Terrain Surveys and Covid-19

Staying COVID-19 Secure In 2020

We confirm we have complied with the government’s guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19

FIVE STEPS TO SAFER WORKING TOGETHER

We have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and shared the results with the people who work here
We have cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures in line with guidance
We have taken all reasonable steps to help people work from home
We have taken all reasonable steps to maintain a 2m distance in the workplace
Where people cannot be 2m apart, we have done everything practical to manage transmission risk

As you are aware there is a global health emergency in the form of COVID 19, which is part of the family of Viruses and also the common cold, SARS and MERS. In some cases the Covid-19 Coronavirus can cause pneumonia, although there are a wide range of outcomes 4 out of 5 people infected could have mild to no symptoms at all. The symptoms of COVID19 are tiredness, a dry cough/and or sore throat, high temperature and difficulty breathing, other symptoms can include runny nose, aches and pains, nasal congestion, diarrhea and a loss of taste or smell. If you any have these symptoms stay at home, seek medical advice and contact the office as soon as you can. COVID 19 can easily be transmitted between people via direct contact (shaking hands), Close Contact (inhaling infected droplets released from an infected source coughing or sneezing, generally means being within 2 metres of an infected source for more than 2 minutes) and Indirect Contact (touching a contaminated surface). Terrain Surveys is committed to following government and NHS guidelines to keep our employees and their families safe. Employees should seek medical advice for their own needs and inform Terrain Surveys where necessary.

TERRAIN SURVEYS CURRENT STATUS

The government has encouraged businesses to reopen and for people to return to work. As a company that relies on measurement data gathered on site to provide the basis of our output to our clients, Terrain Surveys has put in place control measures to ensure the safety of its staff and the general public with whom we may come in close contact with. Site work will continue but only where all safety criteria are met. Employees who are office based shall be supported in working from home. Working directly from the Welwyn office will only take place when working remotely from home is not possible or impractical. A common issue which may create the need to work from the Welwyn office would be poor computer performance / internet connectivity which results in a negative effect on work output that is not sustainable. The numbers of staff in the office will be kept to a minimum to allow staff to observe social distancing rules. If you are showing symptoms of the COVID-19 virus or have been in direct contact with a person who has a COVID-19 diagnosis you should follow government guidelines and self isolate.

Social Distancing At Work

You should maintain a 2 metre distance where possible, because the risk of transmission is small at this distance. Government guidance on social distancing has changed. If you cannot keep a 2 metre distance, reduce the risk to yourself and others by maintaining a 1 metre distance where possible, and taking suitable precautions which include wearing a face covering as a minimum.

PPE

For areas where there is increased risk of transmission you have been provided with the following additions to your standard PPE;

Nitrile Gloves dsposable gloves are used to stop cross contamination and should not be worn in different locations. If used when working in a property they should be donned upon entering not before and removed before leaving and not after.The gloves are single use and do not replace the need for good hand hygiene. Government guidance is that additional PPE and the use of gloves is not required outside of a clinical setting. Disposable gloves are provided for use under your discretion and in case a client or tenant requests their use.
Face coverings are compulsory on public transport.These should be used when 2m social distancing can not be maintained or guaranteed.The use of face masks offers minimal protection and evidence is that it is to stop an individual potentially spreading the virus as opposed to protecting the wearer from the virus.Disposable face coverings are single use and reusable face coverings should be cleaned/washed after each use.
Blue roll For use with cleaning sprayFace Covering
Wear Your Face Covering Correctly
- Make sure you can breathe easilyWash your hands before putting on your face covering
- Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
- Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face
Use The Face Covering To Protect Others
- Wear a face covering to help protect others in case you’re infected but don’t have symptoms
- Wear the covering in public settings when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain
- Don’t put the covering around your neck or up on your forehead
- Don’t touch the face covering, and, if you do,wash your hands
Take Off Your Cloth Face Covering Carefully, When You’re Home
- Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops
- Handle only by the ear loops or ties
- Fold outside corners together
- Place covering in the washing machine
- Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing and wash hands immediately after removing
Eye protection Government guidance if that eye protection is not required outside of clinical settings. Eye protection is provided for use under your own discretion and would be encouraged where social distancing can not be maintained or guaranteed. Eye protection should be cleaned before and after use.
Over shoe covers To be used in place of removing shoes. Over shoe covers are single use.
Hand sanitiser Hand sanitiser to be used when soap and water in unavailable. Hand hygiene is vital in controlling the spread/transmission oc Covid-19, wash sanitise your hands on a regular basis throughout the day.
Cleaning spray This has been provided to allow cleaning or surfaces you come in to contact with. You must clean high contact areas regularly, for example vehicle handles, dashboard, seat belt, gear stick. When working within a property seek the owners/tenant’s permission to wipe down surfaces you have been in contact with.

Prior to attending site

When organizing the survey checks will be carried out with the clients to ascertain whether anyone present is either in a high-risk category, shielding, has been diagnosed with Covid-19 or has had Covid-19 symptoms. Secure as much information about the site\property as possible. Advise the client that when the site is occupied that social distancing must be maintained inline with the government guidelines. All areas should always be unlocked and free and unhindered access available . Employees must notify a Director as a matter of urgency if they present with symptoms of Covid-19 and follow government guidelines. Under no circumstances should an employee attend site or office if they have symptoms which may be related to Covid-19.

Travel

Public transport should not be used by Terrain Surveys employees unless there is no other option available.

Car sharing

Wash or sanitise your hands before entering the vehicle each time.
Face coverings must be worn and windows open to allow ventilation.
The seating arrangement within the vehicle should allow maximum separation between passengers, there should never be more than 2 people per vehicle.
Wash or sanitise your hands regularly.
Avoid touching your face.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
Touch as few surfaces as possible.
Avoid loud talking, shouting or singing.
Dispose of waste safely, including items such as used disposable PPE.
Clean your car between journeys using standard cleaning products – make sure you clean door handles and other areas that people may touch.

Site Procedures

Maintain social distancing where possible, where this is not possible reduce the risk of transmission using PPE and maintain high standards of hand hygiene. Comply with current PHE guidelines ensuring appropriate PPE is utilised and worn for the task at hand. You should;

Only take tools and equipment that are required for the survey.
Avoid sharing equipment – when this is not possible ensure it is cleaned thoroughly between users.
Ask if you there are welfare facilities available for you to use to wash your hands.
Wash or sanitize your hands before and after entering a property/site.
Face covering must be worn within occupied properties.
Over shoes covers to be used in place of removing shoes.
Where the occupier must be present, we will ask that they follow the government social distancing guidelines.
Aim for as little contact with surfaces as possible when surveying internal areas.
Leave the property as presented / agreed prior to the visit.
Clean any surfaces which you have come into contact within the property with cleaning spray and blue roll. Seek owner/tenants permission first and ask for somewhere to dispose of waste.

Office Procedures

Maintain social distancing where possible, where this is not possible reduce the risk of transmission using PPE and maintain high standards of hand hygiene.

Maintain 2m social distancing.
Upon entering the building use the hand sanitizer stations provided.
Return equipment to the storage area, the equipment should stay in the equipment area unless it is wet.
Clean all equipment with anti bacterial spray and wipes provided and return to its storage location after use.
Clean the interior of the work vehicle with the anti-bacterial spray provided once you have completed your journey and emptied the van.
Only USB’s and SD cards should enter the office area.
Upon entering the office area use the hand sanitizer provided.
Disinfect the computer you are using to download.
Avoid ‘hot desking’ where possible.
If hot desking can not be avoided you must clean the work area and equipment you need to use with antibacterial spray provided.
Do not share stationery.
Wash your hands before commencing work.
Wash your hands after going to the toilet.
Wash your hands before eating and drinking.
Avoid/reduce ‘hot spot’ areas.

Arriving home

When you return home from your days’ work it is important to protect those you live with and reduce the risk of infection from any contaminates on your skin or clothing. Where possible you should: