NSI Approved Companies Maintaining Public Safety During the COVID-19 Pandemic
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, NSI approved security and fire safety companies, national and local providers alike, continue their 'Key Worker' efforts in security and fire safety.
NSI approved companies' involvement ranges from everyday local safety and security systems maintenance and provision to high-profile Government projects such as the new NHS Nightingale hospitals. In all cases delivering essential maintenance services safeguards environments. These include hospitals, care homes, supermarkets, schools and national infrastructure as well as empty, or infrequently occupied buildings and sites, such as commercial premises, museums, heritage sites and places of worship.
The general public and businesses can rest assured NSI approved companies are operating responsibly and in accordance with government guidelines during the Covid-19 pandemic and are doing everything possible to satisfy the needs of their customers.
NSI is regularly updating all NSI approved companies on latest government guidelines as well as providing clarification on how best to serve their customers and contracts during this period. The safety of the public and Key Worker staff remain top priority.
Homeowners
Government guidance including “Social distancing in the workplace during coronavirus (COVID-19): sector guidance” sets out guidelines for trades people visiting domestic properties:
Homeowners may expect essential maintenance to be carried out, providing government guidance on social distancing is observed. To visit properties, NSI approved company engineers, like all tradespersons - must be free of symptoms of Covid-19 – and should notify homeowners/occupiers in advance of their intent to visit a property, and on arrival, wash their hands for 20 seconds, or where facilities are not available, use hand sanitiser.
Where the household is isolating or where an individual is being shielded, engineers should not access a property unless the work is to remedy a direct risk to the safety of the household such as an emergency fault or repair.
Where a householder is concerned a lack of maintenance might put insurance cover at risk the circumstances of the particular situation including social distancing risks should be put to their insurer and guidance sought. The householder responsibility extends to creating a safe environment for visiting key workers as much for residents under their roof.
Home owners and those responsible for security or fire safety who require security or fire protection during the pandemic are advised to contact their NSI approved company, and also their insurer with any concerns.
Non-Domestic Environments
Social distancing and other precautions are similarly applicable to work being undertaken in a non-domestic environment. In-line with current government guidance, an NSI approved company may continue to carry out essential repairs and maintenance (including preventive maintenance) where site access is granted and social distancing can be maintained.
Whilst specific guidance regarding what qualifies as “essential repairs and maintenance” has not been issued, NSI approved companies will conduct a risk assessment on a case-by-case basis.
Protecting UK homeowners and businesses for 50 years, NSI approved companies are committed to the highest standards of service, quality and continual improvement.
To find an NSI approved company, please visit the NSI Company Finder