COVID-19 Woodshop Procedures

Basic Requirements

Before using any College of Design woodshop, all shop users must:

  • Complete the Shop Safety Course and User Agreement.
  • Read the shop policies and agree to follow them.
  • Read the Covid-19 woodshop procedures and agree to follow them.

The University COVID-19 website houses important information not covered in this document.

Occupancy

Lawrence RM 185

With Professor:

  • 2 individuals using laser cutters, Schedule through Online Laser Scheduler
  • 3 individuals using wood working equipment and work benches
  • 1 professor
  • 1 shop tech

Open Shop:

  • 2 individuals using laser cutters, Schedule through Online Laser Scheduler
  • 3 individuals using wood working equipment and work benches
  • 1 shop tech

Millrace RM 110

With professor:

  • 7 students
  • 1 professor
  • 1 shop tech

Open Shop:

  • 7 students
  • 1 shop tech

Important Woodshop Information

Wear Face Coverings

Shop users are required to use face coverings. Cloth face covers are not a substitute for N95 dust masks, which may be required for some processes or operations. If someone does not have a face covering, they can go to the EMU, enter from the lower amphitheater entrance, and the UO Card Office will have disposable masks available. Face coverings must be worn in a manner that prevents entrapment hazards from use of tools; use of face shields may be required to manage this hazard, and are an acceptable type of face covering.

If you encounter someone who is not wearing a face covering, be kind. The following are the only questions you can ask: are you aware of the UO’s policy requiring face coverings and do you meet one or more of the exemptions outlined in the policy. If they say yes to either of these, thank them and tell them to have a nice day.

If they are unaware of the policy, please feel free to point them to the UO COVID website. You can also point them to the EMU’s card office where they can pick up a disposable face covering for use while on campus.

If they are aware of the policy and do not meet the exemption criteria, be kind. Feel free to share why you wear a mask. For example, “I wear a mask to protect those around me.”

Maintain Physical Distance

The Oregon Health Authority and CDC recommend 6 feet of distance between people as in-person activities resume. It is not always practical or safe to keep a 6-foot distance while working. This is acceptable if individuals are wearing the required face coverings. If you have questions, please consult the Shop Technician.

Check for Symptoms

Individuals who are sick or are showing COVID-19 symptoms should not enter the shop. Students or Employees who have a fever, are coughing, or are experiencing a shortness of breath should follow University guidance. When entering the shop check your temperature using the no touch thermometer and follow the instructions posted near the thermometer.

Safety Equipment

Shops users will be issued a pair of ANSI Z97 safety glasses for their personal use. If glasses are lost users are required to purchase another pair. Shop users are required to wear safety glasses or goggles.

Non-powdered nitrile gloves may be available for use, but this will be dependent on the availability of supplies and how quickly they are used.

Disinfecting and Cleaning Practices for Shop Users

Please consult the shop technician before disinfecting any metal tool or work surface. The sanitizers you are using may rust metal.

Before entering and after leaving the woodshop it is recommended that individuals wash their hands.

Custodial staff will be disinfecting restrooms, common spaces, classrooms, and commonly touched surfaces at least once per day.

How to Disinfect

Use centrally supplied wipes or the provided Alpha-HP. If a surface is dirty or soiled it should be cleaned before disinfecting. Alpha-HP can be used to clean and disinfect.

  • Wipes: Wipe the surface(s) that you are disinfecting and allow the surface to air dry.
  • Alpha-HP Spray:
    • Pre-clean heavily soiled hard non-porous surfaces.
    • Apply solution until surface is wet
    • Let stand for 3 minutes
    • Wipe the surface with a disposable towel and allow to air dry

Shop Technicians will disinfect shop equipment switches, adjustment knobs, and other high touch points not covered by Custodial staff at least once a day, preferably at the end of their shift. After the daily disinfecting is complete, annotate the log.

Shop users will disinfect tools and equipment before placing them back into their storage location by using the provided disinfecting solution or wipes. It may not be practical or safe to sanitize some items such as drill bits, hardware, blades, small tools, and porous materials. In these outliers circumstances it is best to utilize hand washing after item usage.

Questions?

Your first point of contact is the Shop Technician who is working.

If the Shop Technician is unable to assist you or if you have follow up questions please contact Facilities Services, FSS@uoregon.edu.