G15 statement on use of Personal Protective Equipment
- 23 April 2020
Government guidance is clear that the only sectors outside of health and social care which have a clinical need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect from Covid-19 are some cleaning in non-health care settings, those working in the management and care of deceased, and prisons and other prescribed places of detention, and first responders. For all other workers and sectors the Government advises, based on current evidence, that practicing good hand hygiene and social distancing remain key to minimising the risk of infection. The use of appropriate PPE will be specified by G15 members following government guidance and local risk assessments.
A number of the G15 largest London housing associations are direct providers of care and support services and are endeavouring to procure the appropriate equipment for their staff in those settings.
Cleaners carrying out specific tasks covered by government guidance in communal areas of G15 buildings will be provided with the appropriate PPE and be advised to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after all PPE has been removed. In some instances, including when tasks other than cleaning are being carried out, risk assessment may deem additional PPE appropriate - in which case we will equip our staff and ensure contractors consider the same.
Due to the pressure on PPE supply chains and the immediate crisis facing the health and care system, unless specified in government guidance, the G15 do not think it is appropriate to equip staff and contractors with the full range of PPE, which might be diverted away from where it is needed most.
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