Managing Re-Opening of the Workplace Guidelines

As we continue to negotiate our way through the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak there have been many changes and indeed challenges we have faced in business and personally. We are now getting ready to tackle the next phase which is re-opening the workplace on June 8th with a view to achieving what looks like normality someday.

This next step will involve implementing control measures, reducing seat capacity, observing guidelines, ongoing supervision, and collaboration from all the Exam Centre Team and Exam Testers.

 Returning to Work Protocol

The Government of Ireland through the HSA / HSE has set out a set of Protocols to help guide businesses in the protection of their employees and visitors ( You the Test Taker ) from the spread of Covid-19. This Protocol is mandatory and will apply to all workplaces and any member of the public entering our premises for the purpose of taking an exam.  All measures that are practicable will be applied.

 COVID-19 Response Plan

The Exam Centre has developed a COVID-19 Response Plan which involves the following:

• - Updating of our Health and Safety Risk Assessments and Safety Statement
• - Taking into account employees and visitors including exam takers individual risk factors
• - A response plan to deal with a suspected case of COVID-19
• - Controls necessary to address the risks identified
• - Implementation of the measures necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19
• - Changing work patterns

 Return to Work Steps before workers Return to the Workplace

 The Exam Centre will provide induction training for all staff which will include:

• - The latest up-to-date advice and guidance on public health.
• - What should an employee or visitor do if they develop symptoms of COVID-19?
• - What new controls Employees and Exam Takers need to observe in line with Government and company guidelines.

 Preventative Measures

The Protocol emphasises that the best way to prevent person to person transmission of COVID-19 is to practice proper hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and physical distancing.

Preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the working environment

Hand Hygiene

In all centres, we will provide appropriate facilities to allow Employees and Exam Takers to practice proper hand hygiene. Good hygiene practices include – washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and frequent use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

All customers will also be asked upon entry to the centre to use the hand sanitiser provided at hand sanitiser workstations located at the entry points.

The Electronic Signature Pad and Electronic Palm Scanner will be disinfected before and after each use. Sanitising gel will be available to candidates after completion of this process.

Test takers will be issued with a key for a personal locker in order to store their belongings. This key will be sterilised after each use with disinfectant wipes.

The Exam Centre will provide the candidate with rough work paper where appropriate and candidates will be asked to bring their own pens/pencils with them to the centre and use them exclusively when necessary for admission, exam completion steps, and note-taking during the exam.

 Respiratory Hygiene

Staff and test-takers will be required to wear a face mask/covering at all times. This is Mandatory and is a pre-condition to taking an exam at The Exam Centre. Should test takers not have a face mask then one can be supplied for a nominal fee. If test takers are required to have a photo taken as part of their admission process, they will be asked to remove it only for 10-15 seconds that this process may take place.

Good respiratory hygiene practices include - cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, dispose of tissues and wash hands.

Frequent cleaning/disinfection of work surfaces and touchpoints such as door handles will be carried out.

Anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness as coughing or sneezing will not be allowed to test.

We will provide tissues and bins for the disposal of used tissues and these bins will be emptied regularly. Good respiratory etiquette is expected and will be practised at all times by staff and will be expected by all exam takers.

Physical Distancing

The physical distancing requirement of keeping 2 meters between staff and exam takers will be implemented where possible. Where a 2-meter separation cannot be ensured, at the reception/admission area, for example, we have erected protective barrier screens to ensure the safety of our staff and customers. Handshakes are strictly forbidden.

Test Takers Toilet Breaks

In order to preserve social distancing protocols candidates requiring a toilet break must press the call button and wait for the invigilator to escort them from the room.

Test Takers Ending Exams

In order to preserve social distancing protocols at the end of an exam, candidates are required to press the call button and an Exam Invigilator will come to the exam booth and escort the candidate from the room.

Use of Disposable Gloves

Disposable Gloves may be used if required

Hand washing is essential when gloves are removed to avoid subsequent contamination.

Staff and Test Takers should avoid touching their mouth eyes or nose when wearing gloves

 Cleaning the workplace

• - The cleaning of work areas will be conducted at regular intervals.
• - Thorough and regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces will be completed.
• - Exam workstations and equipment will be cleaned after each candidate uses it.
• - All door handles and push pads will be cleaned at least twice daily.
• - Bathrooms will be cleaned at regular intervals during the day.

 Enforcement

The measures in this Protocol are mandatory and will be enforced by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). The HSA is actively visiting businesses to ensure protocols are being adhered to. It is a condition of entry into The Exam Centre that all protocols be followed. Failure to do so will result in an exam being cancelled and NO refund will be given.