NEWS: Reopening of the Bioimaging Research Hub: New COVID 19-Security Measures.

For the time being, use of the Bioimaging Hub is going to be a very different experience for everyone. In drawing up these guidelines we’ve taken a lead from the Welsh Government and have started with a very cautious approach that we’ll constantly review and relax where possible. For now, the guidance may seem quite stringent so please bear with us while we all adapt to this new way of working.

Access is not permitted to the Bioimaging Research Hub without (i) completing a risk assessment form that should cover all planned activities within the facility and (ii) reading all relevant supporting information (see below). A template risk assessment is available through the Bioimaging Hub’s main web pages.

Before completing the risk assessment form, all users must download and read the following documents:

Cardiff University’s COVID-19 secure organisational risk assessment

The Bioimaging Hub’s local COVID-19 security guidelines

DO NOT enter the Bioimaging Research Hub:

If you are SARS-Cov-2 positive or are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 infection (e.g. persistent coughing, elevated temperature, anosmia, sickness).
If you have been in a high-risk area or have had recent contact with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals within the last 14 days.
If you have an underlying health condition and are concerned it will put you at greater risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms. N.B. essential work can be undertaken by Bioimaging Hub staff at a supported rate if necessary.

COVID Working Regulations within the Bioimaging Research Hub

All users of the facility:

MUST read the above documentation before entering the Bioimaging Research Hub.
MUST contact bioimaginghub@cardiff.ac.uk before entering the facility.You are not permitted to simply drop-in unplanned. Drop off/collection of histology samples must be arranged in advance. Researchers must knock before entering histology via E/0.08 and observe all safety directives outlined in this document. Users must complete a histology request form to specify processing preferences in advance of their visit.
MUST wash their hands upon entering and leaving the facility (hand wash station opposite office area). Multiple gel hand wash dispensers are also available within the microscopy suites.
MUST wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) within the facility, including a buttoned-up lab coat and gloves (gloves are provided in all microscopy suites). Eye protection is advisable.
MUST clean the imaging equipment and immediate working area before and after use (cleaning instructions are available at each microscope station; alcohol spray and lab roll have been provided for this purpose).
MUST observe social distancing (i.e. 2 metres inter-personal space) within the Hub. The main corridor should be used by only one person at a time. While social distancing measures are in place no training is available and technical support will be provided on a remote basis via telephone (main office: 02920876611; shared office: 02922510220; histology: 02920875139).
MUST NOT enter the staff office area (0.14A) or histology suites (E/0.06-E/0.07). Drop off/collection of histology samples must be arranged in advance (use E/0.08).
MUST knock before entering any room. All microscopy suites are now single occupancy (i.e. one in, one out with at least 15 mins user-free time between bookings). The microscope booking calendars have been replaced with room booking calendars, as follows: “BIOSI – E/0.03 – Confocal/Lightsheet microscopy”, “BIOSI – E/0.04 – widefield microscopy”, “BIOSI – E/0.05 – spinning disc microscopy”. New booking instructions can be found here.
MUST set the room occupancy status (vacant/in use) on the door sliders of the microscopy suites before and after use.