Face coverings and a shifting policy background - Revision history

Editor at 16:25, 19 April 2021

2021-04-19T16:25:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:25, 19 April 2021
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	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

		+	* An interview with Matthew Mallows - Surveyor at British Damp Proofing.
	* Articles by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA).		* Articles by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA).
	* Building services and health risk resilient buildings.		* Building services and health risk resilient buildings.

Editor at 11:53, 21 October 2020

2020-10-21T11:53:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:53, 21 October 2020
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	* CEOs predict COVID-19 workplace changes will be permanent.		* CEOs predict COVID-19 workplace changes will be permanent.
	* CIOB urges construction industry to share PPE with healthcare providers.		* CIOB urges construction industry to share PPE with healthcare providers.
		+	* CLC releases Site Operating Procedures v6.
	* Construction sites urged to integrate test and trace.		* Construction sites urged to integrate test and trace.
	* Coronavirus and the construction industry.		* Coronavirus and the construction industry.
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	* Gov.UK, [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), Homes].		* Gov.UK, [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), Homes].

−	[[Category:~~News~~]] [[Category:~~DCN_News~~]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Construction_management]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Policy]] [[Category:News]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Construction_management]]

Editor at 16:54, 11 August 2020

2020-08-11T16:54:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:54, 11 August 2020
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	* Articles by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA).		* Articles by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA).
	* Building services and health risk resilient buildings.		* Building services and health risk resilient buildings.
		+	* CEOs predict COVID-19 workplace changes will be permanent.
	* CIOB urges construction industry to share PPE with healthcare providers.		* CIOB urges construction industry to share PPE with healthcare providers.
	* Construction sites urged to integrate test and trace.		* Construction sites urged to integrate test and trace.
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	* Gov.UK, [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), Homes].		* Gov.UK, [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), Homes].

−	[[Category:News]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Construction_management]]	+	[[Category:News]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Construction_management]]

Editor at 12:36, 4 August 2020

2020-08-04T12:36:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:36, 4 August 2020
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	* Coronavirus and the construction industry.		* Coronavirus and the construction industry.
	* Engineering services bodies issue coronavirus site safety guides.		* Engineering services bodies issue coronavirus site safety guides.
		+	* Personal protective equipment PPE
	* Social distancing compliance marshal.		* Social distancing compliance marshal.
	* Social distancing on construction sites.		* Social distancing on construction sites.

Editor at 10:20, 4 August 2020

2020-08-04T10:20:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:20, 4 August 2020
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	* Gov.UK, [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/construction-and-other-outdoor-work Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), Construction and other outdoor work].		* Gov.UK, [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/construction-and-other-outdoor-work Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), Construction and other outdoor work].
	* Gov.UK, [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/vehicles Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), Vehicles].		* Gov.UK, [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/vehicles Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), Vehicles].
−	* Gov.UK, [[w/~~index.php?title=Www~~.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes~~&action=edit&redlink=1\|~~Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), Homes]].	+	* Gov.UK, [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), Homes].

	[[Category:News]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Construction_management]]		[[Category:News]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Construction_management]]

Editor at 10:18, 4 August 2020

2020-08-04T10:18:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:18, 4 August 2020
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	* Articles by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA).		* Articles by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA).
		+	* Building services and health risk resilient buildings.
	* CIOB urges construction industry to share PPE with healthcare providers.		* CIOB urges construction industry to share PPE with healthcare providers.
		+	* Construction sites urged to integrate test and trace.
	* Coronavirus and the construction industry.		* Coronavirus and the construction industry.
		+	* Engineering services bodies issue coronavirus site safety guides.
		+	* Social distancing compliance marshal.
		+	* Social distancing on construction sites.

	= External resources =		= External resources =
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	* Gov.UK, [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/construction-and-other-outdoor-work Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), Construction and other outdoor work].		* Gov.UK, [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/construction-and-other-outdoor-work Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), Construction and other outdoor work].
	* Gov.UK, [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/vehicles Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), Vehicles].		* Gov.UK, [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/vehicles Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), Vehicles].
−	* Gov.UK, [[~~www~~.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes\|Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), Homes]].	+	* Gov.UK, [[w/index.php?title=Www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes&action=edit&redlink=1\|Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), Homes]].

	[[Category:News]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Construction_management]]		[[Category:News]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Construction_management]]

Editor at 10:15, 4 August 2020

2020-08-04T10:15:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:15, 4 August 2020
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	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
		+
		+	* Articles by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA).
		+	* CIOB urges construction industry to share PPE with healthcare providers.
		+	* Coronavirus and the construction industry.

	= External resources =		= External resources =

−	* • www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/construction-and-other-outdoor-work
−	* • www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/vehicles
−	* • www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes
	* ECA/BESA, [https://www.eca.co.uk/CMSPages/GetFile.aspx?guid=9aeb2ede-06bf-4008-a422-aaa0445a3f41 COVID-19 and Engineering Services: guidance (GN 2) revised].		* ECA/BESA, [https://www.eca.co.uk/CMSPages/GetFile.aspx?guid=9aeb2ede-06bf-4008-a422-aaa0445a3f41 COVID-19 and Engineering Services: guidance (GN 2) revised].
		+	* Gov.UK, [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/construction-and-other-outdoor-work Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), Construction and other outdoor work].
		+	* Gov.UK, [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/vehicles Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), Vehicles].
		+	* Gov.UK, [[www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes\|Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), Homes]].

	[[Category:News]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Construction_management]]		[[Category:News]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Construction_management]]

Editor at 10:04, 4 August 2020

2020-08-04T10:04:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:04, 4 August 2020
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−	[[File:FaceMask.jpg]]	+	[[File:FaceMask.jpg\|link=File:FaceMask.jpg]]

	= Introduction =		= Introduction =
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	= External resources =		= External resources =

−	• www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/construction-and-other-outdoor-work~~<br />~~	+	* • www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/construction-and-other-outdoor-work
−	• www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/vehicles~~<br />~~	+	* • www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/vehicles
−	• www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes~~<br />~~	+	* • www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes
−	~~• GN2 can be viewed here~~	+	* ECA/BESA, [https://www.eca.co.uk/CMSPages/GetFile.aspx?guid=9aeb2ede-06bf-4008-a422-aaa0445a3f41 COVID-19 and Engineering Services: guidance (GN 2) revised].

−	[[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Construction_management]]	+	[[Category:News]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Construction_management]]

Editor at 10:02, 4 August 2020

2020-08-04T10:02:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:02, 4 August 2020
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		+	[[File:FaceMask.jpg]]
		+
	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

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	* The standard, durability and use of face coverings can vary greatly, greatly affecting any protection they might provide.		* The standard, durability and use of face coverings can vary greatly, greatly affecting any protection they might provide.

−	= ~~Guidance~~ =	+	= Problematic guidance =

	Donning and doffing the coverings, and sanitisation and waste disposal must also be carried out properly, along with thorough hand cleaning.		Donning and doffing the coverings, and sanitisation and waste disposal must also be carried out properly, along with thorough hand cleaning.
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	With the various pros and cons, and a shifting research background about the role and efficacy of face coverings, even enforcers have taken months to adjust to what it all means.<br />		With the various pros and cons, and a shifting research background about the role and efficacy of face coverings, even enforcers have taken months to adjust to what it all means.<br />
	<br />		<br />
−	Even so, the Government encourages people to wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces “where there are people they do not normally meet” and it has gone on to mandate their use by the general public in certain enclosed spaces (such as retail premises). However, it does not mandate their use by employees in these premises. Despite what some see as inconsistency (and which has led to some business confusion) face coverings are not mandated for employees in typical office, construction, repair, maintenance or improvement settings, even for work indoors.~~<br />~~	+	Even so, the Government encourages people to wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces “where there are people they do not normally meet” and it has gone on to mandate their use by the general public in certain enclosed spaces (such as retail premises). However, it does not mandate their use by employees in these premises.
−	~~<br />~~	+
−	Partly by way of explanation, the Government says, “there is no universal face covering guidance for workplaces because of the variety of work environments in different industries”. Business decisions about face coverings at work should be based on activity- specific risk assessment, and on the relevant ‘COVID-19 Secure’ guidance. However, the Government adds it “would not expect to see employers relying on face coverings as risk management for the purpose of their health and safety assessments.”<br />	+	Despite what some see as inconsistency (and which has led to some business confusion) face coverings are not mandated for employees in typical office, construction, repair, maintenance or improvement settings, even for work indoors. Partly by way of explanation, the Government says, “there is no universal face covering guidance for workplaces because of the variety of work environments in different industries”.
		+
		+	= Task specific decisions =
		+
		+	Business decisions about face coverings at work should be based on activity-specific risk assessment, and on the relevant ‘COVID-19 Secure’ guidance. However, the Government adds it “would not expect to see employers relying on face coverings as risk management for the purpose of their health and safety assessments.”<br />
	<br />		<br />
−	Because social distancing remains a priority mitigating measure, special consideration in particular should be given to work - or travel - that may involve close proximity. ~~This~~ summer, ECA/BESA issued well-received sector guidance (GN2) on closer proximity working, which refers to face coverings. It says that “If face coverings are selected…there should be collective use where possible (maximising those in a ‘close proximity’ group who wear a face covering)”.<br />	+	Because social distancing remains a priority mitigating measure, special consideration in particular should be given to work - or travel - that may involve close proximity. In summer 2020, ECA/BESA issued well-received [https://www.eca.co.uk/CMSPages/GetFile.aspx?guid=9aeb2ede-06bf-4008-a422-aaa0445a3f41 sector guidance] (GN2) on closer proximity working, which refers to face coverings. It says that “If face coverings are selected…there should be collective use where possible (maximising those in a ‘close proximity’ group who wear a face covering)”.<br />
	<br />		<br />
−	Going further than the Government guidance, ECA/BESA add that workplace face coverings should be distributed by the employer, along with instructions for use, maintenance, replacement, and disposal. ‘Homemade’ or ‘site improvised’ face coverings or visors are not advisable.<br />	+	Going further than the Government guidance, ECA/BESA add that workplace face coverings should be distributed by the employer, along with instructions for use, maintenance, replacement and disposal. ‘Homemade’ or ‘site improvised’ face coverings or visors are not advisable.<br />
	<br />		<br />
	But in line with the COVID-19 Secure guidelines, the ECA/BESA guidance concludes by noting that “employers or employees should not rely solely on face coverings. Other measures must first be deployed, to mitigate the risk from COVID-19 as far as reasonably practicable”.		But in line with the COVID-19 Secure guidelines, the ECA/BESA guidance concludes by noting that “employers or employees should not rely solely on face coverings. Other measures must first be deployed, to mitigate the risk from COVID-19 as far as reasonably practicable”.

	-----		-----
−	This article originally appeared on the ECA website. It was written by Paul Reeve, ECA Director of CSR and posted on 28 July 2020.	+	This article originally appeared on the [https://www.eca.co.uk/blog/july-2020/face-coverings-and-a-shifting-policy-background ECA] website. It was written by Paul Reeve, ECA Director of CSR and posted on 28 July 2020.

	--[[User:ECA\|ECA]]		--[[User:ECA\|ECA]]

Editor at 09:53, 4 August 2020

2020-08-04T09:53:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:53, 4 August 2020
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−	It looks like we all know about face coverings now, even though it appears very few of us are experts.<br />	+	= Introduction =
		+
		+	It looks like we all know about face coverings now, even though it appears very few of us are experts. Remarkably, guidance and messaging, whether from the World Health Organisation or from Government agencies, seems to have evolved on the hoof in the last few months.
		+
		+	= Changing messages =
		+
		+	As recently as 23 July 2020 workplace guidance in the ‘COVID-Secure’ series was changed to reflect “growing evidence that wearing a face covering in an enclosed space helps to protect individuals and those around them from COVID-19”.<br />
	<br />		<br />
−	Remarkably, guidance and messaging, whether from the World Health Organisation or from Government agencies, seems to have evolved on the hoof in the last few months. As recently as 23 July workplace guidance in the ‘COVID-Secure’ series was changed to reflect “growing evidence that wearing a face covering in an enclosed space helps to protect individuals and those around them from COVID-19”.<br />	+	Even health and safety practitioners, adept at deploying tight-fitting masks to protect workers from hazardous materials such as asbestos and silica dust, can get into a tailspin when discussing the pros and cons of face coverings. A confounding factor is that, although a face covering might seem remotely akin to tight-fitting face masks, the former only aims to stop viral spread, rather than providing any inhalation protection. Across the UK at large, this turned out to be something of a revelation.<br />
−	~~<br />~~	+
−	Even health and safety practitioners, adept at deploying tight-fitting masks to protect workers from hazardous materials such as asbestos and silica dust, can get into a tailspin when discussing the pros and cons of face coverings.~~<br />~~	+
−	~~<br />~~	+
−	A confounding factor is that, although a face covering might seem remotely akin to tight-fitting face masks, the former only aims to stop viral spread, rather than providing any inhalation protection. Across the UK at large, this turned out to be something of a revelation~~.<br />~~	+
−	~~<br />~~	+
−	~~In addition, notable downsides to wearing a face covering include:<br />~~	+
−	~~• as anyone who has walked around a supermarket now knows, they can be annoying or uncomfortable to wear, and they prompt unwanted hand to face contact<br />~~	+
−	~~• the standard, durability and use of face coverings can vary greatly, greatly affecting any protection they might provide.<br />~~	+
−	~~<br />~~	+
−	~~Donning and doffing the coverings, and sanitisation and waste disposal must also be carried out properly, along with thorough hand cleaning~~.<br />	+
	<br />		<br />
		+	In addition, notable downsides to wearing a face covering include:
		+
		+	* As anyone who has walked around a supermarket now knows, they can be annoying or uncomfortable to wear, and they prompt unwanted hand to face contact
		+	* The standard, durability and use of face coverings can vary greatly, greatly affecting any protection they might provide.
		+
		+	= Guidance =
		+
		+	Donning and doffing the coverings, and sanitisation and waste disposal must also be carried out properly, along with thorough hand cleaning.
		+
	With the various pros and cons, and a shifting research background about the role and efficacy of face coverings, even enforcers have taken months to adjust to what it all means.<br />		With the various pros and cons, and a shifting research background about the role and efficacy of face coverings, even enforcers have taken months to adjust to what it all means.<br />
	<br />		<br />