COVID-19 operations

Dear AOSCENT users,

As you may have heard through a statement from the VPR office, steps are taken to reinstate some research capabilities. We, at AOSCENT, have made plans to return gradually to operation in phase with the Governement of Newfoundland and Labrador and the CRWG recommendations. Please be aware that our opening phases may differ from the dates from the provincial government to accomodate our own requirements and lab space restrictions. Our priority is your safety as well as the safety of our staff and equipment while resuming samples analysis. 

You will find below all the informations necessary of our phased-approach return to activity. Please note that this webpage will be updated regularly to adjust to the ever-changing situation. (Last updated August 11, 2021)

 We are currently running in Green  

Research Activity Framework

Green
University researchers and non-university users have conditional lab access. At-sea activities can resume on a case-by-case basis

  • User has contacted AOSCENT staff and has been pre-approved for access.

  • Lab time must be scheduled to restrict access to five people maximum, including AOSCENT staff.

  • Lab users must complete COVID-19 lab safety training.

  • Lab users must comply to all COVID-19 lab safety rules.

  • Lab users are encouraged to wear personal non-medical masks while in the lab.

  • Users must sign the cleaning checklist when leaving the lab.

  • Users who shows symptoms, even if mild, are not allowed on the premises

  • At-sea activities will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis,

Yellow
Limited in-lab research activities.

  • Access to equipment for AOSCENT staff, upon CRWG approval

  • No access for non-university users.

  • No at-sea research activities.

Red
Lab Inspections performed by AOSCENT staff. Remote research is supported.

COVID-19 Lab Safety rules

  • Cleaning Procedure

    • Handwashing is mandatory when entering the room
    • All surfaces should be wiped down with the provided EtOH solution before and after usage. Use the spray bottle provided in the lab to spray the solution onto a paper towel before wiping down all surfaces. Do not spray directly on surface as it can cause damages
      • Door/Door handles
      • Desk/Chair
      • Computer keyboard, mouse and screen
      • Instrument surfaces
    • Handwashing should be repeated every 30 minutes
  • PPE
    • Masks should be worn at all time when in the lab
  • Physical Distancing
    • Only two users at a time is allowed in the room to a maximum of five people including up to two AOSCENT staff
    • Users should maintained 2 meter distancing from AOSCENT staff at all times
    • Access to the lab is to be coordinated with AOSCENT staff
    • Doors will remain locked at all time