The safety of our volunteers is a top priority for SAS. With that in mind we have created the following guidance for carrying out cleans during the coronavirus pandemic.
Where to clean:
To minimise the spread of coronavirus please do not travel outside of your local area specifically to conduct your clean. Sadly as plastic pollution is a global issue it is likely that any of our local beaches, rivers or streets would benefit from a clean.
Group cleans:
At the present time all SAS cleans must be held as “private events”, in order to follow government guidelines on social distancing and social gatherings. Therefore, our current emphasis is on organising your own clean following our simple step-by-step guide or completing a #MiniBeachClean. We do not recommend joining cleans with more people or households present than the current guidelines set out. Please refer to the current guidelines in your area for full details of current restrictions; www.gov.uk, www.gov.scot, www.gov.wales, www.northernireland.gov.uk
Equipment:
We would advise that volunteers use their own gloves where possible and that all equipment should be washed thoroughly after the event.
Hand sanitiser should be available at all cleans and used when the event has finished.
We are still able to provide equipment to those wishing to carry out cleans, provided that our Organise Your Own Clean Guide is followed. Please note that the pre-event checklist needs to be returned to us at least two weeks prior to your clean to ensure that we have enough time to send out any equipment that you have requested.
Sharps and PPE:
At this time we would advise volunteers to not pick up needles and other hazardous materials. Instead these should be reported to the local council as soon as possible.
PPE should only be picked up if suitable gloves (e.g. heavy duty gardening gloves) are worn and hands are washed for at least 20 seconds after the event.
If you feel unwell:
If you are displaying any of the symptoms of coronavirus or have been in contact with anyone who has symptoms or has tested positive for coronavirus in the last 14 days please do not attend a clean and follow government guidance.
Cancellations:
During periods of nice weather you may find that the area you planned to clean is busier than average. If this is the case and you feel that social distancing measures can not be observed please be prepared to reschedule your event for another time to ensure the safety of yourself, other volunteers and the general public.
If in doubt why not complete a #MiniBeachClean! This miniaturised version of an official SAS clean is already a well established staple of an Ocean Activist. Act on your desire to protect our environments from plastic pollution whilst staying safe!
Anything we haven’t covered?:
If you have a query that has not been answered by the above please email [email protected] or check your local government website for guidance on current restrictions.
We are currently monitoring the situation and as such this page will be updated as appropriate.