Updated November 8, 2022
Items available from the Department of Chemistry free of charge:
Form to get COVID mitigation items free of charge
Archived Department of Chemistry COVID information: https://intranet.chem.pitt.edu/
COVID-19 Medical Response Office – CRMO
https://www.coronavirus.pitt.edu/healthy-community/campus-cases
https://www.coronavirus.pitt.edu/updates
Student counseling office for graduate students and undergraduate students
https://www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/cc/
Student counseling office 412-648-7930
Area activity plan for the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences applies to the Department of Chemistry
“Ensure physical distancing of at least six feet between University members
Chairs and desks in shared spaces should be removed or marked as not for use to ensure proper physical distancing.”
Occupied researcher desks must be 2 meters apart.
All activities under the three operational phases
Violations
Report to chemchr@pitt.edu
Mitigation personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies
http://researchservices.pitt.edu/covid
https://cfo.pitt.edu/pexpress/OrderingPPECOVIDSupplies.php
Guidelines for Cleaning, Disinfection and Hygiene
https://www.policy.pitt.edu/sites/default/files/covid/Cleaning%20Disinfection%20Hygiene%20FINAL.pdf
Office of Policy Development and Management – COVID-19 Standards and Guidelines
https://www.policy.pitt.edu/univemaskrsity-policies-and-procedures/covid-19-standards-and-guidelines
EH&S COVID-19 Resources
https://www.ehs.pitt.edu/ehs-covid-19-resources
Reporting room for improvement with temperature scanners can be done online
https://app.convercent.com/en-us/LandingPage/2d6327d5-9fec-ea11-a974-000d3ab9f296
(EH&S is not involved with the implementation of the temperature scanners)
(EH&S does pass these concerns to the appropriate department during their weekly checks of the concierge tables around campus.)
Lab Procedures:
Emergency - Call 412-624-2121
Pitt Police are trained for the full spectrum of responses and how to get right personnel (Police, Fire; EHS) on site.
Fire Alarm – Exit down to the first floor and exit using any stairwell.
In the event of an emergency situation (fire evacuation, chemical incident evacuation) use the nearest stairwell.
Move away from the building; maintain distance between individuals.
Lab safety, chemical related question/concerns: Environmental Health and Safety
Email EHS Safety@pitt.edu
Call EHS 412-624-9505
Emergencies call 412-624-2121
Safety:
Do Not work alone in a lab.
Do not work in a teaching lab without an instructor/Teaching assistant.
Do not work alone in a research lab.
How to work close to someone else for training when absolutely necessary?
https://www.ehs.pitt.edu/sites/default/files/docs/COVID19-FaceCoveringsPPEGuidance.pdf
Chemical spills
Call the Pitt Police at 412-624-2121 they will contact EH&S specialists
Chemical waste
To access the chemical waste vault borrow the key from the DSS Stockroom 326 Chevron.
Announced research lab inspections
COVID safety issues will be discussed
EH&S has switched to a new on-line inspection method and will be reaching out to all research groups to begin adding their laboratory information to the system in November
EH&S will continue to do in-person inspections as in years past in November through January
Social distancing vs. not working alone in the lab:
Check-in with your research PI who can check in with EH&S. Mark from EH&S says that he can do a 10-minute walkthrough of a research lab space to provide guidance on what a single lab looks like starting the week of Nov. 16th
Tips and Tricks
Stay at home when you can.
Consider updating shift times with the current experience gained since the return to research.
Use safer ways of sharing information,
Use videos for training on common lab devices and procedures
For tacit knowledge use zoom to see and stay 2 m apart while in the same room still being able to talk to one another.
Buying more shared equipment can help (e.g., handheld micropipeters.)
Wear gloves when using shared equipment to add a layer of protection.
Wash hands regardless of wearing gloves as a mitigation procedure.
Arrangement labs for better traffic flow that stops passing researchers.
Check on computers for instruments before you are ready to use them.
If you are sick on an exam day contact your professor. (If you’re teaching contact your colleagues and supervisor.)
Stop interactions of less than 6 feet (2 m apart) take several steps make it 2 m.
The Chevron balcony is sometimes empty.
Map out the shared spaces, designate areas (use tape).
Utilize contactless methods, e.g., QR codes.
Have a map and electronically log users and the maximum occupancy for areas.
Have Computers log users out automatically.
Keep up good communication: up, down, and across.
Researchers should share safety info about their lab with support folks (facilities or shop) when repairs are being made, have the area clean and share what is dangerous.
Support individuals need to communicate tools that the support folks will use to fix any problems e.g., a torch might need to be used and there are flammable samples nearby.
Area Activity Plan – Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
https://www.coronavirus.pitt.edu/sites/default/files/dietrich_school_activitiy_area_plan_provost_approved_8.3.2020.pdf
You must have a ParkMobile account to utilize this service. Parking is subject to availability.
COVID-19 Mitigation PPE and Supplies
Frequently asked questions for the Department of Chemistry about COVID mitigation items
We have been directed to place orders at the Department level for items on the COVID mitigation list.
Items on the COVID mitigation item list currently available through the University’s program, and
Disinfectant SDS links:
researchservices.pitt.edu/COVID.
Dietrich School Scientific Stockroom (DSS Stockroom) COVID-19 Mitigation PPE and Supplies
- Consolidate orders to the department or unit level.
- These items are Not for home use.
- Ensure that deliveries can be accepted at your University building/facility.
- Gloves are for use while disinfecting work areas.
In general, the PPE that was required for a task before the pandemic is still required to perform that task.
For potential cost recovery please keep regular stockroom orders separate form COVID-19 Mitigation orders.
In-stock Supply information is available: http://researchservices.pitt.edu/COVID
For step by step instructions, please go to: http://researchservices.pitt.edu/COVID-how-to