COVID-19 Operations

Dear TERRA users,

As you may have heard through a statement from the VPR office, steps are taken to reinstate some research capabilities. We, at TERRA, 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 June 25th, 2021)

 We are currently running in Green  

Phases of return to operation

Green
Experienced users can run their samples. Density restrictions are in place to allow 1 person per 30 square ft

  • Senior users whose research is close to completion will be given priority.

  • Users must take COVID-19 online training.

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

  • 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 in the lab

  • In-person training of new users is now permitted

Yellow
All samples are run by TERRA staff.

  • CRWG has granted access to the user (proof required)

  • All contact with staff must be done by email

  • Online sample submission forms. All forms must be completed before dropping the samples

  • Samples must be dropped off/picked up at specific time and location (see below)

  • Properly labeling of samples is essential. Failure to do so will result in the sample being discarded.

  • Grouping of samples/experiments is strongly encouraged

  • No training

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

Sample drop-off time & location by lab/instrument

Please contact the respective lab coordinator to arrange sample drop-off and/or access to lab.

  • Stable Isotope Lab Facility
    • EA and GasBench (ER-5042), email jpotter@mun.ca.
    • GC and large sample EA (ER-4006): Closed to students until further notice. For further information email gvanbiesen@mun.ca.
  • Hibernia Electron Beam Facility
    • SEM & EPMA, email waylward@mun.ca for appointment.
      • Samples will be received Monday to Friday, 8 am to 12 pm, outside ER-5006 by appointment only. 
      • Samples must contain all necessary information for analysis. All sample preparation is the responsibility of the user, the lab will mount and carbon coat the samples as required.
      • Proof of authorization to continue research by the university is required at this time.
      • Access to the facility is limited to 1 person at a time and experienced users only will be granted permission to run their own samples.
      • Access is subject to compliance with all safety protocols and priority will be given to users whose research is close to completion.
  • XRD Facility
    • Email waylward@mun.ca for appointment.
      • Samples will be received Monday to Friday, 8 am to 12 pm, outside ER-5006 by appointment only.
      • Samples must contain the scan parameters for the XRD (e.g. tth range). All sample preparation is the responsibility of the user and received samples must be ready to go on the XRD.
      • Access to JADE computer: Where possible, remote access to the offline processing computer is the preferred method of operation. If this is not possible, alternate arrangements may be made on a case by case basis.
  • Trace Element & ICP-MS Lab: Closed until further notice due to ongoing renovations. For further information email inobre@mun.ca.
  • Crushing & Mineral Separation Facility (ER-3017 & ER-3018), email mcrocker@mun.ca.

TERRA COVID-19 general lab safety rules

  • Cleaning Procedure
    • Handwashing is mandatory when entering the room.
    • Any new materials must be wiped clean before entering the lab.
    • All surfaces should be wiped down with the provided EtOH or disinfectant 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 damage!
      • Door/Door handles
      • Desk/Chair
      • Computer keyboard, mouse and screen
      • Instrument surfaces
      • Handwashing should be repeated every 30 minutes.
  • PPE
    • Do not enter the room with gloves worn outside the lab.
    • Masks should be worn in the lab when proper physical distancing is not possible.
    • Gloves should be worn when handling samples.
  • Physical distancing
    • Physical distancing (1 person per 10m2) is to be maintained at all times. This means only 1 person at a time in the room in same cases.
    • Users are not allowed to walk in to see if an instrument is free. All the checking and booking must be done online.
    • Access to the room might be granted only after discussion with staff.
    • All communication with staff should be made by email or phone.
    • Doors will remain locked at all time.