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Gloucestershire Business News

Coronavirus: Latest guidance on working in vehicles safely

The government has updated its guidance for working in vehicles, as lockdown restrictions are gradually eased.

The guidance relates to couriers, lorry drivers, bin men and anyone else who works in or from a vehicle. It includes instructions on frequent cleaning of surfaces such as door handles, keys and encouraging all workers to wash their hands before getting into a vehicle.

It advises avoiding having more than one person working in a vehicle where possible. Where people have to work in teams or pairs, the guidance recommends using fixed teams, to help reduce the number of people each worker comes into contact with.

Windows should also be opened and only one member of the team should be responsible for refuelling. Vehicles should be cleaned more regularly, particularly between different users.

For delivery drivers, the main objective is to maintain social distancing and avoid transmitting the virus on the surface of packages when they enter and leave the vehicle, especially in high volume situations, like distribution centres or despatch areas.

Drivers are advised to limit their exposure to rush hour and large crowds where possible, use electronic paperwork and minimise unnecessary exposure to other people at both drop-off and pick-up points. They should have enough hand sanitiser in their vehicle, so that they can clean their hands after every delivery.

Taxi drivers can and should provide information on social distancing and hygiene to customers when they get into the car.

The advice says that protection by a face covering isn't required by law, but drivers can choose to wear one, particularly where social distancing could be difficult. Employers should advise:

  • Washing hands thoroughly before putting a face covering on, and after removing it
  • When wearing a face covering, avoid touching the face or face covering, as it could get contaminated by germs from the hands
  • Changing a face covering if it becomes damp or the wearer has touched it
  • Changing and washing the face covering daily

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