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Woody_cj  
#1 Posted : 27 March 2020 11:13:12(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Woody_cj

I work in the drainage sector and we are being asked by the water companies to keep operating to keep all the stock piled loo roll moving as it is flushed away. we are risk assessing all our tasks but there are some where it is just not posible to keep social distancing it just requires two people to work closely together, yes we can look to limmit these tasks but it is not possible to totaly eliminate as in some cases it is operational critical. does anyone have any guidance on what PPE we should be using when working in close proximity. the only advice i can find all relates to treating people with the virus. most of our staff have 1/2 face respirators alrady with P3 filters and have to wear light eye protection but looking to see if there is any guidance on needing to go over and above this. thanks

Kate  
#2 Posted : 27 March 2020 11:23:27(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

The reason you only find PPE guidance relating to working with infected people is that that is the only situation in which PPE is recommended for the healthy.  Having said that, a P3 mask would be suitable anyway, as it will keep droplets out and it is the droplets from coughs or sneezes that spread the virus.

The reason that "where possible" appears in advice about social distancing is that sometimes it is not possible.

If you have people working consistently in the same pair, that will limit any transmission just like household isolation does.

thanks 1 user thanked Kate for this useful post.
Woody_cj on 27/03/2020(UTC)
chris.packham  
#3 Posted : 27 March 2020 11:44:01(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris.packham

No knowing at first hand exactly what the working conditions are may I suggest that eye protection is goggles. COVID-19 can enter the bodies via the eyes, so it would seem to make sense to provide full eye protection if possible.

thanks 1 user thanked chris.packham for this useful post.
Kim Hedges on 27/03/2020(UTC)
matelot1965  
#4 Posted : 28 March 2020 16:21:56(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
matelot1965

Here are our measures (hierarchy of control) currently which are always evolving in the current climate 

2m social distancing

Perspex screens or strip curtains if 2m distance is not reasonably practicable

Face visors if Perspex screens or strip curtains not reasonably practicable.

face masks only for the infected employee if we identify an infected employee on site

thanks 1 user thanked matelot1965 for this useful post.
Kate on 30/03/2020(UTC)
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