, and not require being connected to a power outlet.
Adjustability: The solution must include options for height adjustments.
Coverage: The solution must have adjustability in working spray coverage.
User Feedback: The solution must provide the user with direct feedback regarding its operations and status. Visual indicators of fluid levels and progress are required.
