Work in homes – if it is safe to do so (GGF)

13 May 2020

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has reacted to the new Government guidance for tradespeople working in people’s homes, which has now changed for work being carried out in homes in England only.

The Guidance no longer stipulates that only essential work can be undertaken, but instead, the new Guidance is asking companies to adopt a risk-based approach.

It now allows standard work to go ahead, provided that; it is safe to do so, Public Health England (PHE) guidelines are being followed (social distancing, hygiene and cleaning routines etc.), a risk assessment has been undertaken, and mitigating measures to reduce the risks have been introduced.

The Guidance now states all employers should undertake a risk assessment in relation to the work they are doing, and how to minimise these for employees (this also includes self-employed tradespeople) and those whose homes they are working in.

Companies are encouraged to publish these online and share assessment results with householders.

Although the guidance does allow more work to take place, it does still specify that work should not be undertaken in a household where someone has symptoms or is being asked to shield, and that additional precautions should be taken when working in households where there are vulnerable people, for example the over-70s.

The Guidance also says that face coverings are advised when on public transport or working in confined areas (such as inside homes) and in close proximity to others.

Individual tradespeople and firms should familiarise themselves with the social distancing, hygiene and PPE (personal protection Equipment).

John Agnew, GGF Managing Director (pictured at head of article), commented: “When the latest guidance was issued, the GGF contacted Government for absolute confirmation that under the new guidance, work can take place if it is safe to do so.

“Though we are pleased it has been clarified, it must be stressed that companies should follow the latest Government guidance on risk assessment, social distancing, PPE and hygiene to minimise the risk of spreading the virus.”

The GGF has launched a Safe Guide for Homeowners with the new guidance integrated into the content and will shortly be launching a Safe Guide for Installers with the Government’s latest guidance.

Both guides will be available to download from the GGF trade website – www.ggf.org.uk – with the Safe Guide for Homeowners available for download via www.myglazing.com – the GGF’s consumer advice website.

To access the ‘Working safely during COVID-19 in other people’s homes’ full guidance, click the following link https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes

The new Guidance is for work carried out England only and the GGF recommends that companies in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales should refer to the latest guidance on the devolved governments’ websites. Please see links below:

Northern Ireland: https://www.hseni.gov.uk/news/covid-19-safety-guidance-construction-employers-federation-ni-cefni-taskforce

Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-construction-sector-guidance/

Wales: https://gov.wales/coronavirus

NOTE: the GGF understands that the Government guidance is now being updated across its online channels to reflect these recent changes.

Contact:

Glass and Glazing Federation
40 Rushworth Street
London
SE1 0RB
LONDON

t: 0207 939 9101

Visit the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) website