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Daily Start

Covid - Daily Start - Jan 2022

Despite the escalating Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, work goes on and more than ever, the UK’s population is relying on our roads staying open and for our van drivers to keep working.

With that in mind, here’s a quick 8-point guide for all drivers, not just van drivers, which has been produced in line with the guidance provided by UK Government.

1. Start the day

To minimise the risk of infection in the cab and loadbay at the start of every working day, clean any areas likely to be touched by the driver or passengers.

These should include the steering wheel, gear selector, handbrake, ventilation controls, radio/infotainment, seat controls, seat belts, grab handles and mirror adjusters. Be careful not to make the steering wheel and gearlever slippery in the process. See images in the gallery above for suggested areas to be cleaned.

2. Clean outside

On the outside, clean all handles and doors especially in those areas likely to be touched (when slamming shut, etc). Also, pay close attention to the fuel flap and filler. When was it last refuelled? Can’t remember or don’t know? Give it a clean.

3. Be prepared

Keep cleaning products in the cab. If there’s a driver swap, remember to clean all those areas likely to be touched by the driver.

4. In The Cab

To reduce the spread of germs when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, or your sleeve (not your hands) if you don’t have a tissue. Remember to throw the tissue away immediately. Then wash your hands or use a hand sanitiser.

5. Check

Check who you're visiting

If you know who you’re visiting, contact them first to see if they are showing any symptoms of COVID-19. If they are, or are already self-isolating, and the visit is essential, arrange a delivery spot that keeps you away from that person.

6. Don't shake hands

Don’t shake hands on delivery and whenever you get in or leave the vehicle, use sanitiser gel to clean your hands. Avoid touching your face at all times. Also, when you get the opportunity, ensure that your hands are washed regularly following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines – 20 seconds with soap and hot water.

7. Plan your route

Plan your route to avoid potential traffic hold-ups.

Have a look at where you’re going, and if you’re doing multiple visits or have several destinations, try to look at the most efficient route possible in order to avoid

spending time spent in standing traffic. Consider time of travel – if you don’t have a set time, can you travel later in the evening or earlier in the morning? This way you’ll avoid potential contact with others, especially if there are traffic problems or you need to stop along the way.

Is your drive essential?
The government’s guidelines are to avoid all non-essential travel.

8. Clean again

When you’ve finished for the day, clean the cab and loadbay again, taking care to wipe all the areas that have been touched in the day. Also remember to remove any rubbish from the cab that could be harbouring the virus.

Check outside and in

Once you’re out, wipe all the door handles and door shuts, sanitise your hands again, and when you’re indoors, thoroughly wash your hands for 20 seconds following the World Health Organization guidelines.

These are the current guidelines and best practice to follow in order to stay safe in your work – and please bear in mind that at the current time and based on our understanding of what is known of COVID-19, it is likely that older people and those with chronic medical conditions may be vulnerable to severe disease.