Should you let tradespeople in?
In this blog, we address some of the questions (and answer them) that may have crossed your mind when inviting tradespeople and us (Bradley Plumbing and Heating) into your home.
Though the same advice would apply to any tradespeople.
My heating system needs some routine maintenance, as we are in lock-down can a tradesperson still attend?
Yes. All tradespeople are exempt from lock-down. The Government has confirmed that we are still able to carry out work inside and out of homes and businesses.
Do you have any guidance to adhere to – how do I find out what it is?
Yes, the Government has issued us with guidance to follow. Here are the links:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes
Although there is Government guidance, what precautions will you be taking, I’m very worried about having someone enter my home.
We understand that this is a very worrying time, and it would be remiss of us to say that we don’t share your concerns. However, we will be taking every precaution to keep you and ourselves, as safe as possible.
This ranges from asking you to open the windows prior to our arrival to cleaning our tools and equipment, cleaning where we have worked and carrying Personal Protective Equipment.
If you would like some extra guidance we have a handy blog that covers this: https://bradleyplumbing.co.uk/blog/when-the-dronfield-plumber-comes-to-call/
I’ve not been offered a risk assessment of the job – what should I do?
Offering a risk assessment is something that your we will be doing. Not only to keep you safe, but to keep everyone undertaking the job safe. Don’t be afraid to question any tradesperson if they haven’t offered one
My elderly parent lives with me. Although they are not clinically shielding, they are in the vulnerable age group. What should I do?
Government advice states “When working in a household where somebody is clinically vulnerable, but has not been asked to shield, for example, the home of someone over 70, prior arrangements should be made with vulnerable people to avoid any face-to-face contact, for example, when answering the door. You should be particularly strict about hand washing, coughing and sneezing hygiene, such as covering your nose and mouth and disposing of single-use tissues.”
To assist us or any tradesperson to minimise exposure to you and your family, please ensure that your elderly relatives are advised of the visit and remain away from the work site for the duration of the work.
Do you need me to be in the same room as the work being undertaken?
For the most part, we don’t. But there may be things that we need you to show us ie. if there is a leak, where it is coming from or when we are showing how something works.
Where possible, if you open places ready, such as garages or loft spaces, it it will help us to limit our contact with you and reduce our hand to item contact.
What happens if I feel a bit poorly on the day you are due to arrive (but I don’t think it’s Covid-19 related)?
We understand completely that even the best laid plans can go awry. As symptoms can vary, from a safety point of view, we would rather you call us and let us know, if you feel unwell.
We can always re-arrange to another day. Even if it’s not Covid related, it is currently in everyone’s best interests to re-schedule for another day, when you are feeling better.
Will you let me know if you can’t make it?
In the same vein as the question above, if we are unwell, we will call you as soon as we can to make arrangements for us to visit another day. That is if we don’t have someone in the team, available to undertake the work for us.
Is there anything else I should know?
#safetyfirst is our primary object. We want you to feel comfortable that we will do all we can to ensure that everyone is safe and the work is completed to a first-class standard. Please don’t be offended if we call you to check or ask you, when we arrive, if you have been in contact with anyone who has Covid-19 or is suspected to have Covid-19.
And finally, please don’t be offended if we refuse a kind offer of refreshments, in order to minimise our contact with you, we will for the time being be bringing our own.
When Steve arrives do not hesitate to seek clarification but also do contact him early if you need to cancel.
If you need any work undertaking, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 07917 776549 or you can head over to our website and contact us: https://bradleyplumbing.co.uk/contact-us/
Bradley Plumbing and Heating – always happy to help.
