Guidelines for re-opening during Covid-19

Risk Assessment

I have a legal responsibility to protect clients from risk to their health and safety. This means I need to think about the risks they face and do everything reasonably practicable to minimise them, recognising I cannot completely eliminate the risk of COVID-19.

I am using guidance from H.M. Government to inform my decisions and control measures. A risk assessment is about identifying sensible measures to control the risks in the workplace. Please be assured that I am taking the utmost precautions to eliminate risk.

Results of my risk assessment will be displayed on my website (which is currently undergoing transformation).

Managing Risk – Preventative Measures

I have undertaken two Covid-19 Clinical Safety Courses and passed assessments. Certificates of completion are displayed on the landing outside the treatment room.

If you are experiencing ‘flu-like symptoms prior to your appointment, please do not attend the premises.

Between appointments, every area of the premises being used (i.e. front door/downstairs toilet/banisters/treatment room) will be sanitised.

Social distancing guidelines must be adhered to.

I will take all necessary precautions by wearing appropriate PPE. I will be wearing a visor which covers my forehead, extends below my chin and wraps each side of the face. I will also wear a face mask, apron and tight fitting nitrile gloves. This will reduce the risk of transmission between clients and myself and vice versa.

Time spent with clients needs to be as short as possible, normally one hour.

IMPORTANT NOTE : I am not allowed to do any treatments on or around the face at this current time.

Keeping Clients Safe – to minimise the risk of transmission and protect the health of clients in close contact services

Clients that are tested positive for Covid-19 who have been on my premises in the previous 7 days must inform me immediately so that I can assist the NHS Test, Track and Trace programme.

Entering the Premises

All clients must wear a face covering and disposable gloves before entering.

All clients will be temperature checked using a non-contact infrared forehead thermometer.

If clients need to use the downstairs toilet facilities, they must wash their hands, dry them with paper towelling and then put on another pair of disposable gloves which will be supplied.

Clients wanting a manicure will be asked to remove their disposable gloves, wash their hands on site immediately before treatment and dry with a paper towel.

It is unlikely that clients will come in close contact with one another because I will leave sufficient time between appointments to sanitise the treatment room, equipment and all surfaces which a client may have touched.

All clients should arrive at the exact time of their appointment. Please park on my driveway and wait for me to come and invite you in.

As there is no longer a waiting area, all clients should come alone if possible. Only the client will be allowed onto the premises.

All belongings should be left in the car.

Shoes will need to be left downstairs. The disposable gloves which clients will be wearing will then be sanitised before making their way to the treatment room.

Hayfever sufferers should take an antihistamine prior to their appointment in order to minimise the risk of sneezing.

Toilet Facilities

Downstairs toilet facilities will be available for client use. However, if clients can manage to avoid using the toilet during their appointment, this would be helpful (apart from handwashing). Good hygiene and cleanliness will be assured and carefully managed. A poster to build awareness of good handwashing techniques will be installed. Please try to avoid touching your face. If you cough or sneeze, please do so into a tissue which can then be binned safely or put down the toilet and flushed away. Please wash your hands and put on a new pair of disposable gloves. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your arm.

Treatment Room Protocol

Clients will be permitted to bring their own bottled water into the room, but no other drinks or food will be allowed.

All materials and equipment for each treatment will have been thoroughly sanitised in the appropriate manner. Where possible, disposable tools and equipment will be used.

24 hours before an appointment

I will telephone the day/evening before the appointment and ask a number of questions. These are as follows:-

Within the last 14 days, have you:

Experienced a new cough that you cannot attribute to another health condition?
Experienced a new shortness of breath that you cannot contribute to another health condition?
Experienced a sore throat, loss of taste or smell that you cannot contribute to another health condition?
Experienced a temperature at, or above, 37.8C or sense of having a fever?
Experienced close contact with someone who is/was sick with suspected or confirmed Covid-19? (NB close contact is defined as within 6 feet for more than 10 consecutive minutes).
Have you been self-isolating because of having symptoms of Covid-19?
Has a member of your household been self-isolating because of having symptoms of Covid-19?

If the answer is YES to any of these questions, please be kind enough to reschedule the appointment.

Payments

Cash is no longer accepted. Payment can be made by cheque or in advance via BACS.