Removal firms can restart, but staff must socially distance and wear protective clothing
REMOVAL firms are being allowed to start operating again, with strict restrictions.
It was highlighted last week that while estate agents were being allowed to reopen under new rules, removal firms had not been given the same option.
However today new guidance has been issued to allow the businesses to operate.
Health & Social Care president Heidi Soulsby said the new guidance should support the businesses in carrying out removal operations safely.
‘Lifting restrictions for the limited number of businesses that are now allowed to operate in the Bailiwick also means that restrictions have to be lifted for certain other businesses to support their operations,' she said.
'Removal companies are one such business. This new guidance sets out the strict social distancing and hygiene requirements that are required to ensure removal companies can operate safely and protect their staff and customers.’
The guidance states that the firm can only operate in a property were there has been no cases or suspected cases of Covid-19 for the previous 14 days and no one there is in a state of isolation.
The property owners should leave all internal doors open, so the workers do no need to touch door handles. The home owners should not be present, unless absolutely necessary.
Belongings should already be packed up.
No vulnerable staff, such as those with heart problems or asthma, should take part in the removal operation.
Only one member of staff should travel in any work vehicle. If more people are needed they must travel to the site separately. A maximum of five people can be on site, and they should use hand sanitiser and wear disposable gloves and overalls.
Staff must socially distance and if one member of staff cannot move an item, mechanical lifting equipment should be investigated. If that is not possible, only then can only multiple people lift an item.
Staff should not use the toilet at the work property.
