INTERIM DRAFT--Safe Use Common Areas.pdf

(Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 1

Requirements and Best Practices for Safe Use of 1

Common Areas during Pandemic Conditions 2

Document Date1: 06/02/2020 4

INTRODUCTION 7

The information contained in this document is provided to help prevent the spread of contagious 8 viruses between those working on or visiting NIST campuses during pandemic conditions. 9 Common areas include the following locations on NIST campuses: 10

• Entrances to building and lobbies; 12

• Hallways and other indoor walkways; 13

• Stairwells and stairways; 14

• Elevators; 15

• Restrooms; 16

• Coffee rooms, breakrooms, and local kitchens; 17

Local copy rooms and mailrooms; 18

• Conference rooms and other meeting spaces; and 19

• Other shared workspaces considered “for general staff use” but not listed here. 20

It does not apply to locations not considered to be “common areas” or “for general staff use” 22 such as: 23

• Single-person offices; 25

• Research laboratories; and 26

• Mechanical, electrical, and similar control room-like locations. 27

However, some of the requirements and best practices indicated below can be implemented in 29 these areas. 30

GENERAL PROACTIVE AWARENESS 33

The following information is provides as general proactive awareness to reduce exposure to 34 contagious viruses: 35

• Be aware of any surfaces or items you may touch as they may be “contaminated”. 36

• Know where local stations containing sanitation supplies are positioned. 37

1 For revision history, see Appendix A

(Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 2

• Plan ahead for travel through or working in common areas: 38

– Bring sanitation or disinfectant supplies with you in case you need to wipe down 39 surfaces or items; and 40

– Dispose of all sanitation and disinfecting materials appropriately in trash cans. 41

• Practice good hygiene: 42

– Keep your hands clean by either washing with soap and water for 20 second or using 43 hand sanitizer; 44

– Refrain from touching areas on your face – if you must, wash or sanitize your hands 45 first; and 46

– Cough or sneeze into your arm or shoulder. 47

• Follow appropriate protocols for disinfecting surfaces and items: 48

– Disinfect a surface or item before touching and consider doing so afterwards. 49

• Refrain from eating and drinking in the presence of others, to the extent possible. 50

• Refrain from having conversations with someone in person, to the extent possible, even if 51 mitigating measures to reduce exposure are complied with (e.g., workplace distancing 52 and wearing a cloth face covering or mask) 53

– Utilize teleconferencing services and other remote communication tools to the extent 54 possible even when on campus. 55

• Minimize movement about campus to the extent possible and only to those locations 56 where you are required to perform work: 57

– Limit travel paths to the extent possible; and 58

– Make note of travel paths used, and document any deviations from the norm (in case 59 disinfection of spaces is required). 60 Requirements and Guidance Applying to All Common Areas 62 The following requirements apply to all NIST employees, associates, and visitors per NIST N 63 2200.01: Mitigating Exposure to Contagious Viruses on NIST Campuses During Pandemic 64 Conditions. The requirements also apply to contractors working under their own safety plans 65 when in NIST-controlled spaces. 66

• Workplace distancing – Maintain physical separation of at least 6 feet (2 meter) 68 whenever feasible and doing so does not create a greater hazard: 69

– Every effort should be made to put as much distance between you and another 70 individual when possible; 71

– Avoiding physical greetings such as handshakes and hugs; and 72

– Workplace distancing does not replace other required mitigating measures to reduce 73 exposure including, but not limited to, wearing of a cloth face covering or mask. 74

• Cloth face coverings or masks – Follow federal, state, or local recommendations and/or 76 requirements to wear commercial or homemade cloth face coverings or masks. See NIST 77

(Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 3

N 2200.02: Use of Cloth Face Coverings or Masks during Pandemic Conditions for 78 complete requirements: 79

– Wear properly and ensure the mouth and nostrils are completely covered and it 80 extends below the chin - must fit snuggly, but comfortably on the face; 81

– The use of cloth face coverings or masks does not replace other required mitigating 82 measures to reduce exposure including, but not limited, workplace distancing; and 83

– The use of a cloth face covering or mask is not a substitute for personal protective 84 equipment required by a hazard review or job hazard analysis. 85 NOTE: An individual who cannot tolerate wearing a secured cloth face covering or 87 mask, e.g., for medical reasons, shall notify their supervisor who will contact OSHE for 88 guidance on appropriate mitigation strategies 89

BEST PRACTICES FOR SPECIFIC LOCATIONS 92

Entrances and Lobbies to Buildings 93

• Refrain from using a bare hand to open a door (e.g., disinfectant wipe, your backside) – if 94 you do use a bare hand, properly sanitize it afterwards (washing or hand-sanitizer); 95

• Use the door on the right-hand side for entry and stay to the right when going through 96 entrance; and 97

• If badging is required at the entrance: 98

– Maintain workplace distancing while the person(s) in front of you is badging in; and 99

– Consider disinfecting the badge reader and/or your badge before and after badging. 100

Hallways and Other Indoor Walkways 102

• Stay to your right while walking unless going into another space that necessitates 103 crossing the hall; and 104

• Pass other persons without delay to minimize proximity time. 105 Stairwells and stairways 107

• Stay to your right while on the stairs unless crossing to exit; and 108

• Refrain from using a bare hand to hold the handrail (e.g., disinfectant wipe) – if you do 109 use a bare hand, properly sanitize it afterwards (washing or hand-sanitizer) 110 Elevators 112

• Avoid using elevators if possible 113

• Use as single-person workspace2 114

• Refrain from leaning on walls or holding rails if not required 115

2 A workspace where only one person is authorized to use the space at a given time.

(Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 4

Restrooms 119

• Use as single-person workspace – knock to see if anyone is in there, if occupied, either 120 find another restroom or wait outside 6 feet away from the door until the other person 121 exits. 122

Coffee Rooms, Breakrooms, and Local Kitchens 124

• Use as single-person workspace regardless of size – if occupied, wait outside 6 feet away 125 from the door until the other person exits; 126

• Restricted to food storage and preparation only; and 127

• Minimize food preparation to the extent possible. 128

Local Copy Rooms and Mailrooms 130

• Use as single-person workspace regardless of size – if occupied, wait outside 6 feet away 131 from the door until the other person exits 132

Conference Rooms and Other Meeting Spaces 134

• Conference rooms and other meeting spaces shall be closed, but may be used as alternate 135 workspaces [in coordination with OU line management] or for shelter in place locations. 136

Other Shared Workspaces Not Listed 138

• Apply the best practices indicated above for the space; and 139

• Contact OU line management or OSHE for assistance in how to properly use this space. 140

Appendix A. Revision History 143

Revision Date Effective date Description of Change 0 None – Initial document

Appendix A. Revision History