As we deal with the realities of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, working practices for installers and service engineers need to be firmly focused on health and safety both you and your customer.

Guidelines from the HSE should be strictly adhered to including hand washing, coughing, sneezing, social distancing to name a few.

When working in someone’s house and before arriving at the property, ask or text/email the questions:

• Has anybody in the house been suffering any of the symptoms in the previous 72 hours?
• Has anybody in the premises had Covid-19 or been in contact with anybody who may have?
• Is the householder unwilling to allow you entry to work?

If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, the house is best left to a later date.

If important works must be carried out, the following actions are recommended as a minimum:

• Correct and suitable PPE (personal protective equipment) must be worn
• Occupants in the property should move to a different section of the house, if possible
• Do not touch your mouth, nose or eyes with your hands to prevent virus transfer
• Disinfectant wipes are advisable to wipe down surfaces before and after you are in contact
• Be aware of vulnerable people and their proximity to you and where you are working
• If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a disposable tissue or into your flexed elbow. Dispose of the tissue into a covered, sealed bin and wash or disinfect your hands immediately
• Be aware of your own health as well as those in the property where you are working

For a full guidance on this, please check  www.hse.ie/coronavirus

Please share this guidance and together we can all work through this.