Clearview 223 - June 2020 | Page 24

INSTALLERSUPPORT Covid-19 Operating Code for Installers and Homeowners » CORGI FENESTRATION HAS produced a Covid-19 Operating Code for Installers of replacement windows and doors in domestic properties and a corresponding Consumer Guide for homeowners. They are free and available to all as downloadable documents on the CORGI Fenestration website – www.corgifenestration.co.uk/trade/ installer-service-2/ “We have written our Covid-19 Operating Code and Consumer Guide in preparation for the relaxing of lockdown restrictions by the Government and after consultation with the industry. Hopefully these will allow operatives to work in homes on non-essential installations using common sense measures to social distance wherever possible and use practical hygiene procedures to minimise risks of cross contamination,” commented Jacqui Crawford, CORGI Fenestration Chief Operating Officer, and the author of the documents. “They can also be used by operatives that are currently undertaking essential work in homes – which we believe only includes emergency repairs of windows and doors.” The Code and Guide have taken current Government approved methodologies from other sectors and inserted them into real installer work practices, procedures and situations. The CORGI Fenestration Covid-19 Operating Code covers everything from the quotation and sales process (no face-to-face interaction) to safe surveying and installation, to job sign off. The Consumer Guide tells the homeowner what they can expect from an installer following the Code and what their responsibilities are too (ranging from advising the installation company if they or any of the household have Covid-19 symptoms to wiping down frames and work areas). “Information already provided about working practices has been limited to generic construction sector guidelines. We don’t think they go far enough and have therefore created our own very specific Code for installers entering inhabited domestic properties,” added Crawford. “As this crisis and resultant restrictions look as if they will be with us for some time our industry needs to face up to the new realities and operate accordingly.” CORGI Fenestration is very supportive of industry initiatives along the manufacturing and supply chain to get the sector moving again. “However, we think that as big an issue will be weak demand. Quite understandably homeowners could be reluctant to have workers in their homes. Installers operating our Covid-19 Operating Code, with its very visible measures, could go some way to minimise those concerns,” Crawford concluded. www.corgifenestration.co.uk INSTALLING ‘BACK TO WORK’ CONFIDENCE WITH COVID-19 GUIDE » AS THE GOVERNMENT BEGINS TO encourage companies back to work under safe working practices, solid and secure composite door manufacturer, Endurance Doors, has published a COVID-19 Installation Guide which is aimed at both installers and homeowners. The message is loud and clear from government that they want to get certain industry sectors back to work as soon as is safe for all those involved and specifically, in the manufacturing and construction sectors. Already the likes of Certass and CORGI Fenestration have published guidelines, but this production from Endurance Doors is specific for the door sector and importantly highlights the expectations and requirements from homeowners for a stress-free and safe installation. The general COVID-19 Installation Guide from Endurance Doors is branded, but there is the opportunity to bespoke this with unique content, different colours and logos for all installer partners with immediate effect. Endurance Doors returned to work on the 4th May with a skeleton staff and they were all provided with the necessary PPE, along with detailed guidance as to the safest operating procedures and new company policies. These were put in place by senior management, including Ian Murgett, QHSE and Continuous Improvement Manager and the site Health and Safety Supervisor for Rocal Group. Stephen Nadin, Managing Director of Endurance Doors commented: “This new publication is important for us, our valued installation partners and the homeowners who have carefully decided that an Endurance Door is the best investment for them. It’s important that as a diligent manufacturer, we communicate in what we are doing and the expectations of door installers, so that throughout the supply chain everyone is clear what has been done and what will be done. “We’re now back manufacturing doors, taking orders and delivering to our nationwide network of partners as of 12th May. The hope is that as an industry we work collectively to get things moving quickly and to establish a new normal.” www.endurancedoors.co.uk 24 » JUN 2020 » CLEARVIEW-UK.COM