As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the British Plastics Federation (BPF) has launched an updated and expanded guidance on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
The third edition of the document includes up-to-date advice from both the government and Public Health England regarding how manufacturers can continue operating whilst protecting staff during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Manufacturing companies will be able to read notes on the government policy on risk assessments, view a checklist for safe travel to and from work, additional details of the government’s coronavirus national testing programme, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and first aid guidance from St John’s Ambulance.
Russell Sparrow, health, safety and environmental manager for Hozelock, as well as a member of the BPF’s industrial health and safety committee, commented: “The coronavirus pandemic has, more than ever put health, safety and wellbeing into sharp focus for manufacturing. At Hozelock it is important for us as a business to be part of the best practice sharing network offered by the BPF to produce this guidance. As a result, BPF delivered Covid-19: Guidance on Good Manufacturing Practice for the plastics sector over five weeks before the government’s working safely guidance on 11th May, meaning that we were able to maintain safe working conditions during the peak of uncertainty. This third edition allows us to continue to take every step necessary to ensure the safety and security of our people and our supply chains.”
As well as this guidance document, the BPF has also produced a range of good practice posters to be displayed in factory and office settings. These were produced by Epwin Group, a member of BPF, and will aim to provide reminders of the key messages regarding social distancing, handwashing, and all other measures to reduce the risk of coronavirus in the workplace.
The BPF’s Industrial Health and Safety Central Expert Committee meets regularly to closely monitor health and safety issues within the sector. The BPF is a supporter of 'Safety in Manufacturing Plastics' (SIMPL): The industry-led initiative to improve health and safety across the whole plastics industry.
The new guidance document is available to view here.