Training during the second (COVID-19) lockdown

Posted: 7 January 2021

Training during the second (COVID-19) lockdown - With the second lockdown now in place, understandably there are uncertainties on whether first aid and health and safety training is permitted in the current situation.

The England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland governments continually review their specific coronavirus (Covid-19) guidance.

In-house training across the UK. ‘Training and Education’ is permitted under the current guidance. Our workplace first aid and health and safety training courses are available in-house, essential classroom-based, blended, virtual or as on-line training formats.

Under directions from government and industry authorities, we continue to provide essential in-house workplace first aid and health and safety training, supporting vital sectors to allow businesses and organisations to maintain compliance and meet their business requirements. A risk assessment demonstrating additional measures required, room size, social distancing, and ‘Covid Safe’ measures at your premises will be conducted during the booking processes. It is advised that employers should consider their need for training and the extension period for first aid certificates required by the HSE.

Working with our customers the priority of the measures is to ensure the health and safety of all candidates and employees, and that the necessary physical distancing and control measures are in place.

Candidate health and safety during courses

The following measures are in place to keep candidates and our instructors safe:

Anyone who is unwell with symptoms of Covid-19 will be asked to not attend the course.
Where possible increase ventilation for the safety of the candidates and instructors by keeping windows open. It goes without saying to wear suitable clothing to stay warm during the colder winter months. Updated HSE advice highlights the importance of ventilation in indoor spaces to help minimise the transmission of Covid-19.
The seating in the training room/space should be maintained at a minimum distance of 2 metres. Candidate numbers on courses may have to be reduced to permit this.
Whenever reasonably practical, social distancing will be maintained.
For training and assessment where it is necessary to be within 2 metres of other candidates, candidates are expected to wear face-covering unless exempt.
Where close contact is necessary for the purpose of practical assessment, each session of contact within 2 meters will last for up to 15 minutes, in-line with the NHS Test and Trace definition for close contact.
The number of such sessions will be based on the topics covered on the course and the time taken for candidates to achieve competence in the relevant subject.
Necessary group work will be carried out in the same groups to minimise the contact with other candidates on the course.
We encourage regular use of hand washing facilities and provide hand sanitisers in each training session for regular use.
Where possible one manikin will be provided per candidate. In addition, face shields are provided for practical CPR and rigorous cleaning and sanitising procedures are in place. All equipment is cleaned regularly.

Further detailed information about ‘Covid Safe’ training delivery, requirements and frequently asked questions are linked below:

Covid-19 secure classroom training
Covid-19 first aid training assessment adjustments
Providing Safe, Socially Distanced First Aid Training & FAQs

Courses available to book

To support businesses and employees returning to work essential workplace first aid and health and safety training courses are available in the respective delivery formats:

Class-room or blended learning

First Aid at Work
Emergency First Aid at Work
First Aid at Work Requalification
Defibrillator/AED
Paediatric First Aid

Class-room or virtual learning

Fire Marshal/Warden
Food Safety
Health and Safety

Scheduled public and online courses

Scheduled public courses first aid and health and safety courses are currently on hold due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation. We will continue to monitor the situation and advise when our scheduled public courses will resume. However, there are alternative ways to learn without the need to attend a classroom-based course.

Online learning

A comprehensive portfolio of online courses with videos and simple steps for a wide range of scenarios are available to view HERE. The first modules can also be trialled at no cost.

To book a course

Enquire or request a booking on our site HERE

Call 020 7112 8543

Email enquiries@firstaidsafety.co.uk

Thanks to Harry at First Aid Safety for organising two brilliant courses for my work health and safety and fire marshal.

Harry was very friendly and helpful throughout the whole process and provided us with two experienced and knowledgeable trainers.

All attendees to both courses felt they achieved everything they wanted from the course and came away with the knowledge required.

Thanks very much First Aid Safety!

We had a Mental Health at Work course with First Aid Safety last week and it was a really fantastic and informative day. The topic can naturally be a little serious, but the course leader Stuart delivered the material with the respect it deserves, but in a way which meant we could all absorb the information, and didn’t go home feeling heavy. It was a fab session – thanks to all.