Builders can get closer onsite and food is back on the table
Builders have the flexibility of working one-metre apart with carewhere two-metres is not viable and on-site canteens are now allowed.
The latest version of the Construction Leadership Council’s site operating procedures asks construction firms to consider increasing the size or number of eating facilities.
“Canteens that have been closed or offered a restricted service may now open,” said the guidelines which contain a checklist of measures.
These include marking the capacity of each canteen or rest area at the entrance and where necessary supervising compliance with social distancing rules.
Washbasins or hand sanitiser should be available at the entrance and used by workers on entry and when leaving the area.
Break times are to be staggered to reduce congestion and contact with drinking water offered from regularly cleaned taps.
Clean, clean, clean
Surfaces and devices which are touched a lot such as kettles, fridges and microwaves should be frequently cleaned. Rubbish should be put straight in the bin and tables cleaned before and between use.
Disposable plates, cups and cutlery are recommended but if that´s not possible all eating utensils should be washed and dried between use. Canteen staff should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
Canteen staff and workers can use the same rest areas providing they socially distance with firms encouraged to monitor compliance.
The construction industry has welcomed the changes which they say will enable them to increase productivity further.
Building back to recovery
Yesterday the prime minister, Boris Johnson, declared a bold ´build, build build´ pledge including a £450m boost for the Home Builders Fund to help smaller developers and back around 7,200 new homes. He also announced a £12bn affordable homes programme supporting up to 180,000 new affordable homes over the next eight years.
New planning regulations will enable existing commercial properties, including newly vacant shops, to be converted into new homes.
Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said property development lenders were positive about the future and ready to offer builders a range of funding options from instant bridge finance to construction loans.
