SEMA Ltd. Covid-19 Guidelines

1.0 What we are doing in terms of Covid-19 guidelines

SEMA Ltd. aims to support the healthcare of its employees, members and training delegates.  Therefore the safety and wellbeing of everyone is our paramount concern. We constantly monitor government advice and have listed our safety measures and information about our risk assessments below. We have conducted a risk assessment of our Burntwood Office to determine the maximum safe capacity to be able to adhere to 2-metre-plus social distancing, to determine the number of places available on each of our courses. We will be keeping our training venues well ventilated by having windows open, where we can. Depending on the season, it is advised that all delegates attend courses in warm clothing (we suggest lots of layers that can be added or removed).

2.0 Our safety measures

a) If a delegate has any of the symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. new persistent cough, high temperature, loss or change to sense of smell or taste) they must not attend training. We will provide a free transfer to a future course.

b) Where practical, we still require personnel to do their best to maintain social distancing measures (2-metre rule) between everyone at all times during the course and require the same of delegates during breaks

c) There is hand sanitisation available and regular hand-washing protocols in place.

d) We have introduced more frequent cleaning protocols.

e) SEMA have altered our training practical lessons so that trainers and delegates do not need to come into direct contact with each other and can remain socially distanced.

f) We do request face coverings be worn during training sessions. Those who have a medical exemption will be exempt from this rule). We will have a small supply of face masks, but we request delegates to please bring their own.

3.0 Our venues and risk assessments

Every venue we operate is subject to a rigorous Risk Assessment and formal Safe System of Work. These are different depending on the layout and use of the building. But there are some common themes, such as one-way systems or specific entrance/exit for different users of the building, hand-washing regimes, sanitiser stations, floor coverings/mats, guidance posters and floor markings.  In addition to cleaning regimes for equipment used, revised training protocols
to avoid touching, and so on.

In each and every case, the Risk Assessment and Safe System of Work is thoroughly assessed by our Office Manager and agreed by the relevant course trainer. 

The principles being adopted are in line with Government and Public Health England guidelines. What that means is that we are adopting all sorts of measures to keep our staff and our customers safe.What it does not mean is that we are removing every element of potential risk, as there is no scenario which is completely risk-free. Therefore, whilst we do have cleaning regimes, remind people to wash their hands regularly, conduct a thorough clean of the venue daily and clean frequent touchpoints throughout the day, we cannot mitigate every possible risk. Managing the use of toilets can be a challenge, but there are processes in place for every venue, such as limiting numbers in at any one time and encouraging people to take loo-breaks throughout the day rather than all going at once to avoid queuing. 

Also, recognising that we are training adults, people need to cooperate with the guidance but also self-manage – such as if someone comes to stand too close, then they should ask them to step back or they themselves should move away

4.0 Safe system of work

4.1.1. Pre-Course Registration
a) Course attendees must park in a designated parking space at the side or front of the SEMA Ltd. Burntwood building.

b) Delegates must not access the SEMA Ltd. Burntwood Building, earlier than ten minutes before the course start time.

c) On arrival, delegates will ‘buzz’ the front door intercom, advise of their name and course. The door will be opened by either SEMA Ltd. Administration or a Course trainer.

d) Upon entry, the delegate must use the hand sanitiser available 

e) Attendees will then be escorted to their training room.

f) Delegates and Trainers must not rearrange furniture. Room standard layouts will be pictorially displayed in the training room.

g) Including any practical training, delegates and trainer must maintain social distancing at all times.

h) Access to refreshments will be allowed, with a maximum of two delegates allowed in the kitchens. Again, these breaks will be managed by trainers, so they are staggered and avoid congestion in the kitchens. Tea and Coffee will be provided in single use cups, with single service sugar and milk and disposal stirrers. Cups, sugar sachets, single portion milk holders and stirrers must be placed in the recycle bin after use and must not be re-used.

i) Where lunches are provided, they will be pre booked, individual portions which must be eaten in the training room at the delegate desk space.

j) Delegates will be encouraged to use toilet facilities as and when required, rather than wait until break times. Again, social distancing must be maintained and only one delegate at a time may use the facilities.

k) Hand washing and regular sanitising will be encouraged throughout the delegates time on SEMA Ltd. premises.

l) Common ‘touch points’ such as door handles, kitchen facilities such as microwaves and Water urns, and the access ‘buzzer’ will be coated in antimicrobial film, which inhibits microbial growth and reduces the likelihood of transmission through touch.

m) At the end of the training day, delegates will leave the premises at staggered times to avoid congestion.

n) Regular training facility cleaning will take place pre- course in the boardroom and post course in the dedicated training room. Cleaners will be required to disinfect areas such as training desks and chairs and to wipe common touch points with anti-bacterial wipes.

o) Windows will be regularly opened to allow air circulation. The training room will have its door left open during breaks with the building roller shutter door half open, to allow air flow.