Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2023-12-21"
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- General Knowledge and Attitudes about Safety and Emergency Evacuation: The Case of a Higher Education InstitutionPublication . Carvalhais, Carlos; Dias, Ricardo; Costa, Carla; Silva, Manuela V.The implementation of a safety culture and awareness of emergency issues in buildings has been growing in more developed societies. It is essential that all occupants know how to act in an emergency situation, particularly during an emergency evacuation. In higher education institutions (HEIs), which annually host not only their many employees, but also national and international students, it is essential to know and understand the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that the academic community demonstrates in this matter. This study aimed to characterize the perception of occupants regarding safety, specifically in the emergency evacuation phase, within the academic community of an HEI. In this observational cross-sectional study, data on general knowledge and attitudes regarding safety and actions during emergency situations were collected through an anonymous questionnaire targeting students, faculty, and non-teaching staff, which was sent via institutional email. Valid responses were received from 392 participants and then scored and assessed on different domains. The results obtained showed that, despite a reasonable average regarding the general level of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the occupants on the subject, the community falls somewhat short in terms of training. It is noteworthy that approximately 64% of the sample has never received awareness or training related to emergency evacuation, and around 68% are unaware of the location of their institution’s meeting/gathering point. Finally, by identifying the most common gaps, namely the training dimension, some simple measures could be improved, such as the dissemination of safety instructions accessible through QR codes placed in strategic locations or even conducting small drills during class sessions, as well as learning with simulation concerning different scenarios of emergency.
- Safety and efficacy of the feed additive Anpro consisting of a mixture of Sepiolite and Kieselguhr (diatomaceous earth) for all terrestrial animal species (Anpario plc)Publication . EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP); Bampidis, Vasileios; Azimonti, Giovanna; Bastos, Maria de Lourdes; Christensen, Henrik; Durjava, Mojca; Dusemund, Birgit; Kouba, Maryline; López‐Alonso, Marta; López Puente, Secundino; Marcon, Francesca; Mayo, Baltasar; Pechová, Alena; Petkova, Mariana; Ramos, Fernando; Villa, Roberto Edoardo; Woutersen, Ruud; Aquilina, Gabriele; Louro, Henriqueta; Tosti, Luca; Anguita, Montserrat; Galobart, Jaume; Holczknecht, Orsolya; Ortuño, Jordi; Innocenti, MatteoFollowing a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the mixture of Sepiolite and Kieselguhr (diatomaceous earth) (Anpro) as a technological feed additive for all terrestrial animal species. According to the conventional risk assessment, due to lack of adequate data, the safety of the additive Anpro for the target species cannot be established. Based on current knowledge, there is no indication of substantial absorption of the components of the additive and therefore no concern for the consumer. The additive poses a risk by inhalation. It is not irritant to the skin or eyes but should be considered as skin sensitiser. As no suitable data in line with the requirements of the Guidance on risk assessment of nanomaterials were provided by the applicant, the potential risks associated with the presence of nanoparticles could not be assessed for the target species, the consumer and the user. The additive is safe for the environment. The FEEDAP Panel is not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of the additive for all terrestrial animal species.