Covid safety precautions
In the current Covid pandemic, working in homes rather than virtual organising does carry some risk. However using the strategies outlined below will help minimise that risk to all people involved.
I am currently only working in households that are not self-isolating or shielding and would encourage those people to work virtually. If anyone in the home or myself has any symptoms of Covid (e.g. a cough or raised temperature) the session may need to be cancelled at short notice without the usual cancellation charges due.
To minimise risk I will be working onsite with just one client household each week during July/ August. Please bear this in mind and book sessions on concurrent days whenever possible.
How will I reduce risk when travelling?
I will be travelling by car. Please could you make sure free parking is available nearby, alternatively you will need to pay any parking fees.
How will we reduce the risk of transmission of Covid 19?*
- We will communicate prior to the visit to discuss how the work will be carried out to minimise risk for all parties. Agreement with the policy outlined here is essential*.
- Increased frequency of hand-washing and surface-cleaning. Liquid soap, hot water and a clean towel (for my use only) need to be available at all times.
- Use side-to-side or even back-to-back working (rather than face-to-face) whenever possible.
How will we work safely together while in your home?*
- Pay extra attention to equipment, cleaning and hygiene to reduce risk.
- Any working materials, such as label makers will be assigned to individuals rather than sharing.
- Avoid transmission during appointments by not sharing pens and other objects.
- 1-2m distance needs to be kept at all times, especially where people are moving to/ from other rooms e.g. stairs & corridors.
- All internal doors to be kept open to minimise contact with door handles.
- Windows should be opened whenever possible to promote good ventilation.
- I’ll bring my own food and drink and have breaks outside where possible.
- While talking we will remain distanced and side by side rather than opposite each other
Should we wear face coverings?
Wearing a face covering is optional, and I’d prefer to avoid this unless requested, but if using one, it’s important to follow these guidelines:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitiser, both before putting a face covering on and after removing it.
- When wearing a face covering, avoid touching your face or face covering, as you could contaminate them with germs from your hands.
- Change your face covering if it becomes damp or if you’ve touched it.
- Continue to wash your hands frequently.
- Change or wash your face covering daily. If the material is washable, wash in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. If it’s not washable, dispose of it carefully in your usual waste.
- Practice social distancing wherever possible.
What hygiene measures will we take when working in your home?*
The government advises the same hygiene measures as in other settings, including:
- Wash hands more often than usual for 20 seconds using soap and hot water, particularly after coughing, sneezing/ blowing nose.
- Reduce the spread of germs when coughing or sneezing by covering mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve, not with hands. Throw the tissue in a bin immediately, then wash hands.
- Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular cleaning products to reduce the risk of passing the infection on to other people.
- If hand-washing facilities are not accessible, I will carry hand sanitiser.
How do we deal with payment etc safely?
I will use electronic payment methods and electronically signed and exchanged documents.
At present you will be responsible for disposing of any decluttered items- please let me know during the session if you need support organising this.
*NB Should any of these policies not be observed, for safety reasons I will need to leave the session prematurely (and payment for the full session would still be due).
