Guide for facility users
This guide provides an overview of access procedures and training for users of the LMCB Light Microscopy Facility while social distancing measures are in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is an additional guide for users of the UCL Super-resolution Facility, which is in the Notes & SOP section in the Agendo booking system.
If you are a new user or if you need training on a microscope or software you haven’t used before, please email lmcb-lm-help@ucl.ac.uk to discuss your project and to arrange training. If you are new to the facility, a staff member will grant you access to the Agendo booking system where you will be able to read the facility’s COVID-19 local rules in the Notes & SOP section.
During social distancing we are using a remote training procedure. However, while you are being trained a member of facility staff will be in the building and can be contacted if a problem arises that cannot be solved remotely. Depending on your experience with microscopes you may be required to take a short online induction before hands-on training.
What visitors need to do to get access
You must read and agree to abide by the LMCB Return to Work: Pilot Code of Conduct and the LMCB Risk Assessment before you can be granted access to the LMCB. If you are a visitor to the LMCB you must read the Visitor LMCB Risk Assessment.
The total number of people in the LMCB is strictly limited and is monitored using a QR code system. Before you are issued with a personal QR code you will be asked to sign a consent form to say you are happy for your data to be used to monitor occupancy of the building.
The code of conduct, risk assessments and QR Consent Form are all available for download in the Notes & SOP section of the Agendo booking system. Once you have read the documents, please fill out the consent form and email it to Giorgia Siriaco indicating in the body of your email that you agree to abide by the Code of Conduct and risk assessment.
You must also take a short safety induction before starting work, so you are familiar with the fire exits and first aid procedures. Please email Valentina Senatore to arrange an induction.
To ensure that the LMCB does not exceed its maximum occupancy, users who are not LMCB staff members must email the facility manager by Wednesday the week before any bookings to say when they want to come in to use the microscopes. Users must say whether they need access for AM (before 1pm), PM (after 1pm) or both on the days they want to work.
When you arrive at the LMCB
If you don’t have card access to the LMCB you should ring the doorbell to be allowed in. There is a hand sanitiser dispenser on the outside of the building for use before ringing the doorbell or opening the door.
If you have card access to the building, then you can use the card to enter but be aware that if you had access before UCL closed then you might not have it now. If you want to arrange card access, then please email the facility manager (andrew.vaughan@ucl.ac.uk).
Once you are in the LMCB you must hold your QR code up to the scanner at reception to register that you have entered. The picture below shows the QR scanner with the red arrow indicating the camera.
On your first visit to the facility a member of staff will be available to help with any problems. This will probably be remote help, but there is always a member of facility staff in the building if required.
Working in the LMCB
Masks, gloves, and hand sanitiser are available at reception, on the landings and outside the toilets. You must wear a face-covering when walking around the building, when in shared areas like labs, and when working in microscope rooms. You must wear gloves when working on the microscopes or other shared equipment and when touching commonly used door handles and entry systems (e.g. the code lock on the door to the microscope lab G.08). Fresh gloves are available in the microscope labs and there is a hand-wash basin in room G.08.
Please see the Code of Conduct for further information.
The rules for working safely and hygienically in microscope rooms are in the COVID-19 LM Safety rules, which are posted up in all microscope rooms.
When you leave the LMCB
You must clean the microscope and any other equipment you have used following the COVID-19 light microscopy safety rules. Please prop the door to the room open after you have finished to aid air circulation. If you finish after 3pm and no-one is booked after you, please close the door because it is a fire door and must be kept closed when unoccupied.
You must hold your QR code up to the scanner on your way out of the building to register that you are leaving, even if you intend to return.