Now that the first case of person to person transmission has occurred here in the UK, the number of infected persons is expected to rise and potentially peak in several months time. There is a lot of information available through the many legitimate sources available and they all have the same advice; the regular washing of hands helps.
Many companies are already experiencing shortages when it comes to sourcing hand gels and we have seen a run on face masks, with prices now being as high as 700% above where they where pre corona virus outbreak. We do not believe that you should panic, but some simple, sensible and cost effective actions, may help to reduce the spread and protect your workforce.
Take a look at our top tips
1. Wash your hands frequently
Regular and thorough cleaning of hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Problem: Gels are in short supply and we don’t have sinks in our reception, meeting or conference rooms and other areas where we work
Solution: Our portable wash stands can provide hand washing facilities where and when you need them. They can provide running hot water for the cleaning of hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water is considered the best and most cost effective method of keeping hands clean, with hand gels coming a close second.
2. Maintain Social Distancing
Maintain at least 2 metre (6 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Solutions:
- Consider using the largest rooms you have to hold meetings, allowing participants to maintain their personal space
- Avoid handshakes, particularly where visitors have just come from a public space or transport
- Where feasible encourage flexi hours, to allow staff to travel out of rush hour
- If possible consider home working.
Top tip 3: Reduce the number of doors that need to be opened by hand
A recent study by scientists in Germany concluded that “Human coronaviruses can remain infectious on inanimate surfaces at room temperature for up to 9 days”.
Solutions:
- Where possible consider holding open doors with wedges, in the case of fire doors contact us to discuss the use of approved holding open devices such as ‘Dorgard’
- Where doors have to remain closed for security or privacy consider the use of our new ‘Stepnpull’ hands free foot door opener. click here to see it in action.
Top tip 4: Try not to use your fingers to touch key pads, lift buttons, cash points etc
Solution:
Carry a pen, stylus or similar, that can be used to press the buttons on a lift or the digits on a keypad. Remember to ensure you wipe it with a cleaning cloth periodically.
Top tip 5: Encourage staff to remain vigilant and aware of their own health and those around them
Solution:
- Keep up to date with the latest news, email staff if things change
- Reassure staff over financial concerns in the event of contracting or needing to self isolate due to Coronavirus
To see the other services , equipment and courses we run visit our website and remember, we are more than just a Health & Safety company, we are a Life Safety Company