Recommended measures for workshops and what others are doing to protect staff and customers
Independent garages across the country are continuing to adapt, adopting new health and safety measures which allow them to continue operating during the UK’s COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 guidance for garages was published last week ahead of significantly increased demand for MOT tests, servicing, maintenance and repairs as UK lockdown easing begins.
Recommended protective measures for workshops include virus protection screens on service reception counters, personal protective equipment, clear marking or prohibited areas and signage to denote safe social distancing.
WAIglobal’s new vehicle sanitiser kit has received universal praise from independent garages.
The STERI-7 ready-to-use disinfectant can be sprayed inside vehicles to kill 99.9 per cent of bacteria, viruses and spores.
Once left to dry, a reactive barrier is created on the surface, regenerating to give up to seven days’ added protection.
Prosol UK has also responded to demand by expanding its range of COVID-19 safety equipment.
It supplies a wide range of safety equipment, warning signs and self-adhesive floor decals.
A Euro Car Parts spokesperson said: “These garages must also then mark out clear ‘customer only’ and ‘technician only’ areas in the workshop.
“When it comes to payment, our advice is to take card payment where possible and steer clear of cash, and to talk through invoices with customers on the phone, to minimise the need for close quarters interaction when they come to collect their vehicles.”
With the majority of independent garages open or about to reopen for business, Garage Wire readers have been sharing pictures of new safety equipment which is allowing them to continue working while adhering to government advice.
In pictures: Measures adopted by GW readers
Bolham Lane Garage, Retford. Bolham Lane Garage, Retford. Bolham Lane Garage, Retford. Bath Lane Garage, Mansfield. Tudor Car Services, Barrow in Furness. Tudor Car Services, Barrow in Furness. Tudor Car Services, Barrow in Furness. Spencer Lee Autos, Wisbech. Spencer Lee Autos, Wisbech. Meadowfield Auto Centre, Ponteland. Anderson Clark Motor Repairs, Inverness. Anderson Clark Motor Repairs, Inverness.
