NASP has today urged trainers to ensure they are taking every precaution possible to mitigate the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the training environment.

Worrying pupil feedback that their trainer has not worn a mask or facilitated any ventilation in the vehicle has been received by both the national associations and the DVSA.

NASP joins with DVSA, and wider government, in impressing on trainers the need to ensure a safe and clean training environment and to give pupils and parents the reassurance that every precaution in being taken to mitigate the risk of infection.

Driver trainers and their pupils are particularly at risk given the close and enclosed proximity of in-vehicle training. Face masks are worn by Examiners and mandatory for pupils on test – the same measures should be taken to protect all concerned in the training process too.

In a separate plea NASP is also asking trainers to respect each other at this difficult time, and not engage in bullying and abusive behaviours towards fellow trainers. There has been a noticeable increase in combative and aggressive behaviour on and offline of late, with divisions of opinion occurring over the decision of when to return to training. NASP reminds the industry it is the individual choice of each trainer as to when they return to the road and that individual choice should be respected if the trainer in carrying out training safety and responsibly in accordance with the NASP guidelines.

 

Please keep checking the NASP website www.n-a-s-p.co.uk , individual NASP member association websites, member emails and social media for updated information. This advice is for everyone when your government say it’s safe to work.

Please remember that ADINJC, DIA and MSA are the only Tier 1 consultative stakeholder of DVSA within the ADI industry and as such receive information and communications direct from the regulator to disseminate to members. It is wise to check the source and validity of any other information you see, particularly on social media, if it does not come from a professional body within the sector.

Tips on how to put on a mask – from ADI Sarah Hutchinson’s surgeon consultant father
  1. take off your glasses
  2. place the mask as high up as possible on the nose
  3. pinch the metal insert tightly onto the nose
  4. replace glasses.

You will see the edge of the mask is within the lower edge of the glasses.

Masks without the nasal seal insert will of course be more susceptible to glasses steaming up.

Practice wearing a mask in the home then your breathing rate will settle down to normal.

Also, a useful hint from a motorcyclist is to use anti-fog spray on both sides of your glasses lenses.

Specsavers say please don’t use washing up liquid on your glasses,  you could ruin the coating!