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A&R Security Services, Security Guards, Coronavirus, PPE, masks, Personal Protective Equipment

Coronavirus – What do you need to know?

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During this Coronavirus crisis, many law enforcement and security guards are expected to carry on their usual levels of service to both the public and to businesses in Cardiff and in South Wales. For both law enforcement and security guards to continue with their work, it is important that they are aware of the following information: recognition, protection, personal protection equipment (PPE) and how to respond correctly if exposed.

Below are some helpful guidelines to help you during this Coronavirus crisis.

Recognise signs and symptoms of Coronavirus

The World Health Organisation (W.H.O) and the NHS have issued a list of symptoms to look out for. Symptoms of the Coronavirus may include fever, a dry and continuous cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms can appear after a few days or a long as a fortnight.

If you have these symptoms, self-isolated for 7-14 days. If symptoms are unbearable, please call NHS line 111.

Protect yourself

The guidelines from the W.H.O and NHS has stated to maintain a distance of at least 2 meters (6ft) from other persons (especially those displaying symptoms). Ensure that there are hand sanitisers close to entrance ways and practise proper hand hygiene by washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water. It is also important to know what the protocol is for assessing any persons with suspected Coronavirus.

Wear PPE (Personal, Protective, Equipment)

When dealing with any persons who have suspected Coronavirus, ensure that your building or your security vehicle has disposable latex gloves, disposable single-use gowns/coveralls and protective eyewear. This will help protect you from potential spread to yourself and other persons.

Close contact

If you have been in close contact with an individual that may have the Coronavirus, make sure to clean and disinfect your hands and security gear that you may be wearing. Use antibacterial wipes, sprays or gels to disinfect and follow the instructions accordingly. When wearing PPE with a suspected person, follow correct protocols and guidelines to dispose of. If your clothes have been contaminated, contain them in a single-use bag and wash them immediately in a high-temperature wash. Any cases or exposure to the coronavirus is to be documented.

If you are in a building that sees a high amount of people coming in and out or mingling within a certain area, look out for potential signs of exposure and ensure that visitors are practising good hand hygiene along with yourself and other members of staff within the building. If you do suspect someone of the coronavirus, ensure that they are isolated from other visitors/members of staff and you follow the correct procedures.

For further information about our Security Services, visit our website or get in touch with us on 01656 713950

Hopsitals, Hospital, Hospital Security, Security Services, Security

Is your hospital security at risk?

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In recent years the Welsh NHS has been increasingly under stress despite having increased budgets for a number of its services. Although the NHS is one of the biggest employers in Wales and the UK – it has seen a number of shortages which has had an effect on A&E waiting times and the performance of their services.

With so many relying on the NHS in Wales it is important that healthcare facilities and hospitals can deal with any threats from both patients and employees.

So, there are some questions to consider when implementing security in healthcare facilities and hospitals.

How often are risk assessments conducted?

Carrying out risk assessments is vital to ensure that you can spot potential hazards which could injure patients and staff, cause ill health or leave people in a vulnerable position. By holding regular risk assessments, hospitals can spot potential hazards before they cause major disruptions.

Are my staff subject to violence?

In Wales, alone there have been 18,000 reports of violent attacks, aggression or verbal abuse on staff either from patients or other employees in hospitals.

The most effective way to check that your staff are protected from violent behaviour is to install CCTV systems in areas such as entrance areas, reception areas, waiting areas, outside nurse stations and staff rooms and corridors.

Another way in which the situations can be avoided is by hiring security staff and station them in areas where there may potential for conflict.

Also implementing reporting systems will also help staff to record everything that happens, so evidence can be provided if any legal action is taken.

Are Medicines and hazardous substances secure?

To ensure medicines and hazardous substance are not stolen, ensure that they are locked away in secure cupboards and other secure locations within the building. For added extra security, ensure that doors and cupboards are PIN secured or padlocked when not in use to avoid anything being stolen or tampered with and conducts regular audits to ensure they don’t end up in the wrong hands.

What equipment needs to be updated or secured?

If equipment is outdated or in need of repair, make sure that they are replaced or fixed as soon as possible. Make sure that they are regularly checked and maintained, and any faulty machinery have warning signs to alert staff and patients no to use it.

How Secure are the staff entrances?

Within hospitals there are areas that the public cannot enter. But having doors or corridors without key card scanners or password protected doors can allow the public gain access to confidential records.

Is there help for staff suffering from stress?

Mental health well-being is something that can become compromised especially dealing with stressful situations on a regular basis. It is important to offer staff help if they feel overworked or unable to cope with the challenging demands that they face. Doing so ensure that staff are not overworked and reduce of medical mistakes.

 

A&R Security Services can provide comprehensive security solutions to healthcare facilities in Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Bridgend and South Wales. If you are in need to Manned Guarding, Mobile Security or Concierge Services call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website.