Stringent Working Practices Imposed

After being awarded project works at Sherbourne Fields School, discussions between FPM the client, architect and the principal designer ended in agreement that works could commence on site under stringent controlled conditions.

FPM were to develop the Health and Safety Plan and a set of risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) to accommodate the heightened risks that were now evident surrounding COVID 19. Working closely to the government guidelines FPM developed a set of procedures that would enable the school and the team on site to work practically but safely.

Consideration had to be given to the school as it was still operating. The school is an all age special school for pupils with a broad spectrum of needs including physical disabilities, medical conditions and learning needs.

All construction activity including the workface and all traffic routes in and out were kept completely separate from the staff and pupils.

Deliveries and visits to site had to be booked in twenty-four hours prior to attendance with time slots allocated so that FPM could control the numbers on site at any one time.

Site inductions were given to all that arrived with the emphasis on social distancing of two metres, the need for cleanliness and PPE issued this would include hi-vis, safety helmets, safety glasses or visors, face masks, nitrile gloves and bacterial hand wipes. Safety footwear was the responsibility of the individual.

A notice board designated to COVID 19 with all government guidelines and information was positioned in the welfare facility so that any person on site could refresh their knowledge at a glance.
Each site operative was, after sitting the induction, issued with their own “COVID 19 kit” this consisted of industrial hand wipes, toilet seat wipes, bacterial soap, nitrile gloves, face masks or safety screens all of which could be replenished at any time.

The cleaning regime around the welfare facility was enhanced so in addition to a high frequency clean down each operative was encouraged to clean down wherever they were within the facility once they left it.

Breaks were staggered so that operatives had ample room within the facility to keep at least two metres apart.

The positive effect from the team on site has been tremendous and given the circumstances, each member has contributed to what can be considered a safe site.