Technocopia Covid-19 guidelines
Starting March 1st, 2021 and following Massachusett’s transition to Phase III, Step 2 in re-opening we will have the following new policies in effect:
No more than 20 total people in the space at any given time
Members are again allowed to have one guest in the space at any one time. If capacity is in danger of exceeding 20 people, visiting guests will be asked to leave ahead of guests present for a members project need. Please inquire with the Executive Director if you have any questions.
So as to allow as many member to access the space as possible during this period
Please arrive with a plan to complete your work. If makerspace capacity is in danger of exceeding 20 people we ask that you do not linger for means of socializing solely.
If you have been working for a while and notice that members are arriving that would like to work, please consider wrapping up your project to give other a chance to use the space
Please sanitize any areas and surfaces that you have touched or worked on, we have replenished cleaning supplies for this purpose
Please be vigilant about maintaining 6 feet of distance from other members and to adhere to the traffic flow markings on the floor
At this time Technocopia may:
- hold classes and trainings that run past 9:30pm
- Consider planning of small group events held in the space
Further Technocopia COVID Guidelines:
Social Distancing:
Technocopia will be adhering to MA “Office Space”guidelines regarding our Makerspace capacity. We will not exceed 50% of our capacity. This allows for 20 People including employees in the space at a time. We highly recommend that you come in to complete your work and then promptly head out. This will allow more members to cycle in and get work down while limiting long exposures in the common spaces. All events on our calendar will strictly adhere to the reduced capacity and cleaning protocols listed below to ensure the safety of all.
Face masks are required to enter the Printer’s building (see the Davis Printer’s Building Update) This is especially true inside of Technocopia. Please always wear your mask, even when you are the only person in the space. Failure to do so will result in Disciplinary actions.
The only caveat to our occupancy is a PPE project which is considered essential and the staff and volunteers will not count towards our Capacity requirements. This projects is confined to the Think Tank classroom. The PPE staff and volunteers have a visible badge to assist you in identifying what the current occupancy is.
We will continue to ensure 6 ft of distance away from each other. As a result smaller shops and common use and leisure spaces have been retooled. Each shop has a sign noting its maximum occupancy and protocols for use. Our kitchenette, lounge, and central work spaces are open, however we do recommend limiting socializing for the time being.
Technocopia is open to members. Technocopia is open to the general public for classes and tours. Please call or email ahead of time to set up an appointment for tours, and check out our tool training page for classes. Members are able to bring guests at this time. We do continue to ask that members only come to work, and when they have completed their work to head out. This will keep risks of cross contamination lower while also keeping our capacity at or below 20.
Meetings will remain virtual until a time when they can be held safely. Hands on classes will resume to be available on a 1:1 basis if members and students prefer this model. Classes with 2 or more students will be available where such occupancy can adhere to all of the COVID-19 guidelines. Please check our tool trainings page or with teachers/stewards for availability.
In regards to members with rental bays we ask that only 1 member is in their cube at a time unless working with a family member on your Technocopia plan.
Technocopia will have marked directional paths per the States guidelines. Please try to use the stairs or keep elevator rides to single occupancy whenever possible.
Technocopia will be accepting new members. Tours will be 1:1 with Kevin H. or Lauren M. Please call ahead at 774-420-2244 or email info@technocopia.org to set up an appointment.
Hygiene Protocols:
When entering Technocopia, please first wash your hands at the kitchenette sink. Bathroom sinks can also be used after your initial handwashing.
Technocopia has ordered 6 hand sanitizer stations that will be located around the space in the coming weeks.
Technocopia has stocked up on paper towels, hand sanitizer, bleach, industrial spray bottles, soap, and other cleaning supplies to ensure that we can continue cleaning rigorously. There will be Bleach/H20 solution in spray bottles in each of the common spaces and shops.
Plastic wrap will be used on all of the shared keyboards in the space. Please replace it with a clean sheet when done working on the computer.
The building has upped cleaning of the bathrooms to 2x daily with care being taken to wipe door knobs and other high touch areas. Technocopia’s staff, stewards, and volunteers, will also be cleaning with a much higher frequency.
Please avoid using shared stations including the phone or printer if possible. Please clean up after every use. This includes shop tools, benches and any other spaces that you may have touched
Shared PPE such as the hearing protection and glasses have been removed from the space. Please be sure to bring in your own eye and ear protection. Face masks can be found on our central work table and are $2/mask.
Signage is posted throughout the space including the front entrance, Design Studio window, opposite to the kitchenette sink. Additional signage related to shop occupancy and procedures are posted in each shop.
Open windows while you work in the space, to allow a fresh supply of air. Please close the windows when you leave.
Staffing & Operations:
Technocopia aims to provide all of its members, volunteers, and staff up-to-date safety information and precautions including hygiene and other measures aimed at reducing disease transmission, including:
• Social distancing, hand-washing, proper use of face coverings
• Continue self-screening at home, including temperature or symptom checks
• Do not come if ill
• Seek medical attention if symptoms become severe
• Underlying health conditions may make individuals more susceptible to contracting and suffering from a severe case of the virus
If you find that member occupancy is making it difficult for you to come in during your normal membership hours please let Kevin H. or Lauren M. know. They will work with you to find a solution.
Per state guidelines Technocopia encourages members with vulnerabilities to Covid-19, such as age or underlying conditions, to be vigilant with their safety while in the space.
Each of the shops will require sign-ins to assist with proper contact tracing if a positive COVID-19 case is observed in our community.
If you travel internationally or by air we ask that you self quarantine for 14 days per state guidelines. This may be subject to change in later phases.
Members and Staff are strongly encouraged to self identify symptoms and to report close contact to known or suspected COVID-19 cases to Technocopia. Please report if you personally test positive for COVID-19 for purposes of cleaning / disinfecting and contact tracing. If Technocopia is notified of a positive case, we will follow state guidelines to notify the local Board of Health (LBOH) and work with them to trace likely contacts in the workplace and advise workers to isolate and self-quarantine.
Cleaning & Disinfecting:
Technocopia will be conducting frequent cleaning and disinfecting of the common space and shops. We request that members also clean what they touch and where they have been including tools, keyboards and spaces. Cleaning products will be provided in each of the spaces.
Each space will have sign in forms that must be filled out. Shop stewards, and Technocopia staff will also be maintaining cleaning logs that include the date, time and scope of cleaning.
In the event of a positive case Technocopia will need to shutdown for a deep cleaning per the current CDC guidance.
Davis Printer’s Building Update:
Davis has increased cleaning efforts from their cleaning service in all common areas to make sure frequently touched surfaces like railings, door handles and elevator buttons are taken care of.
While each tenant/company’s policies and procedures are their own for their space, we do ask that you and any guests you welcome in also make sure they are adhering to MA state guidelines including:
Wear a cloth mask.
Practice social distancing as best as you can by remaining 6 feet away from others.
Stay home if you are sick and avoiding close contact with others.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; using alcohol-based hand gel with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
To further lower exposure and unnecessary contact, when you are welcoming someone into the building, please make sure to direct them properly to the Printer’s Building’s main entrance. Perhaps when inviting someone to a meeting or appointment, make sure to direct them to use the 3rd door from the parking lot so that they can call the correct number to be buzzed into the building. Once in the building, remind them what floor you are on so they are not wandering past/into any more people than they need to be.
Additional safety guidelines and resources are available below:
U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/standards.html#enforcement_discretion
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHAFS-3747.pdf
U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html
Additional Information:
Massachusetts State Coronavirus (COVID-19) Website
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus (COVID-19) Website