I'm Coming (To Your) Home, I've Done My Time

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Having spent too long waiting to return to work, installers will be chuffed they can now fit 'non-essential' windows on customers' homes again, as a trade association launches the COVID Secure Procedures Pack.

Published by Certass and endorsed by the Trade Association Forum (TAF), which is supported by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the pack has been developed with government to give installers the confidence to install safely in occupied homes as lockdown is lifted.

“We are going to be living and working with this virus in the UK for at least the next 12 months.

 

 “Through my participation in government steering groups, it was clear that the delivery of advice for installers needed to be driven by industry. As the only glazing representative in these discussions, responsibility fell to Certass Trade Association”

– Jon Vanstone 

Certass Trade Association

 

Best practice procedures

Available to all Certass members, the document outlines the best practice procedures for how installers can keep their teams and customers safe as the industry can return to installing non-essential windows and doors in occupied homes.

 

Proceed with caution

However, Jon Vanstone warns that although the rules on tradespeople have changed, it is still a case of proceeding with caution.

Vanstone has published a post on the Certass TA Forum in which he wrote: 'Following calls with government, there is a new position enabling glazing installers to work in the home but comes with some information that needs to be understood:

• 'If the R rate exceeds 1 then the situation will be re-evaluated.

• 'All tradespeople need to follow H&S guidance when working in the home.

• 'Government does not accept liability for the spread of the virus that may be caused by tradespeople working in the home.

• 'The government believes that tradespeople are more likely to maintain safe distancing and practises than people meeting up with their family (hence differences in restrictions).

• 'Tradespeople should keep documentary evidence to protect themselves from liability as it may be requested at a later date.

• 'It is understood that the infection rate will increase.

• 'The ability to work in the home is for England only.

• 'If your business decides it is too risky/unsafe to work, then the financial support schemes remain available'.

This guidance will be reviewed on a weekly basis in line with the continually changing situation.

 

All the forms

The Certass Trade Association (TA) COVID Secure Procedures Pack includes a full method statement for working safely in the home, with specific advice for surveyors and installers, remote selling and showroom guidance, self-assessment declaration forms for both installation teams and homeowners to complete before work commences and final inspection guidance.

There is also a quick reference guide for installers and an information leaflet to give to homeowners. A complete homeowner guide for members to use in their marketing will follow next week.

 

Reduce risk for all parties

Vanstone adds: “The pack is designed to help installers maintain social distancing, keep contact with homeowners to a minimum and prove that they have taken necessary steps to reduce risk for all parties.

“We have stayed in close contact with installers and trade fabricators during the lockdown period and the overriding request was for clear, practical help and information that will help them get their business back to work. This is what we have delivered.”

 

Challenge

However, Jon Vanstone is keen to point out to both Certass TA members and non-members: "This new position has already been challenged. It is likely government will defer to the science which will be the infection rate and ability to control the death rate.

"So in summary, the choice is yours but be aware that restrictions may be back in place shortly as many experts believe there will be a second wave."

Picture: The Certass TA COVID Secure Procedures Pack.

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
12th May 2020

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