Introduction
These Protocols are provided to assist the public in understanding the
considerations that are informing the re-opening of public archive, gallery,
library and museum spaces. Hopefully both small and large institutions will find them useful. It is still intended that some Tasmania-specific guidelines will be published as well in the next week or two via Worksafe Tasmania--stay tuned. Many local councils are issuing advice to agencies within its area. There is a lot to take in but hopefully you can put together a plan for your museum that takes into account both national and local advice. Every museum and gallery will need to prepare a safety plan by 15 June in order to re open. These particular Protocols have been informed by the Australian
Government’s 3 Step Framework for a COVIDSafe Australia (the Framework), with a
focus Steps 2 and 3 as galleries and museums are required to stay closed to the
public under Step 1.
Australia’s galleries, libraries, archives and museums exist for the public benefit. They each preserve, interpret and make accessible our nation’s history fostering an understanding of the issues, people and events that have shaped Australia. Notwithstanding their digital outreach, it is important for each institution to safely open to the public as soon as conditions allow.
Each and every institution is unique, due to its location, size, the
nature of its offering, the visitors it attracts, and the number of visitors it
typically hosts on a daily basis. Therefore, it remains the responsibility of
each institution to undertake risk assessments and develop controls that apply
to their circumstances. It is for this reason that specific and detailed
controls cannot reasonably be contained within these protocols. Each
institution will develop its own detailed COVIDSafe plan in consultation with
the relevant authorities and in line with these protocols.
Prioritise health and safety
Follow National Cabinet and the Chief Medical Officer’s guidance, as well
as recommendations from federal/state/territory governments and state and local
health officials. (A list of references is provided at the end of this
document.) Review and incorporate these into relevant guidance for communities,
workplaces, and events. The Framework requires all Australians to maintain 1.5m
distancing and good hygiene, and to stay home if they are unwell. Institutions
are required to frequently clean and disinfect communal areas, and develop
COVIDSafe plans for their workplaces and premises. Where premises are shared
with institutions in other states and territories, consideration should be
given to aligning practice with that of the co-location partner.
Develop a phased timeline
A gradual approach allows
institutions to prioritise health and safety of both staff and visitors while
taking progressive steps to restore regular operations. It also provides
flexibility for regular monitoring and revision of reopening plans.
Institutions should also be prepared for future closures at short notice,
including those required if there is a confirmed case in a staff member or
visitor, or local health jurisdictions re-impose tighter restrictions in
response to local outbreaks. Under Step 2 of the Framework institutions will be
permitted to open to the public but under strict conditions to manage the
health and safety of visitors and staff. These conditions include limiting the
size of gatherings to up to 20 people unless the relevant State or Territory
allows larger numbers in some circumstances. For example, the ACT Government
has announced that from 20 June the size of gatherings may increase to up to 50
people. Under Step 3 of the Framework the size of permitted gatherings will be
increased to up to 100 people and larger gatherings will be considered, and our
institutions will adjust their accessibility arrangements accordingly.
Restrict contact, capacity, and access
As part of the phased approach, institutions will consider how to limit
person-to-person contact, regulate the number of visitors and/or staff in
particular spaces, and restrict or prohibit access to certain areas or
resources of the institution, consistent with the Framework and relevant State
or Territory arrangements. Practical measures will be implemented to ensure
physical distancing rules are understood and enforced, such as appropriate
signage and other guidance for visitors, and the availability of sufficient
trained staff to manage the safe flow of visitors within and between particular
spaces. Some activities and spaces at the institutions may remain unavailable
as they cannot be safely undertaken or used while observing necessary physical
distancing and hygiene measures. Access to collection material is the driving
tenet of all institutions. Where physical access cannot be managed within safe
parameters, consideration should be given to making alternative arrangements,
including digital access.
Individual COVIDSafe plans may include measures such as:
-Establish one-way flow through public spaces, with separated entry and
exit points, to facilitate physical distancing.
-No or limited access to theatres, high traffic areas, and particularly tight
spaces in the institution.
-Online ticket sales only or alternatively touchless payment options.
-Recording visitors contact details and/or asking if they have activated the
COVIDSafe application on their smartphones.
-Providing digital visitor guides and materials instead of physical
copies. o -Regulating interactive exhibits (e.g. touchscreens) by providing
disposable stylus pens, or if unavailable, signage or physical barriers to
prohibit use.
-Cancelling or restricting group visits, guided tours, public programs, and
special or private events until safe to offer them, and then limiting the
number of participants.
Establish clear cleaning protocols
Update cleaning protocols based on Department of Health and Safe Work
Australia recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting facilities, including
communal areas or surfaces frequently touched, and industry-recommended
practices for collections care, food service and retail operations. Require
third parties involved in food and retail activities at the institutions to
comply with relevant protocols.
Communicate clearly and frequently
Communicate proactively with both staff and the public about plans and
the protocols in place for their health and safety (this should include signage
at premises). Galleries, libraries, archives and museums are trusted by the
public and can play an important role can play an important role in public
education and community support in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Provide training for staff
Institutions should provide training for staff on how to protect staff
and promote safe interactions with other staff and/or visitors. The Department
of Health offers educational resources intended for workers who are at risk of
exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff should be given clear guidelines
for how to respond if other staff or visitors are not following health and
safety protocols and/or appear unwell.
Review and update workplace policies
-Policies for pandemics, employee leave and working from home arrangements
should be reviewed and updated to protect staff, provide flexibility, and
encourage sick employees to stay home.
-Coordinate approach and connect with the collections community
-Connect and collaborate with other collecting institutions and portfolio
departments for consistency and to identify and resolve common issues.
References
These reflect current health advice and the obligations of employers.
Safe Work Australia checklists
