COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOL (VIC Only)

 

These regulations have been put in place for the health and safety of our students, teachers and staff in our Brunswick location in accordance with our COVIDSafe Plan and are in effect from the 28th of October 2020.

COVID-19 Health and Safety Policies in Sydney and other states are regulated by the individual locations hired for classes and students will be notified of these policies before participating in associated classes.

  1. CLASS ATTENDANCE

    • Students will not be allowed to attend class if they are showing any symptoms associated with the Coronavirus. No exceptions.

      • These symptoms include:

        • fever

        • dry cough

        • fatigue

        • aches and pains

        • sore throat

        • headache

        • loss of taste or smell

        • difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

        • chest pain or pressure

        • loss of speech or movement

    • Please self quarantine and stay away from TAFTA for 14 days should you have travelled recently/been in contact with someone unwell or who has travelled.

    2. ENTRY

    Entry to the studio requires a few steps in order to keep everyone safe.

    • Sanitisation

      • Hand sanitisation is the first step before entering the studio. Hand sanitiser should be available at the entrance.

      • Please make sure to sanitise according to the ‘How to Hand Rub’ poster here.

        • These posters will also be present at the front and back door for your instruction.

    • Entry Times

      • You will be provided with a specific 15 minute arrival window in order to reduce crossover between class groups.

    3. QR CODE CHECK-IN

    Anyone entering the building will be required to check in with the COVIDComply App for potential contact tracing purposes. This will require a QR code instead of a pen and paper log.

    Please note that we do not have access to the data that you put into the COVIDComply app unless we request permission to download.

    4. LATE ARRIVALS

    Students will be given a specific arrival time for class (as stated previously), if a student arrives outside this time period or is going to be late they will be instructed to notify the office.

    • After the allocated time the glass door will be locked, so any students who do not notify the office will be locked out of the studio.

    5. MASKS AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

    The government has outlined suitable masks and correct methods of use for masks and other PPE.

    • Acceptable Masks

      • Masks must be fitted and must cover the nose and mouth.

        • Please refer to this outline of acceptable mask use.

      • These masks are unacceptable:

        • Bandanas

        • Face shields

        • Scarves

        • Loose snoods

        • Loose Buffs

        • Loose neck gaiters

      • If an unacceptable mask is worn to the studio it must be removed and replaced with a mask provided by TAFTA.

    • Mask Use

      • Masks must be used at all times.

      • Masks can be taken off for the following reasons:

        • Breathing techniques

        • Warm-ups

        • Performance

      • Teachers must wear masks at all times unless demonstrating a breathing technique or participating in a scene or warm-up with a student.

      • During a scene masks are not necessary, however, must be worn as soon as the scene is complete.

    • Cleanliness of Masks

      • Reusable masks must be cleaned daily and must be completely dry before use

      • If it is noticeable that a student’s mask is soiled or otherwise dirty they must be instructed to replace the mask with the masks provided at TAFTA and to clean their masks at the allocated station.

    • Glove Use

      • Teachers operating high-touch equipment such as cameras, tv remotes and air conditioning must be wearing gloves throughout the lesson.

      • Students are not required to wear gloves unless operating high-touch equipment.

    6. CLASSROOM USE

    The use of classrooms has changed due to the restrictions necessary to comply with COVIDSafe guidelines.

    • Air Conditioning & Open Windows

      • During class windows and doors will remain open to keep fresh air flowing throughout the room.

      • Air Conditionings must also be utilised on either the ‘COOL’ or ‘FAN’ setting to encourage air flow.

    • Warm Clothing

      • Due to the continued use of fans and air conditionings, students and teachers are advised to please bring warm clothing to class for comfortability.

    • Seating

      • Chairs will be separated by 1.5m grids.

      • Chairs are sanitised between classes.

      • Students should continue to use the same chair throughout a class and should not swap chairs with other students.

    • Swapping Classrooms

      • Swapping classrooms during class is not advised as classrooms are set up for individual classes.

      • If you require use of another classroom throughout your class period please notify the health officer that you will be using that spaces so adequate cleaning can take place.

    • Script Usage

      • Scripts should not be passed between students. If your class requires you to provide a partner with a script this should be pre-organised with the staff before class and a printed copy will be provided in a safe manner.

    7. SD CARDS

    While we usually use SD cards to record footage during class, we will now be allocating single SD cards to particular class groups that are to be returned to the office after use and uploaded to a group drive for students to collect their footage.

    8. BREAKS

    Bathroom and rest breaks will be allocated in the welcome email to reduce cross over between the classes.

    o   Students are encouraged to go to the bathroom before and after class and a time period for their class group will be provided for both groups outside of the in-class provided break.

    If a student needs to go to the bathroom outside the allocated time, they can do so but must remain vigilant and take the utmost care to reduce interaction with other class groups.

    9. HAND-WASHING

    Hand-washing is incredibly important after bathroom and lunch breaks, particularly those taken outside.

    • Hand-washing instructions will be available in the kitchen and bathroom, these must be referred to when washing hands.

      • Please refer to the instructional here.

    • Hand soap will be checked regularly to ensure adequate levels. If hand soap runs out the health officer must be notified immediately.

    10. KITCHENETTE USE

    The kitchenette will be largely closed throughout the COVID-19 outbreak. However, there are some exceptions to use.

    • Disposable Cups and Cutlery

      • Disposable cups and cutlery will be available in the instance that students neglect to bring their own reusable water bottles or cutlery for snacks and lunch breaks.

      • These are available however, students are encouraged to please provide their own where possible.

    • Microwave

      • The microwave will be available for use throughout this period.

      • After use of the microwave students and teachers are required to wipe down the keypad, the rotating plate and handle with an anti-bacterial wipe (these will be provided).

      • The microwave will also be sanitised by staff regularly.

    • Kettle

      • The kettle will be available for use throughout this period.

      • Please make sure to sanitise before and after use of the kettle.

      • The kettle will be sanitised by staff regularly.

    • Student Fridge

      • The student fridge is available for use throughout this period.

      • Hand sanitiser should be used before fridge use or the fridge handle should be wiped down after use.

    The following will not be available for use throughout this period and cupboards will be taped shut to ensure these are not used:

    • Tea and coffee

    • Mugs and glasses

    • Plates

    • Metal cutlery

    • Condiments

    • Milks

    11. EXITING THE STUDIO

    Exit times for the studio will also be allocated and bins will be provided for disposal of PPE.

    • Bins for PPE

      • A clearly labelled bin will be provided at the exit of the studio. The exit door will be pointed out to students and teachers in the welcome email.

    • Exit Times

      • 15 minute window for exit times will be provided in the welcome email to students and teachers.

    12. CHANGES TO CANCELLATION POLICY

    Our cancellation policy has been amended to include full refunds for cases of COVID-19, flu-like symptoms and at-risk individuals more than 48 hours before the commencement of a class.

    • Cancellations for those reasons within 48 hours will incur a 20% administration fee. Documentation is required. All other cancellations defer to our original cancellation policy.

    • Due to the financial impact of COVID-19 on our business, we will be offering credits of any amount owed. In the event that a credit cannot be accepted and a refund is required we reserve the right to delay the refund and to issue it at a time that is appropriate and possible for the business.

    • We reserve the right to request documentation to support your request for refunds.

    13. REFUSAL OF ENTRY

    Students are responsible for complying with the above measures.

    • Refusal of entry due to refusal to comply with the measures does not permit you to request compensation for your inability to participate in class.

    • Please make sure you are aware of our COVIDSafe Plan that can be downloaded here and comply with all directions included in this email.

 Updated on the 16th November 2020.