Mixed Blessings rehearsals during the COVID-19 pandemic
Establishment: Mixed Blessings choir | Assessment by: Tom Lee | Date: 06/09/20 |
Review Date: ongoing | Approved by: | Date: |
1. Context
Revised guidance for the Performing Arts was published by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on 14 August 2020, and further updated on 21st August 2020, confirming that non-professionals can now take part in singing activity, whilst keeping to the current social distancing guidelines.
- This Risk Assessment is for Mixed Blessings rehearsals recommencing 9th September 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic
- This document has been prepared in line with the latest DCMS guidance and additional guidance from the Royal School of Church Music, the Association of British Choral Directors, and the Musicians’ Union
- While the guidance is clear that choir rehearsals may now take place, recent research studies indicate that the cumulative aerosol transmission present during choir rehearsals is likely to create additional risk; this document is designed to mitigate this potential aggregate risk
- We have some members in the NHS ‘clinically vulnerable’ category which means that they are at higher risk from COVID-19
- The DCMS guidance states that ‘Organisations have a duty of care to volunteers and non-professionals to ensure as far as reasonably practicable they are not exposed to risks to their health and safety’
- All Mixed Blessings members are required to read and abide by this document. It has been prepared to enable us to start rehearsing together again during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to minimise the risk of any one of us contracting or spreading the virus.
2. Purpose and usage of this document
- Mixed Blessings is deemed to be a non-professional group ‘participating in performing arts other than for work purposes’
- This document is designed to help Mixed Blessings rehearse safely during Stage Four of the DCMS roadmap for the return to performing arts: ‘Performances allowed indoors and outdoors (but with a limited socially-distanced audience indoors)’
- This risk assessment is for rehearsals without an audience
- This risk assessment will be shared with members in line with government recommendations
- his risk assessment will be published on the Mixed Blessings website in line with government recommendations
- The information in this document is subject to change to ensure it remains in line with the latest government advice and any local lockdown rules.
3. Risk Assessment
Risk | Who | Inherent Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk |
1. COVID-19 transmission via a member who is unwell attending rehearsals | MB Members | High | Prevent those who are or might be unwell from attending rehearsals Members must not attend rehearsal if they:
Choir members are required to inform Tom or Jane Lee if they develop possible symptoms; Tom/Jane will then send out an anonymous ‘possible symptoms’ alert to other members via WhatsApp. | Low |
2. Increased risk of COVID-19 transmission through lack of social distancing | MB Members | High | Members to observe social distancing at all times During rehearsals
| Low |
3. Increased risk of COVID-19 transmission through sharing of items during rehearsals | MB Members | Medium | No items to be shared during rehearsals No items are to be shared or handed around during rehearsals. Members are asked to bring with them their own personal items including:
| Low |
4. Increased risk of COVID-19 transmission through lack of or inadequate data for Test and Trace | MB Members Other church users Members of the wider community | Medium | Set up a temporary data collection scheme so transmission of COVID-19 can be traced The Government guidelines suggest a temporary record of participants to assist government Test and Trace requests
| Low |
5. Increased risk of COVID-19 transmission through poor sanitisation | Medium | Increased sanitisation measures It is our responsibility to sanitise the areas of the church we use before and after use
| Low | |
6. Increased risk of COVID-19 transmission through excessive aerosol production | MB Members | Medium | Restriction of aerosol production / spread
| Kiw |