Covid-19 Risk Assessment 1

COVID RISK ASSESSMENT QE2 ACTIVITY CENTRE

QE2 Activity Centre provides activity opportunities for children and adults with disabilities, including adventure activity sessions and day services.

The purpose of this risk assessment is to enable the Centre to continue to provide those opportunities during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

We need to be aware of the potential consequences of our actions on our service users, our staff, their respective families and contacts, and the wider community.

We also need to be aware that many of our service users and activity participants may have additional health issues.

This risk assessment should be viewed as a fluid document which will take into account future developments.

The generic risk assessment identifies that there is a risk of Covid-19 spreading through airborne particles or through particles landing on surfaces, which could result in illness or death.

Control measures in place to mitigate against infection are

handwashing before participation,
hand sanitiser available throughout session/day,
disinfectant spray and/or wipes available to be applied between use by different individuals (if shared use is unavoidable);
plus maintain 2m or 1m+ social distancing
wear appropriate PPE.

All staff should ensure that they understand the need to break down each activity into its constituent parts and put control measures in place to minimise risks at each stage.

The purpose of a risk assessment is not to stop an activity taking place; it is to ensure that the risk is minimised to an acceptable level.

PHIL OATES

MANAGER

14 August 2020

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of coronavirus are:

a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

Most people with coronavirus have at least 1 of these symptoms.

Procedure if someone shows Covid-19 symptoms

– Ask carers and service users to alert you straight away if they feel unwell and not to attend if that is the case.

– If someone becomes unwell at the service, they should be sent home and follow the self-isolation guidance.

– While waiting to be collected, they should be moved, where possible, to Cabin 5. Ensure adequate ventilation, open windows

– A staff member may accompany them, wearing appropriate PPE disposable gloves and apron, fluid-resistant surgical mask (and possible eye protection is advised by risk assessment). Depending on circumstances the staff member may remain outside Cabin 5.

– If it is not possible to use Cabin 5 the person, remove other staff and service users to another area.

– Cabin 5 bathroom may be used by a person with Covid symptoms while awaiting transfer. This should not then be used by anyone else before cleaning has taken place.

– The staff member should wash their hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after any contact with someone who is unwell

– The staff member helping does not need to go home unless they develop symptoms themselves or the service user tests positive

– The bathroom and area used should be cleaned and disinfected using standard cleaning products before being used by anyone else.

– If it is an emergency, they are seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk call 999

PPE

QE2 Activity Centre will provide appropriate PPE, including face coverings, masks or visors, gloves and aprons, for when it is not possible to maintain 2m or 1m+ distancing, for example when administering first aid, personal care or taking temperatures on arrival.

Additionally, if an individual’s risk assessment indicates that poor respiratory hygiene is an issue then PPE should be worn.

Working with people with learning disabilities presents additional issues when considering the use of face coverings, primarily to do with verbal communication and reading expressions. For this reason we would prefer staff to maintain social distancing and not wear masks, unless necessary for the reasons noted above. However, staff should feel confident that if they want to wear face coverings, in other circumstances, they are able to.

Visiting staff members should wear PPE in line with their employers’ guidelines

Service users need not wear face coverings but will be encouraged to do so

Safe disposal of PPE

To be disposed of in black bags in touch free waste bins.
In the event of a suspected case of Covid PPE and other associated waste would be double bagged and stored for 72 hours before being put in general waste.

Cleaning

Prior to re-opening work has been carried out to paint and decorate buildings, and remove clutter
Buildings will be cleaned each evening so that each day starts with a clean building.
During the course of the day cleaning will be carried out by staff as and when necessary, concentrating on surfaces and hotspots
Each room will have access to hand sanitiser.
Staff will have a PPE pack with masks, gel, gloves, aprons.

Other users

We have zoned our site to avoid bubbles crossing paths. This includes separate toilets for each day service bubble and separate toilets for visitors. Activity group visitors will not be operating in the same areas as day service users; and there will not be more than one visiting activity group on site at a time. Other visitors, eg, maintenance visits, are being scheduled outside day service hours.

Test and trace policy

A central daily log will be taken and kept for 21 days with name and contact details for each person coming on site, including staff, day service users, visiting activity groups and other visitors, with an indication of the where they were (eg, visitor may come for boat trip and not be in QE2 buildings at all; day service users will be in one zone). An NHS QR code poster is displayed

Keeping up to date

Staff have completed Infection Control and Covid Awareness training
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus plus SCC and HCC and carer support groups.

Sharing information

With staff

All staff have contributed to the development of our plans to reopen; their views have been listened to and reflected in the plan.
Staff have been heavily involved in writing assessments
Staff are briefed on developments as they occur

With service users

illustrated information sheet sent to services users;
video made to show “return to QE2”
through zoom calls

With carers

post and email

Service user risk assessments

Preliminary risk assessments have been carried out for each service user following discussions with carers. These will form the basis of discussions with LA LD teams

Fire risk assessment

We have reviewed our fire risk assessment and found that there is no need to alter fire evacuation policies; fire exits remain viable, fire point remains viable.

Social distancing should be maintained at Fire Assembly Point

Activity programming

QE2 Activity Centre provision is based on outdoor activities, from canoeing, kayaking and motor boating to gardening, walking and bushcraft. Some activities take place indoors (for example, indoor climbing walls). We will prioritise those activities that can take place outdoors but have completed risk assessments for all activities so that we can safely deliver all activities at this time. The exception is swings and zipwire, which involve close-up interaction when checking harnesses, shared equipment is unavoidable and they are quite physical activities.

Use of face coverings at QE2 Activity Centre

As an employer QE2 Activity Centre has a responsibility to provide a safe working environment. As this relates to Covid-19 this means adhering to government advice, guidance and legislation on reducing the risk of spreading the disease.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) usually spreads by droplets from coughs, sneezes and speaking. These droplets can also be picked up from surfaces, if you touch a surface and then your face without washing your hands first. This is why social distancing, regular hand hygiene, and covering coughs and sneezes is so important in controlling the spread of the virus.

The best available scientific evidence is that, when used correctly, wearing a face covering may reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets in certain circumstances, helping to protect others. Because face coverings are mainly intended to protect others, not the wearer, from coronavirus (COVID-19) they are not a replacement for social distancing and regular hand washing.

Definition of face covering

If you can, wear something that covers your nose and mouth in places where it’s hard to stay away from other people. In the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, a face covering is something which safely covers the nose and mouth. You can buy reusable or single-use face coverings. We will provide face masks or face shields. You may also use a scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth covering but these must securely fit round the side of the face.

When to wear a face covering

You should be wearing a face covering if you can’t manage 2m social distancing, unless other preventative measures are in place, and even then you must not be closer than 1m.

The current social distancing rule is still that the distance is 2m, except in cases where this can’t be achieved, in which case the 1m+ rule can apply.

Other preventative measures

The + refers to other preventative measures

Carrying out activities outside
Avoid being face-to-face with people who aren’t part of your household. Keep your distance or try to stay side-to-side
Limit contact time – the longer you are exposed to an infected person – whether they are showing symptoms or not – the higher your risk of catching the virus
Open windows – Keeping rooms well ventilated can reduce the risk of Covid-19.
Talking quieter, not shouting, not singing will reduce the risk of spreading

Service users

Service users don’t have to wear face masks – but it is good practice for them to. We should encourage it and part of that is good modelling.

COVID RISK ASSESSMENT activity action points

Activity

Action Points

Before activity

Details of participants

Control of the working area:

Site clean, newly painted, uncluttered

Equipment clean and in good condition

Preparation

QE2 staff will carry PPE pack containing masks, gloves and gel

Repetitive cleaning hands for all participants before activity starts

Source equipment beforehand: enough equipment to reduce the need for sharing

Work outside where possible

During session

Maintaining 2m social distancing

Or 1m+ if that is not possible

· Visiting staff members should wear PPE in line with their employers guidelines

· Service users need not wear face coverings but will be encouraged to

· Staff to wear gloves (or apply hand gel before and after) where skin to skin contact is unavoidable

· Staff to wear aprons when carrying out personal care

Aim for enough equipment so that it does not have to be shared. If that is not possible, disinfect equipment before it is used by another person

Hand sanitiser available throughout session/day, disinfectant spray and/or wipes available to be applied between use by different individuals (if shared use is unavoidable)

Demonstrate, use visual aids, gestures and speech to explain rather than hand over hand

Following session

At the end of activity/session participants to wash hands

All equipment needs to be cleaned/sanitised

Area used needs to be cleaned/sanitised

COVID RISK ASSESSMENT Activity session protocol

Pre-attendance awareness
Staff training
Information for service users, information for visiting staff
Staff arrival
Staff to use hand sanitiser before opening up; handwashing after entering the buildings for indoor activities
Staff to ensure working areas are clean and tidy, without clutter.
Set up room, consider ventilation
Participant arrival
designated start time
managed parking, instructor to be on hand to give directions,
Staff member to take temperature, ask about health of service user
Administer hand sanitiser
Visitors will be directed to activity area and discouraged from loitering
Briefing
reminders on social distancing, good hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene.
Toileting
Wash hands before and after
Two toilets designated for male and female visitor use
After use visiting staff will disinfect toilet area (paying particular attention to seat, handles, taps, door handle)

Activities
Outdoor activities will be prioritised
Maintain social distancing
Where it is not possible to maintain social distancing QE2 staff should wear PPE; service users need not wear masks; visiting staff should wear PPE in line with their employers’ guidelines
Disinfect equipment that has been handled before/after use
Staff and service users should wash hands before and after activities

End of session
Following end of activity visitors to wash hands, return to transport

COVID RISK ASSESSMENT Day service protocol

Target: To provide a service for sixteen people per day, within three bubbles.

We will work with Southampton City Council and Hampshire County Council to prioritise returnees.

We have six staff available to operate three bubbles. Non-day service staff are available to cover for sickness.

There will be staggered opening times for each bubble and each bubble

GREENHOUSE: day service building, workshop, allotment

GOLD DAY SERVICE: day service building, including sensory room, plus access to Centre canteen and garden

BLUE BUBBLE: cabins 2, 3, 4 and 5

RED AREA: Sports hall, shared area, includes access to separate toilets

Pre-attendance awareness
Staff training
Information for service users
Information for parents
Staff arrival
Staff to use hand sanitiser before opening up; handwashing after entering the building
Staff to ensure working areas are clean and tidy, without clutter
Set up room, consider ventilation
Service user arrival
Each bubble will consist of
not more than eight service users with two staff (GreenHouse and Blue group) or
six service users with two QE2 staff and 1:1 cover where needed (Gold, higher support needs).
These numbers will be kept under review
staggered start time for bubbles
Staff and service users will remain in their bubbles
managed drop off, one service user at a time, met by staff member
Staff member to take temperature, ask about health of service user
Administer hand sanitiser
Outdoor seating areas provided. Depending on weather, outside area will be prioritised for use
Indoor seating areas arranged to help socially distance
Personal belongings will be stored safely
Drinks: hydration is important so drinks will be provided; identifiable cups will be provided; staff will be responsible for washing cups
First session briefing
Covid awareness using visual prompts and exercises: reminders on social distancing, good hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene.
Handwashing before next session starts, ie, handwashing training
Toileting
Wash hands before and after
After use staff will disinfect toilet area (paying particular attention to seat, handles, taps, door handle)
Activities
Brief service users and supporting staff on importance of social distancing, good hand and respiratory hygiene
Maintain social distancing. Where it is not possible to maintain social distancing wear PPE. Disinfect equipment that has been handled before/after use
Staff and service users should wash hands before and after activities
End of day
Following end of activities service users to wash hands, collect belongings
Debrief: round up of the day’s activities, covid awareness
One staff member to be allocated to car park duty to manage departures.
Cleaning of rooms and equipment used