Update 10th May 2021
As the country is opening up again and all cultural activities can be resumed, all my workshops and private sessions can resume under ‘adult education’ with the necessary precautions highlighted below.
My blowtorches are waiting for you, and I am really looking forward to welcoming you soon in my studio or in venues around Ireland !
Stay safe.
Get on the waiting list here to take advantage of the early bird offer for the 2021 series of workshops .
Fáilte Ireland Covid 19 Safety Charter
I have been awarded the Fáilte Ireland Safety Charter, which confirms that I am following recommended guidelines and that I have been trained in hygiene and safety controls.
This charter was devised by our national tourism body Fáilte Ireland and is endorsed by the Government of Ireland.
As a workshop facilitator, who is regularly in contact with people in my studio or via my workshops, I have implemented a range of new measures in order to contain the spread of the covid-19, for your comfort and safety when you join me for workshops and private sessions, in my studio or in other venues around Ireland.
My sense is that having an explicit group protocol in place, allows us to carry on with our day and enjoy ourselves, knowing that precautions have been taken
In line with the Government’s “Plan for living with Covid-19”, I have updated my policies:
Social Distancing
Under new government guidelines I can only accommodate event bookings to a maximum of 10 people in large venues in Ireland (Block T) and three people in my studio in Whitegate
workstations are positioned 2 meters apart, according to the current recommended distance between people.
Cleaning and Sanitising
Customers will have access to alcohol based hand sanitisers in the studio or venues at all entrances and exits.
I will make sure that the venue is clean and hygienic:
Frequently touched surfaces and tools in the classrooms are cleaned and sterilized before and after every class.
Objects (blowtorches, brushes) will also be wiped with disinfectant regularly during the workshop
The customers toilets and wash room will also be checked regularly, cleaned and sterilized . customers will have access to a sink, warm water, soap and paper towels . I will request each participant wash their hands thoroughly, first thing on arrival and throughout the day as follows:
– On arrival.
– Before and after using facilities.
– Before and after you eat.
– After coughing or sneezing.
Participants are asked to bring their own apron .
Food and drink
Guests are requested to bring their own lunch and their own cup for tea and coffee.
If you must cough or sneeze during the day, please excuse yourself from the immediate group space to a distance of at least 2 meters to do so. Cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue and dispose of tissue in bin provided.
Face Coverings
All participant and facilitator are asked to wear face covering during the workshops. (I will have single use masks in the studio ) Please do let me know if you are unable to due to health conditions) . I thank you for your co-operation with this.
I will have disposable latex gloves available for all to wear during the whole length of the workshop
Posters highlighting this hygiene protocol will be displayed in the venue highlighting all measures taken
COVID 19 related Cancellation Policy
Rest assured that I will follow scientific, government, and local advice at all times and will act accordingly.
Customers Cancellation
⇒I ask that you stay at home and do not attend our workshops if you are feeling symptomatic or have been advised by your GP to self-isolate.
⇒If you are unable to attend the workshop you can give your place to your friend or family member. Please email me as soon as you can before the course with the name and contact details of the person attending in your place.
⇒I can only reschedule your date if there is a waiting list and I am able to re-sell your spot.
Government restrictions in response to COVID 19
If I am advised by the Government to postpone the workshops and private sessions in response or relating to COVID 19 restrictions, national or local lockdown, I will resume them as soon as it is possible and all participants/students will be notified immediately.
All workshops will take place when I am allowed to run them again safely following all safety precautions listed above, and no refunds will be given.
If a course must be cancelled completely, or a student is unable to attend for any reason relating to Covid 19 , I will offer alternative options:
- Attempt to reschedule the activity for a later date: A rescheduled date will be proposed to participants when social distancing regulations will ease . An email will be sent on time, which they will be asked to reply ASAP and within a specific deadline, letting the organiser know if they can attend or not the new proposed rescheduled date . If they are not available or can not attend , another date will be proposed or a refund will be issued on demand . Failure to notify the organiser within the specific deadline that they are unable to attend the rescheduled date or a no show to the rescheduled date will not be deemed for a refund .
- Transfer their payment to another course available, on the grounds that there are still spaces available
- Keep their name on my waiting list and give them first choice for the next set of workshops.
- Offer a voucher for the same value, redeemable for 5 years.
If the alternative solutions are not suitable for the customer, students will be given the opportunity of a full refund.
After the workshop
I will retain the names and contact details of all participants for at least one month. This will help public health authorities trace people who may have been exposed to COVID-19 if one or more participants become ill shortly after the event
Please note these are basic protective measures as recommended by WHO and my sense is that at least having an explicit group protocol in place, allows us to carry on with our day without anyone feeling a burden to name or tame the ‘elephant in the room’, alone.
To see more useful advice and rational information, visit WHO here.