The COVID-19 situation is ever-evolving and it can be hard to keep up with (and correctly interpret) the latest guidelines around domestic work during this time. The ECA, NICEIC and ELECSA have teamed up to produce a short and simple summary of the current guidelines that apply to the contractors who are carrying out domestic work as well as some common sense advice.
The Key Points Have Been Summarised Here:
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Advice to Contractor: Communicate beforehand how you plan to work safely (e.g. with ECA’s template Precedent Letter to Domestic Customers)
In this point, they are referring to a document that can be downloaded here. The intention is for you to share this document with all parties before agreeing domestic work. The document covers a number of key points, such as ensuring that none of the occupants of the domestic premises are self-isolating, displaying COVID-19 symptoms or have received a positive diagnosis (with some exceptions in case of emergency works). The document sets out the date, time and point of contact on the day of work and confirms operating procedures that will be undertaken; such as 2M distancing from others, hand washing, accepting drinks etc. This is all very sensible advice and it seems a very good idea to ensure that all parties - including contractors, occupants and building owners are briefed in advance of any work. LightHub highly recommends that you download the document linked above and start using it ahead of all domestic jobs.
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Advice to Contractor: Call ahead to check that no one has symptoms or is isolating and to assure the occupier that you are symptom free.
Although this is already covered in the Precedent Letter to Domestic Customers, that should be shared with all parties before work is agreed, a phone call should be made closer to the time that the work is to be carried out - just in case circumstances have changed or the advice set out in the Precedent Letter to Domestic Customers has not been noted by all parties.
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Advice to Occupier: Open the door and stand back when the contractor arrives
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Advice to Occupier and Contractor: Don’t shake hands with each other
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Advice to Contractor: Wash your hands before, during and after the job. Use your own hand towel.
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Advice to Occupier: Ventilate the work area if possible e.g. open a window
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Advice to Occupier and Contractor: Stay 2M apart at all times
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Advice to Contractor: Wear suitable P.P.E and wipe down all tools and instruments being used.
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Advice to Occupier: Stay in a separate room - no need to provide drinks.
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Advice to Contractor: Safely remove all wipes, plastic gloves and overalls afterwards.
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Advice to Occupier: Sign for anything electronically later.
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Advice to Occupier and Contractor: Use bank transfers, rather than cash.tractor: Use bank transfers, rather than cash.
The video ends with the message: By Working Together, We Can All #STAYSAFE
The ECA, NICEIC and ELECSA have produced a well thought out video that makes advice and guidelines easy to digest and we think the Precedent Letter to Domestic Customers is an excellent idea. We’d love to hear what you think. Are you a contractor undertaking domestic work? Do you agree with the guidelines or do you feel differently? Let us know in the comments.
Follow ECA, NICEIC and ELECSA for more useful guidance and advice.
