Covid-19 Risk Assessment
The Hazards?
• Spread of Covid-19 Coronavirus
Who might be harmed
• Vulnerable groups – Elderly, Pregnant workers, those with existing underlying health conditions
• Anyone else who physically comes in contact with you in relation to your business
Hand Washing
Controls Required
• Handwashing with soap and water in place.
• Stringent hand washing taking place.
• See handwashing guidance.
• https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/
• Drying of hands with disposable paper towels.
• Protect of the skin by applying emollient cream regularly
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/emollients/
Gel sanitizers in case washing facilities are not readily available
Additional Controls
Regular washing of hands, for a minimum of 20 seconds, with water and soap and proper drying with disposable towels.
Catching coughs and sneezes in tissues –
Follow Catch it, Bin it, Kill it, and to avoid touching face, eyes, nose or mouth with unclean hands.
Tissues will be available throughout the treatment Session.
Perform skin checks as part of a skin surveillance programme
https://www.hse.gov.uk/skin/professional/health-surveillance.htm
To help reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) reminding everyone of the public health advice - https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus
Cleaning
Controls Required
Frequently cleaning and disinfecting objects and couch surfaces that are touched regularly, by using appropriate cleaning products and methods.
Additional Controls
The primary source for this information is the government page for cleaning in non-healthcare settings
Wearing of Gloves
Controls Required
Where Risk Assessment identifies wearing of gloves as a requirement of the job, an adequate supply will be available
Additional Controls
The wearing of gloves is not a substitute for good hand washing.
When handwashing facilities are not available the application of hand sanitizer will be applied as appropriate
Vehicle cleaning
Controls Required
Clean car interior will reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus (COVID-19)
The primary source of information is from the government page for cleaning in non-healthcare settings.
This guidance applied to the therapist’s car.
The guidance provides a handy checklist
Suitable cleansing wipes will be utilised to clean all surfaces
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
The use of PPE will be used during the cleaning
The minimum level of PPE will be worn:
• gloves (preferably disposable)
• apron (preferably disposable)
• a face mask (preferably disposable)
PPE Disposal
Used PPE will be removed per the guidance provided by CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council)and double bagged
The disposal of used PPE will be in accordance with Torfaen Borough Council guidance
Additional Controls
Vehicle cleaning Checklist
External
All Door handles (including the boot!) will be given a good wipe down first.
Interior
Driver’s Area
• Steering wheel, including horn and infotainment controls
• Control stalks
• Ignition and power button
• Keys
• Driver’s seats
o Seatbelts and clips
o Seat adjust controls
o Headrests
o Seat pockets
• Driver’s doors
o Door handles and releases
o Door pocket
o Window switches
o Grab handles
Dashboard
• Air vents – passenger and central
• Gearstick
• Infotainment/radio
Heating controls
Social Distancing
Controls Required
Reducing the number of persons in the work area to comply with the 2-metre (6.5 foot) gap recommended by the Public Health Agency
https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus
Redesigning processes and protocols to ensure social distancing is maintained.
Conference calls to be used instead of face-to-face meetings.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Controls Required
The use of PPE will be used during Massage Treatment and Taping
RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment )
Personal reusable cloth masks will be worn by myself and cleaned each day.
Clients will receive personal paper masks on arrival at their home
Eye Protection
Face shield will be utilised, cleaned and disinfected according to manufacturer’s instructions prior to each massage
Disposable Aprons
Disposable Plastic Aprons are designed to protect the client from contamination during direct patient care
Additional Controls
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
Public Health guidance on the use of PPE (personal protective equipment) to protect against COVID-19 relates to health care settings. In all other settings, individuals are asked to observe social distancing measures and practice good hand hygiene behaviours
RPE will be required to be worn by client and therapist
The Client will be issued with an appropriate paper face cover on entering the clients home
PPE Disposal
Used PPE will be removed per the guidance provided by CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council)and double bagged
The disposal of used PPE will be in accordance with Torfaen Borough Council guidance
Mental Health
Controls Required
The therapist will promote mental health & wellbeing awareness to clients during the Coronavirus outbreak and will offer whatever suitable appropriate guidance
Reference –
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
Clients with Covid-19 Symptoms
Controls Required
If the clients is unwell, has developed a new continuous cough or a high temperature the appointment will be canceled and rearranged
Contact will be maintained regularly with clients during this time.
If advised that a client has developed Covid-19 and I was recently on their premises, I will:
Contact Torfaen County Borough Council Environmental Health for advice,
I will Identify people who I have been in contact with and notify them, and
Act on the take advice and precautions given. https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/
Additional Controls
Therapist with Covid-19 Symptoms
If the therapist is unwell developed a continuous cough or a high temperature, appointments will be canceled and rearranged after a period of isolation
I will Identify people who I have been in contact with and notify them
