COVID-19: Adapting the Workplace

The NHS Wales Library Service has worked hard to ensure we are delivering a safe environment and service to our service users. 

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To do this, we have used the following documentation:

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• The COVID-19 Safer Spaces Project - this was developed by architects to help public places to reopen safely, it particularly focuses on libraries

• IFLA: Reopening Libraries, guidance from around the world

• Libraries Connected: New guide to help libraries to reopen

• Welsh Government Workplace Guidance

  • Keep Wales Safe – at work in offices and contact centres (PDF)

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Measures taken in NHS Wales Libraries:

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Physical measures

Screens

• Protective screen installed around the enquiry / issue desk

• Protective Screen installed between the open access PCs

Cleaning of PCs, shared equipment, telephones – wipes available

Distancing

• PCs taken out of use to ensure distancing

Ventilation – keep windows open

Posters / Signage around the library around the library

• 2m Distancing

• Hand washing reminder

• Books consulted to be placed on trolley for quarantining

• Labels on shelves asking users to wash or sanitise their hands before and after touching the book or journal stock.

Staff

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Working from home on rota to reduce contact

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Using laptop and VPN

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Work spaces spread out to meet distancing requirements

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Working in blocks of days behind issue desk to minimise cross contamination

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Staggered lunches and breaks

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Teams / zoom meetings instead of face to face where possible

Equipment

• Hand sanitiser – pump and wall mounted

• Anti viral wipes

• Disposable  gloves

• Altered ways of working to avoid touching areas that others will have used,

• Quarantining

Returned books set aside for 72 hours

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Users asked to leave books they have used whilst in the library on a designated trolley so  can quarantine  before re-shelving

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Headphones set aside for 72 hours

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Card machines to take payments instead of cash

Documentation

Organisations risk assessment completed

Personal risk assessment completed

Communication

Have regular group catch ups and discuss measures

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Advice from Infection Control

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Consulting users on measures

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Contact Us!

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If you have any queries, concerns or comments, please contact your local NHS Wales Library.

COVID-19 related posters available to download:

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• Keep 2m distance SBUHB

  • Welsh​

• Keep 2m distance NHSWLS

  • Welsh​

• Keep 2m distance customisable 

  • Welsh​

• Hand Washing

  • Welsh​

• Leave Books on Trolley

  • Welsh​

• Julia Donaldson

  • 1: Gruffalo

  • 2: A Squash and a Squeeze

  • 3: Room on the Broom

  • 4: The Gruffalo's Child

  • 5: The Smartest Giant in Town

  • 6: Charlie Cook's Favourite Book