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Electrical contractor visiting private home - PPE?
Rank: New forum user 
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Good morning, I'm seeking advice because I live in rented accommodation and an electrical test/inspection is due. I have been contacted by the owner's nominated contractor but when I asked him about PPE (specifically masks) he said he didn't have anything because he usually worked on unoccupied premises. I am in my mid 60s and haven't allowed anyone into my home since early March and, whilst I understand the need to have the inspection done, I am very concerned that the proposed contractor seems to have given no thought as to how to undertake this work in the current situation. I have asked to postpone the work for a few weeks. I would be grateful for you advice on what would be a reasonable minimum PPE for him to wear to carry this test/inspection out or any other measures that would be appropriate? Is there any published guidance for people carrying out such work that I could pass onto the owner/agent? Many thanks!
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Rank: New forum user
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Thank you for the prompt reply and I will forward the link onto the agent so that they can ensure that the contractor has sight of it. I can make sure that I am in another room, although he has said that he will need to access all rooms to inspect. I can swap rooms and keep a distance if we cooperate. I suppose my main concern is potential contamination of surfaces etc. but I'm not sure if I am over reacting. I would feel happier if he wears a mask , especially given his response which indicates he has given no thought to how to carry this work out safely.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Have you voiced your concerns with the accomodation owner?
You could ask the contractor what their procedures are for their employees entering peoples homes, and politely request that the contrator wears PPE whilst in your home.
The contractor should sanitise surfaces after his work as described in the guidelines.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Maddy, your question is very reasonable and you are not overreacting. The advice that RV has given is sound.
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 2 users thanked peter gotch for this useful post.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hello MaddyFew
You can ontinue to defer the inspection. A few extra weeks is not going to make any critical difference - the new legal duty for landlords to start 5 yearly checks of electrical systems only came into effect on 1 July and for existing tenancies it is not required until renewal of tenancy or by 1st April 2021. That might be useful information for negotiation. Of course if you feel anxious about the electrical system don't defer too long. Some landlords already had such a regime of inspection but it is voluntary. If defering is not an option, you should insist that a face covering is worn by the tradesperson - this is to protect you from them. Confirm the details of the face protection (no exhalation valve - these are in some industrial facemasks, and don't protect you). Other points have been covered, but I would add to leave internal doors open and open all windows to create good through ventilation. Obviously you will want to stay at least 2m from a visitor, but they do need to go round the whole house. I have just had trades working in my house, had all windows and doors open throughout, except in the one room they did not need to enter, where I mostly kept out of their way, and at least 2m apart, checked they had sanitiser, used it, and took their lunch break outside or in vehicle, then resanitised etc. I would not have let them use my bathroom or kitchen. I also washed my hands quite a few times throughout the day, as surfaces and contact points could have had virus contamination. Hope this helps.
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2 users thanked aud for this useful post.
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Rank: Forum user
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Requirements for local maintenance, repair and inspection contractors visiting the homes of people notified they are at high risk from coronavirus and who are self isolating.
Footwear covers. Full [paper] coverall with hood, new and disposed of after visit. Facemask, non vented. All PPE to be disposed of after visit and not re-used.
Bear on mind these guys will, probably, have visited several other people prior to you, and their health status will be unknown.
It doesn't help that many contractors will be self-employed and the requirement for disposable PPE will be a hit on their "bottom line".
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