Easing Into The New Normal - Site Visit Safety

Going back on-site is rather exciting, even if they are a little nail-biting at the moment. There’s no greater joy of being right in the midst of a project and seeing transformation take place. However, this wobble of a year put a halt on meeting clients due to the lockdown. I mean, Zoom meetings have their benefits and are a big part in carrying out Persona Abode design services, BUT, I cannot wait to see the project I’m working on in the brick and mortar flesh.

A date is in the diary and before I hop on over to the location prep work needs to be done. This time round is more than checking that my pens work and the laser measure has been charged up, although equipment is super essential for visits.

Safety is majorly important to consider. It’s not a time to be all wishy washy as restrictions ease, therefore thoughts on staying safe have had to be set in stone. From now on until (insert a shrug) guidelines have to be followed for the safety of everyone and are as follows:

Persona Abode is an interior design studio designing space for wellness. Health and safety are a priority during the entire design process. During site visits and visits related to projects, social distancing measures will be adhered to. For your safety and for all people you may come in contact with, you are asked to follow the guidelines.

Members of the Persona Abode team will wear PPE equipment while on-site and will inform all parties should we test positive for Covid-19 following a visit. Used PPE equipment will be disposed of and not left on site. 

The visiting policy remains in place while there are government guidelines in place related to the Covid-19 pandemic. Once the restrictions are lifted, the policy will continue in cases where clients are identified as vulnerable and wish to continue social distancing. 

Visit Guidelines

1. Virtual interactions keep in-person visits to a minimum and should be taken advantage of rather than requesting in-person appointments which could take place online. 

2. Minimal printed paperwork is exchanged. Digital documents are provided and digital signatures are requested as much as possible. 

3. A COVID-19 risk assessment is undertaken prior to every scheduled in-person visit. Assessments and any incident reports will be recorded and will be available upon request.

4. Prior to in-person consultations, meetings, site visits, installation, styling days, and photography shoots clients are reminded of the safety precautions put in place and are required to confirm via email.   

   • Confirming that you (the client(s)) have not shown Covid-19 symptoms within the last 7 days.  

   • Confirm that to the best of your knowledge, you (the client(s)) have not been in contact with anyone who has Covid-19 or experienced symptoms within the last 7 days.

   • You (the client(s) will prepare the property prior to the site visit taking place:

   1. Clean door handles, switches, surfaces, window openings and banisters/ railings with anti-bacterial products or detergents. 

   2. Leave all doors open in the property prior to our arrival, please use door stops if needed.

   3. Open windows for the purposes of ventilation

   4. Provide access to the parameter walls of the room, including the movement of furniture.

   • Please email any additional requirements that you want to be in place prior to the visit so that additional precautions can be made.

5. During in-person consultations, meetings, site visits, installation, styling days, and photography days, please agree to social distance from members of Persona Abode and project team persons required to be on-site to undertake installation and/ or carry out services at the property. 

6. During visits where measurements of the property will be taken, please refrain from asking questions or engaging in conversations with the Persona Abode members during the activity taking place. Accuracy is really important for space planning and selecting the appropriate furniture for your home.

7. Agree not to invite other people into the property who are not involved in the design project, including family members, friends or neighbours. 

8. Confirm if other trades (not identified as being a member of the interior design project) will be present during the visit and make sure they will not occupy the room(s) or entryways or passageways. It would be ideal that they are away from the property during scheduled visits or occupy rooms not accessed for the design project.  

INSTALLATION, STYLING VISITS & PHOTOGRAPHY SHOOTS

1. Unwrapped items (including furniture, homeware and appliances), whether newly acquired or previously owned by the client(s), are cleaned prior to installation. Gloves are to be used during installation and styling. 

2. Packaging will be disposed of safely.

3. Used PPE equipment will be disposed of and not left on site. 

4. Any door handles, window openings, banisters, railings, surfaces and light switches that are touched during the visit are to be cleaned before leaving the property. 

5. A deeper clean is suggested after the installation and is the responsibility of the client(s). 

6. All members of the installation and photography teams on site are to have personal protective equipment and use face masks, disposable gloves, and hand sanitiser during delivery onwards. Persona Abode will liaise with teams to make them aware of health and safety procedures.  

7. Persona Abode will ensure no other teams will be brought to the property without notifying clients. 

Guidelines are subject to change according to Covid-19 developments and the government guidelines related to the pandemic and any other circumstances.