Temperature Check Policy and Limitations

THIS POLICY

Prepared/reviewed by:	James Hall, Frank Fletcher, Laura Davis
Purpose:	Information on how to conduct a safe temperature check on an individual, and some of the limitations of this check.
To be read by:	Operations manager, all team members, volunteers, hospital contacts, Trust leads and Skippers before any activity.
Also refer to:	Policy on Isolating for Young People, Staff and Volunteers. COVID Secure Travel Policy.
Last updated:	Friday 10 June 2021

OVERVIEW

Regular temperature checks will be part of our wider safety management approach. They are an indicator of symptoms and not a standalone control measure.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

What is a high temperature?

Normal body temperature is different for everyone and changes during the day.
A high temperature is usually considered to be 38C or above.
Many things can cause a high temperature, but it's usually the body fighting infection.

Someone may have a high temperature if:

Their chest or back feel hotter than usual.
They have other symptoms, such as shivering (chills), sweating or warm, red skin.
A thermometer says their temperature is 38C or above.

WHEN TO TAKE SOMEONE’S TEMPERATURE

All temperature checks will be completed used a Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer (refer to the manual for the operating instructions)

Arriving at pick up point/on site

Before the individual interacts with anyone else, take their temperature. This will be done by a Trust team member or hospital contact.
A mask and disposable gloves at least must be worn as a precaution – the check will need to be done within a 1m of the individual.
If the individual has a high temperature, they can’t board the transport/access the activity site and must return home.
Parents/guardians should not leave the pick-up point before the temperature check has been done.

On-trip checks

Daily checks will be done each morning of a residential trip (sailing and outdoor activity centres) - checks on young people will be done by a Trust team member.
A mask and disposable gloves at least must be worn as a precaution.
If the individual has a high temperature, follow the Policy on Isolating for Young People, Staff and Volunteers.
Volunteers and staff will take their own temperatures.

The thermometer (and any other equipment) must be wiped down between checks.

If someone has other symptoms

If someone has any other official COVID symptom(s), please follow the refer to ‘Policy on Isolating for Young People, Staff and Volunteers’ and follow as appropriate.

LIMITATIONS

Temperature checks are only one part of trying to keep everyone safe, because:

A high temperature does not always indicate someone has COVID.
A normal temperature does not guarantee someone does not have COVID.