In addition to the above, we now have in place a control procedure to reduce cross contamination of biological health hazards
Procedure to reduce risk of cross contamination of viruses and bacteria.
Carry and use the following on a regular basis:
Before accessing a property or business:
When you are in the property:
Reporting:
Hazard |
Who might be harmed and how? |
Current controls in place to reduce the Risks |
Further actions to control the risks |
Who |
Reviewed |
Done |
Spread & Contamination of Covid-19 and other Virus related biological hazards |
· Staff/Employees · Visitors to our office · Contractors ·Residents/Tenants · Vulnerable Groups such as – Elderly, Pregnant, with existing underlying health conditions, older males, high body mass index, health conditions such as diabetes, BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) groups · Anybody that comes within close contact or prolonged period of more than 1 minute in a limited ventilated area, such as a small domestic kitchen |
Working within other businesses · PAT-iT communicates with the customer before work commences, this ensures any requirement the customer has and clarifies the requirement of PAT-iT and staff safety. Where necessary Risk Assessments are shared between all parties and the hazards highlighted. Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) - Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) · Site inductions/ to be given where needed by the customer to our employees. · Working in Rented/Tenanted Accommodation, HMOs, Housing Associations and Homes – Letters/Emails/Verbal requirements are made to allow Testing to be done as safely as possible in this type of environment. Specific requirements are requested such as – #Requests notification if in isolation, shielding, extremely venerable, Symptoms of COVID-19, waiting for test results, #ventilation (open windows/doors etc), #social distancing or to remain in another room whilst work is undertaken #Clean and tidy work surface for equipment to sit on #face covering if able Other people's homes - Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) - Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Hand Washing · Hand washing facilities with soap and water in place – Office · Hand washing in other places of work must be requested before work commences · Stringent hand washing taking place – use of Dettol wipes included in hand sanitising · See hand washing guidance. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/
· Drying of hands with disposable paper towels - Office.
· Staff encouraged to protect the skin by applying emollient cream regularly https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/emollients/
· Dettol Surface wipes – for hands and equipment to be used regularly
Cleaning Frequently · Cleaning and disinfecting tools & equipment and surfaces that are touched regularly particularly in areas of high use such as door handles, light switches, reception area using appropriate cleaning products and methods. This also includes Test Equipment, Tools, printers between (at the least but not limited to) each environment/locations (kitchens, offices, workshops)/vehicles etc.
Social Distancing · Social Distancing -Reducing the number of persons in any work area to comply with the 2-metre (6.5 foot) gap recommended by the Public Health Agency · Where this cannot be achieved back to back working with a 1 meter distance is recommend. · Tools and equipment (including PPE) are NOT to be shared, if for any reason sharing equipment is necessary then sanitising must take place before and after use. · https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus ·Social distancing to make your workplace COVID-secure (hse.gov.uk)
· Taking steps to review work schedules including start & finish times/shift patterns, workers on site at any one time.
· Redesigning processes to ensure social distancing in place.
· Conference calls to be used instead of face to face meetings where possible.
· Ensuring sufficient rest breaks for staff.
· Social distancing also to be adhered to in canteen area and smoking area.
Wearing of Gloves
· Where Risk Assessment identifies wearing of gloves as a requirement of the job, an adequate supply of these will be provided. Staff will be instructed on how to remove gloves carefully to reduce contamination and how to dispose of them safely.
RPE & Face coverings · Public Health guidance on the use of PPE (personal protective equipment) to protect against COVID-19
· Where Face coverings/RPE is a requirement for risks associated with the work undertaken the following measures will be followed-
· Tight-fitting respirators (such as disposable FFP3 masks and reusable half masks) rely on having a good seal with the wearer’s face. A face fit test will be carried out to ensure the respiratory protective equipment (RPE) can protect the wearer. Face coverings Must cover the mouth and nose, pinching the nose clip for a suitable fit around the face · Wearers must be clean shaven to use RPE effectively. This does not apply to face coverings · Face coverings are supplied by PAT-iT · RPE will be supplied as and when needed Face coverings and face masks during the coronavirus pandemic - HSE
Symptoms of Covid-19 · If anyone becomes unwell with a new continuous cough or a high temperature in the workplace they will be sent home and advised to follow the stay at home guidance. · PAT-iT will maintain regular contact with staff members during this time.
· If advised that a member of staff or public has developed Covid-19 and were recently on our premises (including where a member of staff has visited other work place premises such as domestic premises), PAT-iT will contact the Public Health Authority to discuss the case, identify people who have been in contact with them and will take advice on any actions or precautions that should be taken. https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/
Delivery’s/Post etc · Procedures in place for delivery & dispatch to ensure adequate pick-up & drop off facilities. · https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/drivers-transport-delivery-coronavirus.htm COVID-19-guidance on transport. · Staff should not share vehicles where suitable distancing cannot be achieved.
Mental Health · Management will promote mental health & wellbeing awareness to staff during the Coronavirus outbreak and will offer whatever support they can to help · Reference - · https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/ Further Guidance |
· Employees to contact PAT-iT immediately if showing symptoms of Covid-19, knowingly been in contact with or been notified through the Track & Trace App · PAT-iT monitors locations of work and will notify customers if our staff have symptoms or tested positive · Employees to adhere to wearing PPE including face coverings, half covered face is not acceptable (e.g nose not covered). · Employees to sanitise hands/equipment/tools as much as reasonably practicable · Employees to assess the hazards before entering premises, PAT-iT do not expect employees to put themselves into any environment where danger is obvious or suspected. · Tool box talks – where we exchange ideas on safety and how we can make our working day as safe as possible for us and our customers · Employees reminded on these actions regularly, such as cleanliness, hand washing, risk assessing, notifying · PAT-iT to monitor employees to ensure these steps are being adhered to · Employees to assess tenants before entering premises, PAT-iT to be notified immediately if the employee suspect tenant(s) is showing signs of covid-19 · Employees to assess if gloves are needed when working in different environments · Employees to communicate with PAT-iT where improvements could be made for safe working. · Employees should request ventilation, social distance, tidy work area, face covering whilst in properties or on site |
· PAT-iT · Employees · Sub-contractors to PAT-iT |
Reviewed monthly or if Government guidelines change |
01.12.2020 01.01.2021 05.01.2021 |