Works and construction against coronavirus
The architecture and construction sector in Spain is governed by a regulatory "chaos". Year after year, we verify it, and when we enter the Autonomous Communities, one more step is climbed. In the face of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID19), we are the same.
We are still in the "chaos" of the construction sector, no longer of regulations, but of the guidelines that we must take as responsible for a work, the project or as Health and Safety Coordinator.
A document with very clear guidelines for the construction sector, firm and official - at the national level - duly signed by the competent public administrations in combination with the professional collegiate representatives or the architects, surveyors or engineers themselves, directly there is no !
So it is time to assume as recommendations and guidelines the guides that appear at the same time that general implementing decrees are issued.
How is the pandemic affecting the construction and works sector?
To understand what has happened and what is happening in the construction sector, we have created a simple diagram:
We are not telling the reader anything new with the previous scheme, but our "schematic thinking" already warns us that the cycle outlined can be repeated with greater or less severity, and, therefore, we should take note of all those actions that we have taken and of those that we could improve if things change again in the future.
The cycle can be repeated to a lesser or greater degree; we should create an action protocol and try to improve or correct the errors that have occurred
The stoppage of the works due to force majeure requires a significant effort for all those involved in the works; facultative management, construction management, promoters, masons, etc. Where many factors must be taken into account and we believe that we explain it coherently in the article on how to act in works against Cororavirus (Representative of Phase-1) with guidelines and recommendations to follow.
We remember that we added an interesting video that dealt with the issue of the coronavirus in construction (The video was made in Phase 1, so that we understand each other):
We continue to delve a little more into the context and identify how the pandemic affects the works and how the administrations are acting accordingly.
The latest news is that We should "divide" the work into two typologies; new construction and rehabilitation or reform (activities related to intervention works in existing buildings), to avoid the risk of spread and contagion of COVID-19 in a context of necessary prudence.
That is to say… "Construction workers can share certain common spaces, with residents or other users, which enables an increase in infections" (See application rule Order SND / 340/2020 for Spain and the exceptions indicated). So we would have the following scheme:
How to create the action protocol on site in the face of the pandemic?
Now we have to try to understand a little the action protocol in works, what measures should be adopted on site to control the risk derived from COVID 19 (In the next section we will see where it fits within the Spanish regulations, as well as its supervision and the possible case of stoppage).
Each company participating in the work should have a specific and concrete protocol on the measures to be applied in relation to COVID-19. Companies must have the advice of Third Party Prevention Services (or their own if they have more than 250 workers on staff) for the implementation of these protocols. Aspects to consider:
- Before traveling to the workplace
- On-the-go and on-mission trips
- Prior to accessing the work
- During the execution of the works
- During the use of hygiene facilities
- During the use of the offices
- During breaks and breaks, in the use of the wellness facilities
- Before leaving the work
- Aspects / considerations to avoid, management with suppliers, messaging, etc.,
- Especially sensitive workers
- Action in case symptoms appear in a worker
- Action in the event of a positive worker for COVID-19
- Steps to follow regarding the incorporation of new workers from
existing subcontractors or new subcontractors.
The containment protocol and The measures to be adopted must be consistent with the provisions of the Ministry of Health In the document: Procedure for action for occupational risk prevention services in the face of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, consult the document HERE (You have to read the document yes or yes) where we can get a first look with:
From the document previously reviewed by the Ministry of Health, there are also three diagrams that are useful, in addition, we provide more information about masks. The mask scheme is made by Pablo Medina Sanchez (PRL Superior Technician)
The previous infographic can be expanded from HERE (A new window opens). Documentation that we should review and complementary to draw up a coherent protocol for action on site in the face of the pandemic:
- Safety recommendations in construction sites due to the COVID-19 crisis by the Higher Council of Colleges of Architects of Spain … Document here.
- National Institute of Safety and Health at Work of Spain (we can consult HERE) where they also have an interesting document on consulting information sources that include the autonomous communities and can be consulted from here.
- Another document of good practices in the workplace: Measures for the prevention of contagion of COVID-19 Made by the Ministry of Health … Document here.
- The Ministry of Health, with its section on coronavirus COVID-19 with all the information … Access here.
- Prevention line that is part of the Construction Labor Foundation with different interesting infographics … Access here. As an example:
As a note, and an article of interest we can see thermographic cameras: How to detect fever against Coronavirus COVID 19.
Who are responsible for verifying that everything is fulfilled and for halting the works, if applicable?
Here, we already have to put ourselves in the context of the applicable Spanish regulations. And the truth, although most professionals are clear about who must verify that everything is fulfilled, the issue of the possible stoppage of the works is being a constant debate on social networks.
Given the current situation, we have extracted an opinion based on three documents of interest that we believe provide quality and well-explained information:
- An analysis carried out by the Official College of Surveyors and Technical Architects of Madrid… From HERE.
- An analysis carried out by Ramón Pérez Merlos… From HERE.
- A diagram that reflects the conclusions of Ramón Pérez Merlos made by José Miguel Grau Pastor… From HERE.
EYE! The diagram above represents our opinion. The Competent technicians should contact their professional associations to provide them with the appropriate and legal considerations..
This article on our blog has only tried to try to clarify a little how the pandemic is affecting so much and the different guidelines that are appearing on the construction sector. It must be borne in mind that new application guidelines and regulations appear every day that affect and may substantially change the concepts presented here.
Note: Please, if the article is cited or images are used - drawings of the same. The source "OVACEN" and the corresponding link must be cited, either to the article or the general platform.
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