Covid-19 temperature testing of employees

StupidQuestions · Post by **StupidQuestions** » Wed May 20, 2020 1:31 pm

Has anyone implemented this and if so what process have you implemented regarding the safety of person taking the measurements (we're purchasing the IR forehead type testers), the safety of the test subject and procedure for retest or sending home etc?

I've searched here and on the web but not finding any real clear guidance. I know this isn't one of the recommendations in the Gov guidance but we feel that anything we do to demonstrate to employees we are protecting them is a good step.

Also, I understand that I will need to get their permission and will not be recording anything unless of course we send someone home - normal HR records of absence.

Thanks in advance.

ScottD · Post by **ScottD** » Thu May 21, 2020 7:25 am

We have introduced this at my work. We are using the IR forehead thermometers also. We test everyone every day and record the temperature looking for an increase through the week. The tester wears a medical mask, safety glasses, disposable gloves and a full face visor. There is also a screen we build to shield the tester (this is used when there are a number of guys to do) and the person being tested stands sideways to the tester, not facing them also with a medical mask on. It is working well for us and we have no plans to change this in the current situation.

StupidQuestions · Post by **StupidQuestions** » Fri May 22, 2020 10:26 am

Thanks for that, sounds similar to my thoughts. Do you send them home straight away if they fail or give them a chance to cool down and perform a re-test? It's getting warm out there and we may get false results. I guess if they fail consistently that is sufficient for them to get tested straight away and the return to work is then a simple yes or no - isolate for 7 days.

ScottD · Post by **ScottD** » Fri May 22, 2020 11:51 am

I isolate them for 15mins, we have guys walking and arriving by bike etc. so yes, a false reading is a possibility. We use a different person to do the retest and even a different thermometer. It is either the GM or MD who does the second test and they make the on the spot decision to send them home if it is still high. If it is back down to within normal we will speak to the guy later in the morning and do a random test again just to make sure.

stephen1974 · Post by **stephen1974** » Fri May 22, 2020 1:16 pm

ScottD wrote: ↑Thu May 21, 2020 7:25 am We have introduced this at my work. We are using the IR forehead thermometers also. We test everyone every day and record the temperature looking for an increase through the week. The tester wears a medical mask, safety glasses, disposable gloves and a full face visor. There is also a screen we build to shield the tester (this is used when there are a number of guys to do) and the person being tested stands sideways to the tester, not facing them also with a medical mask on. It is working well for us and we have no plans to change this in the current situation.

Why are you wearing glasses and a full visor?

ScottD · Post by **ScottD** » Fri May 22, 2020 4:34 pm

Company overkill...… but it does ease the worries of the tester for sure. Safety glasses are standard for our work and the visor is a bit of reassurance which they appreciate.

Andyblue · Post by **Andyblue** » Sat May 23, 2020 8:25 am

ScottD wrote: ↑Thu May 21, 2020 7:25 am . We test everyone every day and record the temperature looking for an increase through the week.

As a practical point, how long are You looking to retain the temp records for?

ScottD · Post by **ScottD** » Mon May 25, 2020 7:32 am

I am keeping them all for the foreseeable just now, We have not decided yet the storage time. It is a record so we may keep them for 1 year.

stretch3144 · Post by **stretch3144** » Thu May 28, 2020 8:00 am

My company introduced this back in April. We get the employee to put on a nitrile glove, pick up the thermometer and self test, then show the result to the supervisor. This is done at the start of shift by the two clocking stations. We also provide hand sanitiser and cleaning wipes.
We are not recording temperatures as this could be against GDPR.
Anyone with a high temperature is asked to wait outside for ten minutes, then retested.
A high temperature (37.8 Deg C) or above will be asked to go home and self isolate for 7 days - haven't had any yet fortunately.
By the employee self testing, takes away any risk to our managers.

stephen1974 · Post by **stephen1974** » Thu May 28, 2020 7:27 pm

So whats the forehead temperature range that people should be looking for ? i cant find any guidance on adults only kids.

ScottD · Post by **ScottD** » Fri May 29, 2020 9:07 am

Hi Stephen,

To be honest, I looked for this when we set up our testing procedure. It seems to be that the digital forehead thermometers are normally associated with a non invasive way to measure kids. We are taking temperatures on the forehead in a consistent manner so the test procedure is the same. This is one of the main reasons we are recording temperature to look for fluctuations from a persons average temperature (taken over the previous 2 weeks results). There are charts online showing the areas for taking temperature but I don't think any of us want to go for the most accurate form of temperature taking (rectal thermometer !!!)

ddlh · Post by **ddlh** » Fri May 29, 2020 7:20 pm

Hi folks - I was on an IOSH webinar today relating to getting back to work.
One question that was asked to one of the presenters - and skillfully dodged - was the question of data protection when checking temperatures etc.

Is this a genuine concern? I could maybe see the point if you were carrying out some medical tests, but remote temperature checks?

Thanks