Latest Updates

22 April 2022.

  • Click here for changes The Victorian Government announced to most COVIDSafe settings, effective 11.59pm Friday 22 April.
  • Click here for information on what to do if you test positive to COVID-19.
  • Click here for the positive rapid antigen test self reporting form.
  • Click here for the directions issued by Victoria’s Chief Health Officer on mandatory vaccinations, including the COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination (Specified Workers) Orders.
  • For your responsibilities as occupier of a room please see the Chamber Rules of Occupancy.
  • All front doors to BCL buildings are now open without restricted access, however you may require your swipe card to access your floor.

Staying COVIDSafe at BCL

Requirements for Victorian Businesses:

It is mandatory for all Victorian businesses (including all BCL occupants, barristers and clerks as sole trading businesses) to have a COVIDSafe Plan and QR code electronic record keeping:

  • Click here to view Victorian Government’s COVIDSafe Principles for Business.
  • Click here to access the BCL COVID-19 Safe Plan.
  • Click here to access the Victorian Government’s website to assist with your COVIDSafe Plan.
  • Click here for information on electronic record keeping.

If you have a confirmed case of COVID-19:

  • Click here to access full details the Victorian Government’s guideline on staying safe and well.
  • Click here for the positive rapid antigen test self reporting form.
  • Click here for up to date information on WorkSafe Victoria reporting requirements or call 13 23 60.

Please follow the Victorian’s Government’s medical directions regarding self-isolation if you test positive to COVID-19 or if you are a close contact and notify the Victorian Bar and BCL by completing the COVID-19 Assessment Form.

Overview of BCL's COVID-19 Response

Are we required to submit a copy of our COVIDSafe plan to BCL?

No, we don’t require this.  However, it is mandatory for all Victorian businesses to have a COVID Safe Plan including Sole Traders.

Click here to see the BCL COVID Safe Plan to use as a reference if you don’t already have on in place.
Am I required to report a potential or confirmed COVID-19 case to BCL or the Victorian Bar?

Yes. Please also follow the Victorian’s Government’s medical directions regarding if you test positive to COVID-19 or if you are a close contact and notify the Victorian Bar and BCL at BCLCovid@vicbar.com.au.
Who is responsible for managing the tracking of employees and visitors to my chamber?

It is your responsibility to track employees and visitors to your chamber (room) ensuring that they check-in using your QR codes.

BCL have provided QR codes for buildings entrances and floor reception areas.

Click here to find out more information on record keeping requirements for occupants including barristers and clerks.
Will I be notified of a confirmed COVID-19 case in my building?

Once notified of the confirmed COVID-19 case, BCL will communicate to relevant members of the Victorian Bar.

Examples of previous positive COVID-19 case notifications:
Who is responsible for organising cleaning after a confirmed case of COVID-19 and what areas are cleaned?

BCL will complete additional cleaning requirements which may include deep cleaning and touch point cleaning as part of our response to a positive case.

Our cleaners use Nanocyn, the chemical free sanitiser used for all touch point and decontamination cleans, is now certified by the TGA to kill viruses and bacteria within 30 seconds and COVID-19 within 15 seconds.

  • Click here for the Nanocyn safety data sheet.
  • Click here for the Australian Government’s Public Summary on Nanocyn.
Will BCL be checking the vaccination status of contractors attending site?

Yes.  All contractors check into site daily via our Induction System which now has vaccination status checking.
Are we required to wear face masks in BCL buildings?

Effective 11.59pm, Friday 25 February 2022 masks will no longer be required in BCL buildings.
Is there a density quota in lifts?

No.  As per current government directions there are no density quotas in lifts.  However responsible use of lifts and observation of the 1.5 metre rule between people is encouraged.

Communications

  • 23 November 2021: COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination (Workers) Directions (No 8). Click here
  • 11 October 2021: Update on mandatory vaccination directions. Click here
  • 3 October 2021: Confirmed case of COVID-19 in Owen Dixon Chambers East. Click here
  • 27 May 2021: 7 Day Circuit Breaker Lockdown. Click here
  • 12 February 2021: In Brief and note from the VicBar President including 5 day shutdown. Click here
  • 11 December 2020: Return to Chambers and CHO Directions. Click here
  • 4 December 2020: Updated directions on returning to Chambers. Click here
  • 27 November 2020: Return to Chambers. Click here
  • 27 October 2020: Easing of restrictions and Magistrates’ Court update. Click here
  • 21 October 2020: Supreme and County Courts on the resumption of criminal jury trials and the County Court’s judge alone trials protocol. Click here
  • 19 October 2020: Second step easing of restrictions. Click here
  • 6 October 2020: Permitted access updates. Click here
  • 28 September 2020: Victorian Government Sole Trader Support Fund. Click here
  • 11 September 2020: Continuing advocacy during COVID. Click here
  • 8 September 2020: COVID-19 Roadmap to Reopening. Click here
  • 1 September 2020: Term 4 jury trials vacated.  Click here
  • 19 August 2020: Access to On-site Childcare/Kindergarten Permit Scheme. Click here
  • 14 August 2020: Victorian Courts and VCAT COVIDSafe Plan. Click here
  • 6 August 2020: Permitted Workers.  Click here
  • 5 August 2020: Business Operations Restrictions. Click here
  • 3 August 2020: Stay at Home Restrictions.  Click here
  • 28 July 2020: Positive Cases. Click here
  • 20 July 2020: Mandatory Face Masks. Click here
  • 15 December 2021: BCL Managed Floors: BCL’s obligations as an employer and the responsibility of Barristers as sole traders. Click here
  • 7 October 2021: Swipe access required effective Monday 11 October. Click here
  • 28 May 2021: Mandatory QR Code Check In. Click here
  • 26 March 2021: Owen Dixon Chambers: all floors open Chambers East and West. Click here
  • 21 March 2021: Main Entrance access and updates. Click here
  • 10 July 2020 : COVID-19 & Safety in Chambers: Stage 3 restrictions back in place & building access. Click here
  • 15 April 2020: BCL Property & Technology Services: COVID-19 Restrictions Updated Services. Click here

BCL Buildings: Best Practices

Face Masks

Effective 11.59pm, Friday 25 February 2022 masks will no longer be required in BCL buildings.

Physical distancing

Physical distancing is an important part of mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic. All signage and preventative measures as recommended have been installed in all common areas in all buildings. encouraging the ongoing practice of physical distancing and safe working practices.

It is important that we all follow government advice around physical distancing, this includes:

  • Maintaining 1.5m distance at all times.
  • Ensuring overcrowding of lift carriages does not occur.
  • Reducing contact with shared surfaces such as common area furniture.
  • Encouraging and practicing reduced activity in common area kitchens and break out areas.
  • In cases where conference rooms are required, reducing meeting room capacity by monitoring the number of people per room is advised.  If your floor does not have adequate meeting room facilities for physical distancing please contact the BCL Service Desk.
  • Disinfecting meeting rooms with provided antibacterial wipes after use.

BCL Properties

To ensure everybody’s safety and security in these uncertain times property security protocols and processes may change from time to time as legislated:

  • All barristers, occupants and guests to follow the signage in all buildings.
  • All front doors to BCL buildings are now open without restricted access, however you still need your swipe card to access your floor.
  • End of Trip (EOT facilities) are available with nightly and high touch point cleaning regimes in place.
  • Additional security is present at Owen Dixon Chambers East and will continue to provide support for all barristers in all BCL buildings as required
  • Car parks – permanent allocated car parks in BCL buildings will also remain swipe access as permitted.

Cleaning

Provided in all bulidings:

  • Hand sanitiser stations placed in ground floor lobbies.
  • Hand sanitisers placed in the lift lobby of all floors.
  • Hand sanitisers placed in the car parks for Owen Dixon Chambers East and Owen Dixon Chambers West.
  • Nightly cleaning of all bathrooms, including chambers.
  • Additional touch point cleaning is completed twice daily and includes foyers, lifts and lift buttons and common areas on all floors (including kitchens and bathrooms). See note of the product used by Demos our contractor: Nanocyn, the chemical free sanitiser used for all touch point and decontamination cleans, is now certified by the TGA to kill viruses and bacteria within 30 seconds and COVID-19 within 15 seconds.
  • Click here for the Nanocyn safety data sheet.
    Click here for the Australian Government’s Public Summary on Nanocyn.
  • Deep cleaning and additional precautionary cleaning will be completed if appropriate or in the event of a confirmed positive case.

Practicing good hygiene

  • Sanitising hands when entering and exiting both the building and all floors.
  • Follow COVID signage instructions throughout building.
  • Washing hands before and after consuming food within chambers and common areas.
  • If you fall within the COVID-19 high risk category, please maintain appropriate caution levels when attending BCL properties.
  • If you present with any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, shortness of breath) please refer to the Victorian Government’s guidelines.

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