After many attempts to gain clarification on Member’s enquiries over the past few days and an excruciatingly long wait on the Corona Virus Hotline , the following information has been verified by the DHHS. Members are protected if abiding by the following guidelines as we have a Transaction ID for the telephone conversation should it be needed.
Updated Changes to Permitted Work Premises
The Victorian Government has released a new and upgraded list of ‘Permitted Work Premises’ that includes several industry sectors that were not previously allowed to open. This differs from the previous Stage 4 Industry List, issued earlier this week but does not materially change normal business operations for car washes.
Some sectors previously listed as closed or restricted, are now included as ‘Permitted Work Premises’. The new list is available on the DHHS website https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/business-industry-stage-4-restrictions-covid-19?_cldee=c2NvdHRAcHJvd2FzaC5jb20uYXU%3d&recipientid=contact-7a039c0287e8e81180e6000d3ae0def9-4cf1478af6c1433f823ea2389b721714&esid=9c60ba1c-9fd7-ea11-a813-000d3a6aacaf
Changes Relevant to Ongoing Maintenance and Security at Car Wash Sites
Under yesterday’s changes, there were concessions announced concerning essential maintenance for closed businesses. It has been confirmed by the DHHS that car wash operators can attend their sites to decommission plant and equipment, emergencies, maintenance and ongoing security of your car wash site. The DHHS has advised the following instruction adequately covers those needing to attend their site for these purposes:
Ancillary and support businesses are able to open on-site to ensure the necessary production, supply, manufacture, repair, maintenance, cleaning, security, wholesale, distribution, transportation or sale of equipment, goods or services required for the operations of a Permitted Work Premises, or for Closed Work Premises where there are safety or environmental obligations. The business cannot operate on-site for any other purpose.
If you, or any staff member is attending a site for the above purposes, they must have a Permitted Worker Permit Document. A copy of the document is attached.
The DHHS has advised that in the Permitted industry/activity box the following wording should be added “Other Services Sector- Essential maintenance for upkeep, security and safety”.
The DHHS has further advised that the following conditions are relevant and apply to ALL businesses regardless of status:
- Permitted Worker Permit (as above)
- COVID Safe Plan Directions can be found here – https://www.business.vic.gov.au/disputes-disasters-and-succession-planning/covid-safe-business/covid-safe-plan.
Your Free ACWA COVID Safe Plan
Our WHS partners at Eastman Lynch have provided a generic COVID-19 Safe Plan for Melbourne car wash operators to use if attending their sites during Stage 4 Restrictions.
The document has been prepared at “warp speed” to have it ready in time. There may need to be alterations made to the plan over the coming days but it will at least check a box and hopefully take some pressure off you at this excruciatingly difficult time.
ACWA has distributed a generic COVID-19 Safe Plan for closed car washes. We’ve tried to anticipate all situations and there may be some modification required for specific circumstances.
Thanks to Danny and the Eastman Lynch Team.
The template is available by logging into the Members Only section of the website.
