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COVID-19 Protocol

Unique COVID-19 protocol for our Makerspace

 

COVID-19 Makerspace Protocol Fall 2020

In addition to NJIT’s COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery plan  (https://www.njit.edu/pandemicrecovery/), the NJIT Makerspace - as a unique instructional laboratory - will be implementing safety protocol unique to our facility in an effort to maintain a hands-on learning environment. This protocol extends to all Makerspace members and staff: it is critical that we all work together to ensure each other’s safety during this time.

Protocol for All Makerspace Members and Staff:

  • Face masks, covering the mouth and nose, shall be worn at all times, without exception. Masks with “valves” will not be accepted as a permissible face covering
  • Avoid touching the face or other exposed body parts once nitrile gloves are put on
    • Nitrile gloves can be sterilized with wipes or hand sanitizer if needed
  • Social distancing (six foot distance from others) shall be maintained at all times whenever possible
    • Group work will still be permitted in the space
  • Hand sanitizer should be used before entering each work area and after leaving as a redundancy to promote cleanliness
  • Clean all used table tops, stools and machinery with sanitizing wipes or spray after use
    • Follow instructions posted on each table top
    • Utilize “dirty/clean” markers on each workbench to indicate if the workbench has been cleaned
    • Never spray sanitizer directly onto machinery. First spray onto provided paper towel, then wipe down surface
  • Certain personal items are prohibited at this time. This includes but is not limited to:
    • Wallets
      • Members must be sure to remove their NJIT ID from their wallet prior to entering the facility and attach it to a provided lanyard
    • Headphones
    • Personal USB flash drives
    • Smart watches
    • Personal measuring instruments
  • Upon entering the space:
  1. Remove NJIT ID and, if needed, personal computer, cell phone, writing instruments and materials, and place them on the “dirty” workbench for cleaning
  2. Deposit bookbag and other personal belongings into plastic bag and place into an available cubbie at the front of the Makerspace
  3. Use hand sanitizer to clean hands
  4. Put on nitrile gloves
  5. Use sanitizing wipes to fully clean personal belongings. Once cleaned, move to “clean” workbench
  6. Use hand sanitizer to clean gloves
  7. Attach NJIT ID to provided lanyard
  • Avoid using any rotary machinery (drill press, milling machine, lathe, dremel, grinding disc, etc) with nitrile gloves. Adhere to the following procedure:
  1. Remove current pair of nitrile gloves
  2. Use rotary machinery
  3. Once finished, clean rotary machinery (area contacted with hands) with sanitizing wipes or sanitizer on paper towel
  4. Use hand sanitizer to clean hands before putting on a new pair of nitrile gloves

Changes to General Makerspace Facility Protocol:

  • The Makerspace will be open from 12pm - 7:30pm, Monday to Friday. The earlier closing time provides the student workers and staff an opportunity to clean/sanitize the space at the end of each workday
  • Entrance and exit pathing between the main entrance of the Makerspace and the workbench area in the rear of the space will be established via stanchions and floor stickers
  • Workbenches will be separated to promote social distancing
  • Occupancy of the space will be limited to 10 members
    • A “vacancy/no vacancy” sign will be displayed at the entrance to alert members
    • Members are encouraged to wait outside the space when there are no vacancies, remaining socially distant
  • Hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and disposable nitrile gloves will be provided for all individuals at multiple locations throughout the facility
    • Members will be required to clean hands and put on gloves at front desk upon entering
  • All current MAKE training courses will be made available online through Canvas. In-person training sessions will be suspended until further notice
  • Shared protective eyewear will no longer be provided by the Makerspace
    • Members can accept a free pair of goggles, or purchase a pair of goggles from the Makerspace at cost

Area Changes: Hand Tool Checkout

  • The tool chest area will be marked off and limited to one member occupancy to promote social distancing
  • Check-out protocol is as follows:
  1. Ensure gloves are on and hands sanitized before accessing the tool chest
  2. Members waiting to access the tool chest area should wait at their workbench until the area is clear
  • Check-in protocol is as follows:
  1. Members shall place all tools on the “dirty” check-in workbench
  2. Ensure gloves are on and sanitized
  3. Members shall clean tools with sanitizing wipes or sanitizer sprayed into paper towels before placing onto the “clean” check-in workbench. If metal surfaces on the tool are cleaned, member shall also reapply machine oil to coat said metal surfaces to prevent rust

Area Changes: CO2 Laser

  • Protocol is as follows:
  1. Members will be required to first use hand sanitizer, then put on gloves before entering the area if they have not already done so at the front desk
  2. Normal use of the laser engraving units is acceptable at this point
  3. Before exiting the area and/or removing PPE, members must wipe down appropriate areas respective to:
    1. The laser unit
    2. The computer keyboard and mouse

Area Changes: Self-Serve 3D Printing

  • The self-serve 3D printing area will be sectioned off with stanchions, and an entrance and exit location will be established to promote pathing within the area
  • Only one member will be permitted to occupy each of the three “lanes” established by the two 3D printer tables, clearly marked
  • All devices touched (Makerspace computers, 3D printers, spatulas, etc.) must be wiped down with sanitizing wipes after use
  • Protocol is as follows:
  1. Members will be required to first use hand sanitizer, then put on gloves before entering the area, if necessary
  2. Members must use the Makerspace provided USB flash drives for uploading their print jobs to the printers. One will be provided to you 
  3. Members will fill out their print router using the sanitized pens within the printing area
  4. Members can begin the printing process as per usual
  5. Before exiting the area and removing gloves, members will pay for their prints at the mobile POS system
  6. All prints can be picked up at the front desk from staff, provided the member is able to produce their NJIT ID