Knowledge and adherence to biosafety recommendations in a military fire brigade in Minas Gerais

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes concerning adherence to biosafety recommendations of the military personnel of Belo Horizonte's Military Fire Brigade in Minas Gerais . A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to February 2011. A structured questionnaire was used, consisting of questions regarding knowledge and attitudes related to biosafety and the factors hindering the use of personal protective equipment. The results showed that the personnel had adequate knowledge of hand hygiene (90.4%) and standard precautions (89%), such as the habit of always wearing gloves (95.7%), but lacked knowledge about the antiseptic activity of 70% alcohol (77.5%). The cloak was mentioned as the piece of personal protective equipment that was most difficult to use. However, most of the personnel were unaware of their serological status for hepatitis B (25%). Their knowledge and attitudes were consistent with the biosafety recommendations, but the importance of hepatitis B immunization must be emphasized.