Construction workers can now stay one metre apart with risk mitigation where two metres is not possible, according to the Construction Leadership Council’s fifth version of its Site Operating Procedures
The Site Operating Procedures have been updated by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) to reflect the latest Government guidance following the easing of lockdown measures in England from Saturday 4 July.
The ‘one metre plus’ social distancing guidelines require workers to stay two metres apart, or one metre with risk mitigation where two metres is not viable.
It is expected that construction sites will maintain the social distancing measures in place.
Other changes to the Site Operating Procedures – version 5 include:
- Updates to the ‘When to Travel to Work’ section – if workers have no option but to share transport, journeys should be shared with the same individuals and with the minimum number of people at any one time, the vehicle should also have good ventilation (i.e. keeping the windows open) and workers should face away from each other may help to reduce the risk of transmission. The vehicle should also be cleaned regularly using gloves and standard cleaning products, with particular emphasis on handles and other areas where passengers may touch surfaces
- The latest peak times for public transport – avoid using public transport during peak times (05:45 ‐ 8:15 and 16:00 ‐ 17:30).
- Entry systems to be regularly cleaned rather than between each use
- Drivers to have access to welfare facilities – where loading and offloading arrangements on site will allow it, drivers should remain in their vehicles. Where drivers are required to exit their vehicle, they should wash or sanitise their hands before handling any materials and must have access to welfare facilities.
- Canteens that have been closed or offered a restricted service may now re-open – the capacity of each canteen or rest area should be clearly identified at the entry to each facility, and where necessary attendants provided to supervise compliance with social distancing measures. Break times should be staggered to reduce congestion and contact at all times and drinking water should be provided with enhanced cleaning measures of the tap mechanism introduced. Surfaces must also be frequently cleaned.
