Reference:
Request detail:
In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000, please could you provide me with information (emailed to me) with regard to how your organization addressed above, dealt with certain matters during the Covid 19-Pandemic.
*Personnel refers to organizational employed personnel.
**Non-operational vehicles refers to non-blue light response vehicles owned or leased by the organization.
***Level of PPE - respiratory and/or eye protection and IMPORTANTLY the grade of PPE specified e.g. in the case of respiratory protection ‘Workwear or FFP1 or FFP2 or FFP3 grade masks.
**** Operational vehicles refers to blue-light response vehicles owned or leased by the organization
In relation to personnel*, traveling within NON-operation vehicles**:
1. Were personnel prohibited from traveling together in a vehicle at any period during the Covid pandemic?
2. If so, during what date period had this prohibition taken effect?
3. Were personnel permitted to travel together in a vehicle at any period during the Covid pandemic?
4. If so, were personnel required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while traveling together in a vehicle?
5. If answer to Q4 is YES, during which date period had the PPE been required?
6. What level of PPE*** was specified for occupants traveling together in a vehicle?
7. Was the requirement to wear PPE, mandatory or advisory?
In relation to personnel*, traveling within OPERATIONAL vehicles****:
8. Were employees permitted to travel together in operational-vehicles****, (in particular Fire Engines) at any period during the Covid pandemic?
9. If so, were personnel required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while traveling together in a vehicle during any period within the Covid pandemic?
10. If answer to Q9 is YES - what level of PPE*** was specified for occupants within a vehicle?
11. Was the requirement to wear PPE mandatory or advisory?
12. In relation to Q9 above - during what date period had the PPE requirements been in place?
Response detail:
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request. Please refer below for the information requested.
In relation to personnel*, traveling within NON-operation vehicles**:
1. Were personnel prohibited from traveling together in a vehicle at any period during the Covid pandemic? Personnel were advised to travel in separate cars where possible and if not, they were to wear FFP3 masks, then later wear fluid resistant surgical masks (Type II2r), Nitrile Gloves (2-pair worn at once)
2. If so, during what date period had this prohibition taken effect? From April 2020
3. Were personnel permitted to travel together in a vehicle at any period during the Covid pandemic? See one above
4. If so, were personnel required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while traveling together in a vehicle? See one above
5. If answer to Q4 is YES, during which date period had the PPE been required? Throughout the period
6. What level of PPE*** was specified for occupants traveling together in a vehicle? The level of PPE worn was initially FFP3, then fluid resistant surgical masks (Type II2r), Nitrile Gloves (2-pair worn at once)
7. Was the requirement to wear PPE, mandatory or advisory? Mandatory
In relation to personnel*, traveling within OPERATIONAL vehicles****:
8. Were employees permitted to travel together in operational-vehicles****, (in particular Fire Engines) at any period during the Covid pandemic? Yes, the size of responding crews was limited, with a second officers’ vehicle responding
9. If so, were personnel required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while traveling together in a vehicle during any period within the Covid pandemic? Yes
10. If answer to Q9 is YES - what level of PPE*** was specified for occupants within a vehicle? The level of PPE worn was initially FFP3, then fluid resistant surgical masks (Type II2r), Nitrile Gloves (2-pair worn at once)
11. Was the requirement to wear PPE mandatory or advisory? Mandatory
12. In relation to Q9 above - during what date period had the PPE requirements been in place? Throughout the period
