Face Covering Policy

Face Covering Policy

Coronavirus (COVID-19) usually spreads by droplets from coughs, sneezes and speaking. These droplets can also be picked up from surfaces, if you touch a surface and then your face without washing your hands first. The best available scientific evidence is that, when used correctly, wearing a face covering may reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets in certain circumstances, helping to protect others.

It is for this reason UKSA has taken the policy decision for all Staff/Student/Visitors to wear a face covering when on site in all indoor public areas. It is important to note this is  not a replacement for social distancing or regular hand washing but is intended to provide an additional safeguard layer against COVID- 19 pandemic. It is everyones responsibility to abide by this policy as well as related Procedures/Risk Assessments. Failure to do so will be taken seriously and may lead to disciplinary action.

1. UKSA Responsibilities

To ensure that all activities are undertaken safely and that this policy is clearly understood throughout UKSA. We will:

  • Provide face coverings for Housekeeping and Kitchen staff. UKSA branded re-usable face coverings are available to purchase from Reception.
  • Take such preventive measures to protect staff and Students from COVID-19.
  • Keep internal doors open and pathways clear where possible to avoid unnecessary risk of contact whilst not compromising site security.
  • Thoroughly cleanse all surfaces throughout the day.
  • Where people need to be onsite; we will instruct staff and students to remain within a UKSA bubble or work alone, wear face coverings in common areas and not to socially mix with other people on site
  • Communicate important changes to COVID-19 guidance to ensure the continued safety of our staff.
  • Review this policy at least annually or more frequently if significant changes occur.

2. What is a face covering?

A face covering is something which safely covers the nose and mouth. You can buy reusable or single-use face coverings. Face coverings are largely intended to protect others, not the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main confirmed sources of transmission of virus that causes coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Single use face coverings should be disposed of safely in the bin and not left at UKSA. Re-usable face coverings should be washed daily to ensure proper hygiene and sanitation.

3. When should you wear your face covering?

There are some places where you must wear a face covering by law. Different rules exist in different parts of the UK about which you can find out more at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own#the-reason-for-using-face-coverings

When working for UKSA you must wear your face covering in all indoor public UKSA site areas. This includes:

  • Reception (this includes reception staff)
  • Dining Room
  • Corridors
  • Classrooms *
  • Staff Kitchen
  • Meeting rooms
  • Toilets

The only exception to this is; staff are not required to wear a face covering  whilst working in their own office, but must put it back on when leaving their own office space.

Where medical exemption is applied this will be discussed with the student as part of the pre-sale process. Where proven medical exemption is granted by a director of UKSA this will be recorded on the students lanyard ID card.

4. UKSA Staff & Student Responsibilities

As students and employees of UKSA you are responsible for managing your own health and minimizing the risk of COVID-19 spread to others. UKSA expect all students and employees to adhere to COVID-19 Face Covering rules as detailed above and in addition to:

Instructors/Invigilators*

  • Wear face shields when teaching/exam managing in classrooms

Kitchen/Housekeeping staff

  • Wear face coverings when working in confined or common areas where other people converge.

Students

  • Wear face coverings during courses where social distancing measures may not be possible. Such courses include but are not limited to:
  • RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance when working on the engine
  • RYA Radar when working on the simulator
  • RYA Short Range Certificate when working on the simulator
  • UKSA Deck course During white board and projected presentations
  • Use of Navigation room with capacity over 8 students
  • MCA Approved engine course.
  • MCA General operators certificate when working on the simulator.

GDPR

Information and documentation will be held and processed in line with GDPR guidelines.

Training Requirements

DTO will communicate this policy via an All Staff E-mail.  Students will be advised through inductions and via Teams.