News | Published on 27th Apr 2020
Stewart Clements, Director, HHIC said;
“The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, HHIC, are pleased that government have recognised that the heating and plumbing industry carry out essential frontline work to maintain the supply of heating and hot water to UK homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses. Its operation is essential to ensure people are kept safe in their homes and businesses.”
“HHIC has an open line of communication with government, in particular the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, BEIS. The current COVID-19 crisis is an ever-changing, and ever-moving situation which requires daily review and communication so that we are in the best position to be able to keep our members informed.”
“Following announcements that Covid-19 testing capacity in England has been extended to all key workers and their households with symptoms. BEIS have confirmed that workers delivering essential services in the utilities sector, which encompasses heat, are now eligible for testing. The Government’s guidance remains that tradespeople entering homes should only be undertaking essential repairs and maintenance. No work should be carried out by a tradesperson who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild. Those with symptoms that need to return to work to undertake essential activity in the heat sector must get tested before doing so. More information, and the option to self-refer for a test, is available online at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
HHIC together with the heating industry regularly update its advice to frontline engineers- who are currently still operating. These are based on Government recommendations, which change daily.
Work carried out in people’s homes
For example, by tradespeople carrying out repairs and maintenance, can continue, provided that the tradesperson is well and has no symptoms.
Again, it will be important to ensure that Public Health England guidelines, including maintaining a 2 metre distance from any household occupants, are followed to ensure everyone’s safety.
No work should be carried out in any household which is isolating or where an individual is being shielded, unless it is to remedy a direct risk to the safety of the household, such as emergency plumbing or repairs, and where the tradesperson is willing to do so. In such cases, Public Health England can provide advice to tradespeople and households.
No work should be carried out by a tradesperson who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild.
Key considerations:
Practical steps to take when working in the field:
Job completion
*Note- this guidance is to assist the business/individual. It does not form an official process.
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