Hygiene

While the Covid-19 pandemic continues, ICB colleagues have been asked to restrict the transmission of the virus by frequent hand washing, application of hand sanitiser, wearing of a face covering and social distancing.

Some colleagues are now choosing to visit or work from BSW premises. Colleagues will be expected to look after themselves and others taking reasonable precautions. A colleague showing symptoms must not attend the offices. Use of hand sanitiser and frequent hand washing is still advised, and tables, desks and equipment can be cleaned with antibacterial wipes.

Kitchens at BSW premises are open and are equipped with kettles/urns, refrigerators, microwave ovens, dishwashers. It is important that colleagues take care and leave the kitchens and equipment in a clean and orderly state to maintain hygiene standards. Touch points must be wiped down with antibacterial wipes which are provided by the ICB. Coffee, tea, milk, cutlery and crockery will not be provided at this time, and beverages and food should either be consumed at the colleagues designated desk or outside the premises.

You are responsible for any items you place in the fridges and should ensure that these are disposed of when they reach their use by date or are no longer wanted. Food, milk and drinks will be disposed of without notice if the item is more than five days past its use by date or has become a risk to other colleagues’ health and safety.

Hand washing

New research has shown that, while at work, the majority of employees do not wash or dry their hands properly, despite this being one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses, such as COVID-19.

YouGov research, commissioned by national washroom service provider, Elis, found that:

• 55% of employees say they wash their hands for less than the recommended 20 seconds when they are at work
• 57% say they leave the workplace washroom with damp hands because the drying equipment is not good enough or fast enough

Damp hands can spread more bacteria and viruses than dry hands, so it is important to dry hands properly.

According to NHS advice, you should wash your hands with soap and water for the amount of time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice (around 20 seconds). If you do not have immediate access to soap and water then use alcohol-based hand sanitiser instead.