Blog Post

COVID-19 - the impact on heating engineers

David Lambert • 19 May 2020

Find out more about COVID-19’s impact on heating engineers

A close up of a control panel on a boiler with a blue background.

Find out more about Covid 19’s impact on heating engineers, from testing eligibility to safe working practices. Plus GTA remains open!

Like most industries, Covid 19’s impact on heating engineers has been far-reaching. However, after significant pressure from the heating industry and its regulating bodies, the Government has confirmed that those working with gas are termed as ‘essential workers’ and are therefore eligible for Covid 19 testing.

This confirmation will not come as a surprise to those of us working in the gas industry. As Director of HHIC, Stewart Clements, explained, “...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.”

“The Government has further extended the eligibility for testing. It now includes anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 who has to leave their home for work because they cannot work from home. No work should be carried out by those who have coronavirus symptoms, however mild. Those with symptoms should get tested so they know whether to continue their isolation or if they are safe to go back to work.

“In the heat sector those eligible include heating engineers who need to work in domestic or non-domestic buildings, and workers in the wider supply chain,” he continued. “The Government’s guidance remains that tradespeople entering homes should only be undertaking essential repairs and maintenance. Those working in other settings should work from home if they can, but may otherwise travel to work. More information, and the option to self-refer for a test, is available online.”

Rules you must follow

Covid 19’s impact on heating engineers includes the way they must operate. Please note that Government advice and recommendations is changing daily; however, the general rules are as follows:

When working in a person’s home, you must ensure that you are well and have no symptoms
You must maintain a 2 metre distance from any household occupants
No work should be carried out in a home which is isolating or where an individual is shielding. The only exception would be to carry out emergency plumbing or repairs

Things to consider to minimise Covid 19’s impact on heating engineers

Government advice is changing all the time, so make sure you keep up to date on the latest rules
When consulting with a customer, make sure you ask them if they or any occupants are currently self-isolating, being shielded or have received a positive Covid 19 diagnosis. Double check this on the day you are meant to be attending their residence
Do not shake hands with the customer or any other individuals and ask them to stay in another room to the one you are working in
Ask their permission to open windows in your work area for ventilation purposes
Thoroughly wash your hands both at the start and end of the job – it is also recommended that you bring your own hand towel, washing/replacing it at the end of each day. If you cannot access soap and water, ensure that you have an alcohol-based hand sanitiser – it needs to contain at least 60% alcohol
Do not touch your face
You need to be extra vigilant when working at any household that includes individuals over 70 and/or with underlying health issues
PPE is always recommended, such as a suitable face mask, eye protection and disposable overalls. Gloves are a must
When finishing, dispose of any bagged waste in accordance with any existing business process, local waste regulations and Government guidance
If you feel at risk at any time, undertake a personal risk assessment and if necessary, leave the premises. You can always reschedule a later date
Consider the welfare of your customers, your colleagues, yourself and your family at all times

What about training and ACS renewals?

Many ACS centres had to close with immediate effect when lockdown began and some have stated that they are unlikely to reopen until September at the earliest. For obvious reasons, Covid 19’s impact on heating engineers and gas ACS centres is not good news for those in the gas industry trying to complete or renew qualifications.

Gas Training & Assessment is proud to state that despite Covid 19’s impact on heating engineers and the wider industry, our centre meets all criteria set out by the Government and we can therefore continue to operate and deliver exceptional training.

Don't delay

A cartoon drawing of a corona virus on a white background

Covid 19’s impact on heating engineers and gas ACS centres will continue to be far reaching. For example, when it comes to renewing your gas ACS qualification, there is expected to be a rush later in the year. This is for two reasons:

Many engineers/companies are putting off renewing their qualifications due to the current situation
Other centres are closed, automatically decreasing the amount of renewals being processed

Here at Gas Training & Assessment, we would actively encourage you to book as early as you can. You can renew your ACS qualifications up to six months before the expiry date without any loss of its current date.

Therefore, if your ACS’s are up for renewal in the autumn, we would advise getting in touch with GTA in the near future to avoid any issues later in the year and reduce Covid 19’s impact on heating engineers and your business.

We hope you found the article, ‘Covid 19’s impact on heating engineers – what you need to know’ of interest. Please contact Gas Training & Assessment on 01268 727797 if you have any queries or need to renew your ACS qualifications in the next six months.

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