The Federation have been asked to investigate the potential for a recovery driver catching the Coronavirus (Covid-19) from a vehicle that he or she is collecting from a person identified as carrying the illness.
It must be made very clear that BVSF staff are NOT experienced or medically trained so are relying on information found and received when investigating this potential and cannot be held responsible for any expert errors in this regard.
The new Coronavirus is, as we know, a respiratory illness, which means it typically spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, droplets carrying viral particles can land on someone else's nose or mouth or get inhaled.
But, a person can also catch the new coronavirus if they touch a surface or object that has viral particles on it and then touch their mouth, nose, or eyes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The lifespan of the virus on a surface — a door handle, a stair banister, or even money — depends on many factors, including the surrounding temperature, humidity, and type of surface.
Although we are initially advised the likely lifespan is only hours to perhaps a day, the variables can make the life expectancy, potentially a lot longer.
How long the coronavirus survives on surfaces
A study recently published in the Journal of Hospital Infection looked at the lifespans of other coronaviruses found in humans on various surfaces. The SARS coronavirus for example, at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, lasted for two days on steel, four days on wood and glass, and five days on metal, plastic, and ceramics. (The researchers also found that one strain of SARS lasted up to nine days on a plastic surface at room temperature.)
It is suggested that these timescales are likely to apply to the new coronavirus, since smooth, nonporous surfaces like doorknobs and tabletops are better at carrying viruses in general. Porous surfaces — like money, hair, and fabric — don't allow viruses to survive as long because the small spaces or holes in them can trap the microbe and prevent its transfer.
Your smartphone, with all its glass and aluminum, can also carry viral particles.
On the basis of the above it would appear that a vehicle could conceivably pose a danger to a recovery staff member for a week, perhaps even a little longer after having an infected person within it sneezing/coughing etc etc.
As members of the Federation it is up to you how you deal with this potential timescale as of course you will not be sure when the last time a carrier of the illness will have been in the car potentially leaving the virus in there.
The surrounding temperature makes a big difference
The recent study also found that spikes in temperature made a difference in the lifespans of coronaviruses. An 10-degree Centigrade jump, from 20 degrees to 30 degrees, decreased how long SARS lasted on steel surfaces by at least 50%.
That's because some coronaviruses, including this new one, have a fat layer that protects viral particles when traveling from person to person in the air. That sheath can dry out, however, killing the virus. So higher humidity, moderate temperatures, low wind, and a solid surface are all good for a coronavirus' survival which of course could be a problem for members when getting into a car owned or used by a Coronavirus sufferer.
This also explains why respiratory viruses are typically seasonal as cooler temperatures help harden the protective gel-like coating that surrounds the particles.
How to disinfect surfaces
The authors of the recent study noted that human coronaviruses could be "efficiently inactivated" on surfaces within one minute if they're cleaned with solutions containing 62% to 71% ethanol alcohol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide, or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite.
It is possible that these surface disinfectants could even work within 15 seconds according to experts but to get the kill rates advertised on the packaging, though, that usually involves waiting for several minutes — between five minutes and six minutes." BUT, how much of a car do you clean !!!
Stop touching your face, and wash your hands
The importance of washing your hands and not touching your face must be strongly emphasized— those are the best ways to minimize your chance of picking up the coronavirus from surfaces.
However, the “experts” advise that you cannot become infected through your hands alone so if you never touch your eyes, nose or mouth you will be far safer….how many of us can manage that though !
.BVSF…using widely available external information.
Introduction
Welcome to the website of the British Vehicle Salvage Federation which is the representative body of the vehicle salvage industry in the United Kingdom. The members of the BVSF meet all statutory requirements and work to high standards laid down by the Federation which include adherence to the market wide vehicle salvage Code of Practice. The BVSF is recognised by all relevant Government departments and agencies, the Police, Insurers and other industry representative bodies with whom it has close links.
Silverlake Automotive Recycling sends recycled vehicle first aid kits to Ukraine
Read the full article here
Copart Supports Ben Automotive Charity Christmas Appeal 2023
Follow this link to read the full blog
Copart supports Ben Christmas Appeal Blog
Silverlake Scoop 3 a trio of industry awards at the ATF Professional Vehicle Recycling Awards!
Congratulations to all involved. 
ATF Professional announce this years Outstanding Individual winner!
Copart becomes IMI accredited EV training provider
Global leader in vehicle remarketing and recycling, Copart UK, has announced their newly acquired status as an IMI approved accreditation centre, which will enable them to deliver essential IMI TechSafe electric and hybrid vehicle training across their nationwide Operation Centres.
Follow this link to read the full article!
Jason Cross joins e2e Executive Board as non-compete restrictions lift
Jason Cross, founder of FAB Recycling Ltd and former director of Synetiq, joins the board of e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management [e2e], the UK’s only nationwide network of automotive recyclers, as a Non-Executive Director.
The BVSF Annual Conference:
Held at The Woodland Grange, in Leamington Spa The BVSF Annual Conference was not only a success but also informative, beneficial and of course enjoyable for those whom attended. With thanks to ATF Pro for capturing the day as it unfolded. Read their article by following the link below.
BVSF Annual Conference: Celebrating Industry Advancements and Honoring Retiring Secretary General
CARS & MRE 2023
The CARS & MRE 2023 is coming 24th & 25th May 2023, click on the image below to read the article.
Follow the below link to register for the event
The BVSF AGM & Seminar 2023
BVSF AGM/Convention and evening Dinner which are to be held at the Woodland Grange Hotel Old Milverton Lane, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 6RN.
This year the AGM takes on a similar format to previous events. The AGM/Convention will all take place at the Woodland Grange Hotel with proceedings starting at approximately 10.30am. With the exception of the evening meal, entertainment and any overnight accommodation the event is TOTALLY free of charge to Members, Strategic Partners and their guests. Speakers invited thus far include those from Auto Industry Consulting, Cornerstone Technologies, Environment Agency, Lifesafe Technologies, Car Take Back and Transporter Engineering. This promises to be an excellent and beneficial day and of course, it is YOUR AGM, please make every effort to attend. Strategic Partners have a display area allocated to them as part of their membership package.
The evening meal will follow and during this, the entertainment for the day, Plus the Combellack presentation and of course the Raffle. Overnight accommodation is available and recommended
It is very much hoped that you will attend. Any guests that you wish to bring will be most welcome. Would you please complete and return the Booking Form (available on request, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to me via email if you wish to attend, in a change to the norm the Hotel has requested payment electronically, the instructions for which are on the booking form.
I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience to ensure space is available. Please note that our allocation of rooms will revert to general sale on March 16th so it is strongly advised to get bookings in early to avoid disappointment. Potentially this could be a special event for me so the more the merrier.
Roger West AQP
Secretary General
Copart Trials FuelActive Sustainability Solution
Follow the link below for the blog
Global leader in online vehicle remarketing and recycling, Copart UK, is delighted to announce that they are now officially an accredited Living Wage Employer. 
Silverlake have a stand at the 63rd Curdridge Country Show
Copart announces the acquisition of Hills Salvage & Recycling – The Green Parts Specialists.
To read more on this follow the link below. 
Copart Acquires Hills Salvage & Recycling
The BVSF Summer 2022 e-Mag is now live
Follow this link to have a read
e2e joins the MGAA to provide salvage and automotive recycling services to members
Jane Pocock Recognised in Great Women in the British Car Industry Top 100
The full article is here
Many congratulations!
BVSF 2022 AGM & Seminar
This year saw the return of the BVSF AGM after a 2 year break due to the pandemic. Follow This Link to read more.
CMA launches investigation into recycling of cars and vans
The CMA has launched an investigation into suspected anti-competitive conduct in relation to the recycling of old or written-off vehicles. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has reason to suspect anti-competitive behaviour has taken place involving a number of vehicle manufacturers, and some industry bodies. This conduct relates to arrangements for recycling old or written-off vehicles, specifically cars and vans, which are known in the industry as ‘end-of-life vehicles’ or ELVs.
ELVs are vehicles that are categorised as waste, generally due to age-related failure or accident, and regulation requires these vehicles to be disposed of in a sustainable way. Vehicle manufactures must offer their customers a free service for recycling ELVs, a service manufacturers often outsource to third parties.
The CMA is working closely with the European Commission, which has also launched an investigation into this matter today.
Following a period of investigation and information gathering, the CMA may issue a statement of objections if it comes to the provisional view that competition law has been infringed. At this stage, no assumptions should be made about whether competition law has been broken.
This investigation reflects the CMA’s commitment – outlined in its draft Annual Plan 2022 to 2023 – to prioritise promoting environmental sustainability through effective competitive markets.
Further detail of the CMA’s procedures in competition cases is available in its guidance, and any updates to this investigation will be made via the dedicated web page: Suspected anti-competitive conduct in relation to the recycling of end-of-life vehicles.
Wye Valley Group & Sigeric Ltd - supporting the people affected by the events in Ukraine.
"We all have many challenges ahead including the rising costs of fuel, energy, food and other materials but luckily as a group we are in a position to provide support where it is needed most, and therefore we are immediately donating £50,000 to help support the Ukrainians."
CMA clear IAA's acquisition of Synetiq Ltd.
This is to confirm that IAA, Inc. (NYSE: IAA), a leading global digital marketplace connecting vehicle buyers and sellers, to inform you that IAA today announced that the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) has cleared IAA’s acquisition of SYNETIQ Ltd. (“SYNETIQ”), a leading integrated salvage and vehicle dismantling company in the United Kingdom, for £225 million. SYNETIQ is an environmental leader and sells parts from salvage vehicles which re-enter the automotive supply chain. SYNETIQ has 15 locations and approximately 500 employees throughout the UK.
John Kett, Chief Executive Officer and President of IAA, said, “We are thrilled to receive regulatory approval from the CMA and officially welcome the SYNETIQ team to IAA. This transaction will significantly expand IAA’s business and services in the United Kingdom, and we are excited to work together to meet our customers’ growing needs. SYNETIQ’s focus and expertise on green parts will be an excellent addition to our focus on sustainability in the UK and around the world. We look forward to moving forward with the integration process.”
Tom Rumboll, Chief Executive Officer of SYNETIQ, said, “We are proud to join IAA, a leading global digital marketplace with a significant international footprint. As a combined entity, our diversified portfolios and proven management teams will be tremendous assets as we work to make the vehicle salvage industry more sustainable. We are grateful to IAA for this opportunity and are excited about the long-term opportunities of our shared business.” The press release announcing the final regulatory approval may be found at https://www.iaai.com/Press-Releases/iaa-announces-final-uk-regulatory-approval-of-synetiq-acquisition
Membership Benefits
If you are a registered vehicle salvage company and you have been in business for at least one year you may apply to join the BVSF. Click on "Application" There are substantial benefits which can be obtained from membership. These include the following:
- Enhanced market status
- Increased contract prospects
- BVSF Special Insurance Facility (which could save you your membership fee)
- Fuel Card Facility (which could save you your membership fee)
- Special terms for the transportation of salvaged vehicle parts
- Recognition by leading authorities
- Free supply of BVSF salvage industry magazine.
You could enhance your status in the market by joining the BVSF. You would increase your prospects to obtain contracts from Insurers, local Authorities, Police and other sources of salvage vehicles. You would also receive an ongoing service of information of developments which might affect your business. You would have access to preferential parts distribution terms exclusive to BVSF members. There is also a specially negotiated Insurance Facility with excellent cover and attractive terms. All members receive a regular Update Newsletter and free copies of the exclusive BVSF Vehicle Salvage Professional quarterly magazine keeping you up to date on everything you need to know about vehicle salvage developments
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