Locksmiths are often called to a home during times of stress—the owner has been locked out of his or her car or home or, even worse, a break-in has occurred and the homeowner needs locks repaired or changed out entirely. Unfortunately, the idea of hiring a locksmith during a global pandemic only adds fuel to the panic fire as homeowners question the safety of brining someone onto their property or into their home.
If you’ve wondered whether it is safe to hire a locksmith now that COVID-19 is part of our lives, we have good news—professional locksmiths are just as worried about your safety as they are their own. Because the art of locksmithing is considered an essential service, locksmiths are allowed to work at all times, including intermittent government shutdowns, and are doing everything they can to keep their employees and clients safe.
Let’s look at 5 reasons why it is safe to hire a locksmith even as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
1 – They are trained to work during a pandemic
Professional locksmiths should be trained on how to reduce the risk of spreading viruses like COVID-19. Before you hire a locksmith, give the company a call and ask about their COVID-19 protocol. Any responsible locksmith company should have a plan in place, including:
- Employees disinfecting hands prior to approaching you
- Disinfecting hands and tools once the job is complete
2 – They wear PPE
Personal protection equipment, or PPE, is essential for locksmiths to keep themselves and their clients safe. At a minimum, a locksmith should arrive at your residence wearing gloves and a mask that covers both the nose and mouth. Some locksmiths also wear shoe coverings to protect your floors if they are working inside your home. They Follow Personal Safety Guidelines
Your locksmith should follow personal safety guidelines and avoid shaking hands when arriving and leaving the job. They should always maintain a distance of at least 1.5 meters between themselves and clients. If you plan to pay for locksmith services with a credit card, be sure to ask your locksmith to wipe down the card reader with disinfecting wipes or alcohol spray before you use it and sanitize your hands afterwards. By limiting the amount of unnecessary contact during the visit, you’ll keep yourself and your locksmith safe.
3 – They May Ask You to Increase Ventilation
If your locksmith is working inside your home, he or she may ask you to open windows in an effort to maximise the ventilation in your home. Another option is turning on your air conditioner system while the locksmith is in house. According to the CDC, improving the ventilation in a room can help reduce the number of viral particles in the air and prevent them from concentrating. And a lower particle rate means a lower chance you and your locksmith will get infected.
4 – They Stay Vigilant
Your locksmith carefully monitors his or her health, staying alert for symptoms that could indicate a COVID-19 infection. At the first sign of illness, locksmiths isolate and seek out a COVID-19 test. We only ask that you offer us the same level of preventative care. If you have an appointment scheduled with a locksmith and find that you or someone living in your home is feeling unwell or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, kindly call the office of your locksmith to cancel and reschedule your appointment.
By taking proper precautions and following recommended safety protocols, it is possible to safely hire a locksmith for all your locksmithing needs. And, considering most locksmith services are provided by small business owners, allowing locksmiths to do their job goes a long way in supporting your local small business. It truly is a win/win for everyone!