While the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the UK, tradespeople have been advised they are still able to work in and around people's homes.
To promote safe working, the government and industry have written guidelines for tradespeople. But staying safe is a joint responsibility, and we all have a duty to protect each other.
By working together, we can keep everyone safe.
This three-part guide will help you know what to do before, while and after you have tradespeople working for you.
Follow each step to promote safe working in and around your home.
Be sure to ask your tradesperson if there’s anything you're unsure about.
You must be certain that neither you or anyone living in your home has symptoms of COVID-19. The NHS website can help you with this: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/
If you test positive, your self-isolation period begins the day your symptoms start and the following 10 days. Once you test negative, work can continue in your home. Please see the NHS website for full details When to self-isolate and what to do – Coronavirus (COVID-19) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Talk with your tradesperson before they visit your home. Let them know if you have any concerns or they need anything in place to make them feel safe.
Cut down on face-to-face contact by using phones or tablet devices with cameras to have conversations with tradespeople online.
Ask what personal protection equipment (PPE) the tradesperson will use, such as gloves and masks if necessary.
If you are clinically vulnerable, tell your tradesperson so they can take extra care.
As always, remember to agree the scope of work and price in writing before going ahead.
The tradesperson to continue to maintain social distancing and how you can help make them feel safe too
How they will ensure you are both protected
How they plan to deliver the work in your home
If the tradesperson and their team are sure they are free from COVID-19 and have avoided contact with anyone who might have it
Disinfect doors and handles daily before and after your tradesperson comes into your home.
Work together to protect each other by respecting people’s preference to continue to maintain social distancing.
If you have to get close, stay side-to-side rather than facing each other.
The tradesperson’s hard work always deserves a cuppa, but make sure you’re careful to only touch the handle when making it, and when the drink is finished, wash up the mug straight away with hot, soapy water.
If you feel you are or could be infected while the work is being done, tell your tradesperson, and stop all works. Then follow the government’s procedures on self-isolation until it is safe for work to start again.
The tradesperson to stand further away if you are feeling uncomfortable
The tradesperson to disinfect equipment before and after use and for them to use their own hand sanitiser throughout each day
The tradesperson to protect any areas in the house they might be working
For work to stop if there is a potential risk of being infected by continuing
Disinfect all areas where the tradesperson has worked, especially around doors and handles.
Keep payment and paperwork electronic or contactless.
Contact the tradesperson immediately to warn them if you or anyone else in your home shows symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days of the work being completed.
The tradesperson to ensure all the areas are clear, clean and safe
For the bank details of the tradesperson so you can pay them using online banking if possible
Be sure your tradesperson, you, and anyone living with you are free from COVID-19 symptoms
Ask what PPE and disinfectant methods will be used by your tradesperson
Disinfect door handles at the beginning and end of every day tradespeople are working at your home
Maintain an open dialogue and let them know if you’re feeling uncomfortable about anything
Pay electronically using online banking if possible
Let your tradesperson know immediately if you or anyone else in your home develops symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days of the work being completed
TrustMark is the Government Endorsed Quality Scheme that covers work you have carried out in or around your home.
The Construction Leadership Council drives transformation with the aim of improving the construction industry in the UK.
Together with industry, we’ve developed this guide to help get the country working again.
If you're a business who would like to get involved please fill out the form below.
Friends Against Scams is a National Trading Standards Scams Team initiative, which aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams by empowering people to take a stand against scams. TrustMark is a supporter of the Friends Against Scams initiative. For more information please click here.
